Shirodhara translates from Sanskrit as head (shiro) and warm flow of oil (dhara). The client lies on a flat surface with a pillow or rolled towel under the neck and the head back. Warm oil drizzles slowly onto the forehead (the third eye) for an hour followed by a gentle massage of the scalp. There's no way to describe the effects. Any oil can be used, though most use half sunflower and half sesame oil.
A treatment is done in complete silence, taking you to a balanced state of rest and deep relaxation. It's an extremely popular Ayurvedic treatment, especially after a massage.
Shirodhara is a wonderful rejuvenating therapy that can make your body flow. In Ayurveda, this type of therapy is considered the golden path to longevity and is designed for preserving health.
Shirodhara is meant to aid in healing the body at the root level by providing balance in the mind and emotions. You're left in a heavenly state of feeling all day. If you're an excessively high Pitta type you will usually want to use Shirodhara milk instead of oil because Pitta is heat and is best brought into balance by cooling. Special Ayurvedic milk has great cooling properties.
Recommended for: headaches, insomnia, stress, excessive mental fatigue, eye and ear conditions, and to improve circulation of the lymph to stimulate detoxification
Benefits: deep relaxation of the nervous system, improved function of the five senses, relief from mental and physical stress and strain, improved vitality and balance, increased blood circulation around the body and to the brain, boosts memory, nourishes hair and scalp and assists in providing sound sleep.