Shirodhara Ritual
Shirodhara literally means “head flow” and is one of the most distinctive Ayurvedic treatments. If you have a spa that offers any Ayurvedic treatments, this is usually the one. This spa also uses a distinctive contraption you may spy in some treatment rooms. I actually spied this baby in the hallway at David J. Withcell’s spa in Newtown, PA.
The treatment may begin with a full body massage. This is known is as “Abhyanga”, so you may see some services listed at “Shirodhara Abhyanga”. At Prana Spa in Bali, it is just the Shirodhara ritual, which does include a massage a head to start.
Shirodhara Ritual
After the massage, this contraption is rolled into position at the top of the massage table where you head is. You are lying on your back. The contraption is basically a metal pole on wheels and at the top of the pole is hanging a vessel of warm oil. It is positioned so that the vessel can hand over the upper part of your head. Once in position, the bottom of the vessel is opened so that a small stream of warm oil is poured out continuously over your 3rdeye, the point in the center of your forehead just above the eyebrows.
Before you start wondering if this gets into your eye at all, I can assure you it does not. The position of the table is such that your head is sloped back and so the oil runs from the third eye forehead back into the scalp and eventually drips into something they have under the table to collect the oil.
Tip
So yes, I will say, your hair is going to get one heck of a hot oil treatment while this is occurring. So this is not a treatment to be had if you don’t want to restyle your hair. Its also not a treatment I would just after getting a hair color, as I am not sure how color –preserving the oil is. When I schedule these treatments, I usually just make sure it’s close to my next hair appointment. I will say, if you can stand leaving the oils in your hair for a little bit, they are wonderfully conditioning, which is one of the reasons why I love getting this treatment.
The Experience
So what does the experience actually feel like? The warm oil in this gentle flow hitting the 3rdeye has a very calming effect. I am not sure if this is because it floods this chakra point and sort of forces the mind the quiet. The effect is one that is similar to meditation. So if you are familiar with meditation, you can then imagine the induced calm that comes with this treatment.
I have tried 60 and 90-minute treatments of this treatment. Overtime, I have learned that I am very sensitive, and that 90 minutes of Shirodhara can bring on a headache. Similarly, I have the same issue with 90-minute facials. So, I’ve learned, for me at least, its 60 minute facials and Shirodhara. I guess more isn’t always better.
Benefits of Shirodhara
The purported benefits of this treatment are interesting. Since this treatment is go calming and inducing a meditative like state, it is said to be effective in treating anxiety, and I do know it is very helpful in combatting the effects of stress. It is also said to help with sleep problems. If you happen to be at destination spa with later hours, such as Mii Amo in Sedona, Arizona, you can always book an evening Shirodhara treatment and then head straight back to your casita for a good night’s sleep.
Overall
I definitely love this treatment. I don’t get it often, so it is a treat when I do get to experience it. But like I said, you just need to be mindful of the timing of this treatment and any hair coloring you have done, just to be safe. Comment below if you have this treatment or if you are thinking about trying it.
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