SHIRODHARA
What is Shirodhara and what are the benefits?
Shirodhara is a hands-off relaxation technique that nurtures the mind, body, and soul. This practice involves a gentle, continuous, stream of warm oil poured over the forehead, stimulating the senses and bringing harmony to your whole being. The gentle flow of warm oil over the third eye and forehead soothes the nervous system, clears mental clutter, promotes clarity, focus, and heightened awareness. Lisa completed her Shirodhara training with Kris Quinones, owner and founder of Rasayana.
According to Ayurveda, Shirodhara may:
Encourage deep sleep patterns
Improve overall sleep quality
Help to create a well-rested mind
Soothe headaches and/or migraines
Nourish the scalp
Overall, the experience provides a reset for the nervous system which may help support recovery and treatment for chronic pain. The benefits of a Shirodhara massage may last for up to 1-2 weeks and it’s a great treatment to receive regularly. Most people choose to book sessions weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly to maintain benefits.
What To Expect + Things To Know:
You will only have oil on your third eye, entire forehead, scalp, and your hair.
Expect your hair to get oily as there really isn’t any way to avoid this.
However, the oil is incredibly nourishing for your scalp and hair, so try to embrace it.
You should avoid eating anything about two hours before your treatment (this suggestion totally depends on your digestion. If you know that you will be distracted if you’re hungry, please eat something very light and allow time to digest before arriving. You will be lying down the whole time and want to avoid urges to use the bathroom or possible digestive issues).
Please arrive wearing a shirt that you don’t mind getting a little oily. I personally try my best to be as tidy as possible, but sometimes small spills happen. Bring warm socks, for your feet, an extra shirt, and a warm hat, towel, or any other head covering to keep your head warm when you leave. It will get oily!)
During Shirodhara, you will be lying down on your back on a massage table with your head slightly tipped back. All massage tables are different, so make sure you are clear about your level of comfort and whether you need anything specific. You may be given an eye covering that’s been soaked in rose water to keep your eyes cool.
You’ll feel a constant stream of warm oil on your forehead. Sometimes, it’ll be stable and in one place and at other times, you’ll feel the stream moving up and down and side to side. It might tickle a bit at first, but as you get used to it, you’ll start to relax. You can let me know if the oil is too hot or if you’re too cold. There may be soothing music throughout the session or it may be silent. You may hear some sounds of oil dripping or pouring because the oil is constantly being heated. You may also see some plastic on the table or the floor. This is used to collect the oil and to keep things clean.
Shirodhara isn’t always a soothing experience. You may feel lots of emotions rising up or even begin to feel a bit uncomfortable in your body. This is usually because discomfort needs to be acknowledged and it needs to rise up in order for it to be released. Try to focus on the sensation of the oil and also focus on your breath. You’re there to receive and to be.
What to expect after your Shirodhara treatment
As your session comes to a close, you’ll notice that the flow of oil slows down and will eventually stop. You may be asked to focus on your breathing or to make some small movements with your fingers and toes. You will probably feel a towel come around your head to stop excess oil from spilling into your eyes. If you fell asleep, you’ll be gently woken up.
Every session may end a bit differently, but expect to always be oily! Your head and hair will have absorbed some of the oil and you should try to leave the oil on for about two hours. You can sleep with the oil in if you choose to. Keep your head covered if you’re going out into direct sunlight or into the cold and avoid strenuous activities. This is your time to relax and to continue receiving the benefits of the treatment.
How to wash the oil out of your hair after treatment:
Use shampoo first and then add water.
Oil doesn’t wash out with water, so shampooing prior to washing may help remove the oil.
You might have to shampoo two or more times.
Be mindful that your shower floor may be oily, so take time to clean it or inform anyone who you share a bathroom with!
“Sneha” means both “oil” and “love”
In Sanskrit, the word for “oil” is “sneha” which also means “love.” During Shirodhara, you are literally being bathed in oil and in love, so keep this in mind as you move through the next few days. Notice when you feel love and notice how you can incorporate more love into your life. You may feel like you are immersed in love and support for days after, so take time to cultivate gratitude.
These Ayurvedic practices are important to help you come back to balance and remember who you are and why you’re here. When you feel love for yourself, you can bring that into the world around you and encourage your friends, family, students, and clients to do the same!
BOOK NOW
Shirodhara sessions are currently available in Gardiner NY
please contact Lisa directly to book a session