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Shirodhara (Oil-stream Therapy)

शिरोधारा · Śirodhārā · Clinic only · primary doṣa: vata

A gentle therapy pouring a steady stream of warm medicated oil over the forehead, traditionally used to calm the mind and support sleep.

Therapy · clinic only🕑 1 min read
⚠ Not suitable when — read first
  • caution Acute illness or fever, very high kapha, and certain scalp/skin conditions at the site — assess with a Vaidya first.
Traditionally indicated for
  • Traditionally used to settle an agitated mind, ease stress and support restful sleep; often part of vata-pacifying regimens.
Typical course

Oil, temperature and duration are selected by the therapist/Vaidya; a course of sessions is typical.

🏥 Delivered under a qualified Vaidya at a Panchakarma centre. AyurPal helps you find a partnered clinic — it is never self-administered. Find a partnered clinic →
View sources — 3 classical & official references
  • Classical text Aṣṭāṅga Hṛdaya
  • Classical text Charaka Saṁhitā
  • Classical text Suśruta Saṁhitā