Shirovasti Treatment in Ayurveda

The therapy procedure involves:

• Constructing a leather cap.
• Fill it with warm herbal oils.
• Keeping it on the patient’s head for a specified duration.

Various pre-treatment and post-treatment steps are also performed.

Various herbal oils depend on the patient’s health condition and doshic constitutions are used.

The treatment duration ranges from 5 to 60 minutes based on the dosha.

Shirovasti helps control aggravated Vata dosha and helps balance Pitta and Rakta. 

It revitalizes the nervous system, enhances the blood supply to the brain, and relaxes the mind. It is well known to relieve symptoms like headaches, hair loss, insomnia, and stress.

Although Shirovasti is the best treatment for doshic imbalance, it should be combined with other Ayurvedic therapies and oral medications for best results. 

An experienced Ayurvedic practitioner must select the oils used carefully based on the individual’s constitution.

Benefits of shirovasti

As Ayurveda considers our body an inverted tree with the roots at the top and branches pointing downwards, nurturing the head can benefit the entire body mechanism and dynamics.

The head is considered the abode of the entire body, as the brain and nerves control the whole body’s functioning.

For these reasons, the head is considered ‘Uttamanga’ in Ayurveda. 

When they are in a state of well-being, the brain and sense organs manipulate the entire body and mind functions and keep us healthy. 

As a result, the head serves as a command centre for our daily activities. The entire body factory will run smoothly when properly maintaining the control station. 

To get rid of anybody or mind-related illness, however, we must return to the control station (uttamanga) known as the head and address it with appropriate treatments and medications.

This also gives the impression that the most ancient science, Ayurveda, was well aware that most diseases are caused by or exacerbated by a disturbed mind. 

Healing the body or the mind is a partial medical approach. 

They must be treated as a single entity.

Many diseases of the brain, nerves, and sense organs are caused by vitiated Vata and Pitta, which cause degenerative and inflammatory changes, respectively. 

They can cause irreversible damage to these organs if severely vitiated. As a result, Moordha Taila serves as both a prophylactic (preventive) and curative measure. 

Because the brain and nervous system control all body functions, Moordha taila procedures will keep the body fit and healthy. 

All of the functions of the body will run smoothly. 

The pituitary gland, located in the head, is the master gland that controls all endocrine functions in the body (functions of tiny glands that produce essential chemicals that are needed for many body functions and discharge them directly into the bloodstream; they do not have ducts or tubes to drain their secretions). 

Moordhi Taila regulates pituitary functions, which regulate all other endocrine functions. 

This aids in the smooth operation of the body mechanics. Moordhi Taila calms the stressed and agitated mind and assists us in remaining calm and at ease. 

Moordhi Taila releases happy hormones, allowing us to overcome mood swings and live peacefully.

Step By Step Procedure Of Shirovasti

Pre-operative procedure: 

Shave the head completely. Do generalised abhyanga. 

Keep a cotton cloth in the ears to prevent oil entry into the car. 

The bowel and bladder should be emptied. 

Patients should perform panchakarma procedures before this treatment.

Procedure:

• The patient is made to sit in a chair of knee height.
• A gauze or cloth strap soaked in black gram paste is wrapped around the head, covering areas just above or 2cm ears and eyebrows.
• It should be tight enough to prevent oil leaking but not causing any discomfort.
• The leather cap measuring 12 cm and equal to the head circumference should be fixed over the strap, and the junctions should be sealed with black gram paste.
• Plaster the leather cap joints with black gram paste to make it leakproof.
• The medicated oil is warmed to just above body temperature and poured into the vastiputaka with a strip of cloth touching the scalp and oil being run from the other end or a long piece of coconut leaflet held obliquely inside the vastiputaka 2-3cm above the scalp.
• The oil is filled up to 2- 3 cm above the hair root.
• Some oil should be replaced with warm oil at regular intervals to maintain the temperature.
• The procedure should continue until secretions through the nose, throat and eyes are observed.
• In case of non-attainment of these lakshanas (symptoms), the time should be 30 minutes for Kapha—40 minutes for Pitta and 50 minutes for Vata.
• The patient should sit comfortably with their eyes closed. Oil in kharapaka is preferred.
• The temperature of the oil should be just above body temperature.
• During the procedure, gentle massage to the neck and shoulders should be done frequently. Movements of the neck should be prevented.

Postoperative procedure:

Massage on the neck and shoulders at the end of the procedure or after removing oil. 

A passage is made above the ear to remove the oil. 

Oil over the head must be wiped out with a dry cloth, and abhyanga is done over the head, shoulder, palms and soles. 

Following this, Rasnadi choornam is rubbed over the head. 

Rest for one hour; then, the patient should bathe with lukewarm water.

Time: 3–6 pm for 7 or 14 or 21 days 

Precautions during the therapy:

1. Ensure that there is no hole in the junction of the cap before pouring to check oil leakage. 2. Ensure the uniformity of the taila temperature.

3. Should not heat oil over direct fire; heat through boiling water

4. The patient should not sleep, sneeze, or laugh during the treatment

5. Avoid cold food items and cold breeze exposure.

6. Avoid very hot and cold conditions.

7. Avoid head baths if the disease is contraindicated for the same, such as Ardita (facial palsy)

Complications and management:

1. Sneezing and rhinitis- Talam with Rasnadi chooma and Jambeera swarasa, dhoomapana with Haridra dhooma varti

 2. Neck pain- Local massage

3. Heaviness of head- Stop the procedure and treat accordingly

4. Fainting, Headache and Shivering – treat accordingly

Duration of treatment

The procedure may take about 30 to 90 minutes. 

However, the specific duration is determined by evaluating the person and the condition. 

Depending upon the nature of the illness and the person’s physical condition, śirovasti may be performed daily for up to 7 or 14 days or even 21 days, which the physician decides by closely observing the person’s response daily.

Ideal duration for each dosha 

• For vata disorders: 52 minutes
• For pitta disorders: 42 minutes
• For Kapha disorders: 32 minutes

The time of the procedure is also decided according to condition. 

In vāta disorders, usually when oils are preferred, the evening from 3 pm to 6 pm is ideal. 

In kapha disorders, morning time is preferred. 

The timings even depend on the climatic conditions and the type of liquid used.  

Mode of action of shirovasti

The mode of action of Shirobasti depends on therapeutic effect, physical effect and application of heat. 

Sneha, a lipid material, nourishes different nervous system components by quickly passing through the blood-brain barrier. 

Further, absorbed active principles of taila reach up to nerves and exert their vataghna effects. 

Snighdhata of this taila removes the rukshata of vitiated Vata, which helps nourish nerve functions. 

Mrudu abhyanga, after the procedure, also helps improve the impulse transmission in the nerve and synapses by influencing the activity of neurotransmitters.

Conditions treated by Shirovasti

In clinical practice, śirovasti may be advised for the following conditions:

• Psychological or mental issues such as stress, depression and anxiety
• Hypertension
• Diabetes and its associated illnesses
• Various skin diseases
• Different types of headaches
• Insomnia
• Boils in the head (scalp)
• Pricking pain in the head
• Burning sensation in the head
• Suppuration in the head (inflammation leading to the formation of pus or pus pockets)
• Boils wounds or ulcers in the head
• Headache afflicting the temple regions
• Stiffness of neck nape (Cervical spondylosis, torticollis)
• Facial paralysis, Bell’s Palsy
• Deviation of the eye, squint
• Loss of consciousness
• Cramps
• Loss of activities
• Cough
• Dyspnoea, breathlessness
• Lockjaw
• Dumb
• Stammering of speech
• Difficulty in opening the eyes
• Pulsating sensation or pulsating or twitching in the cheeks
• Yawning
• Salivation
• Total loss of voice
• Crookedness of the face
• Hemiplegia, paralysis
• To control the vitiated Vata
• Degenerative diseases
• Diseases of Pitta origin, mainly inflammatory diseases
• Dryness of the head
• Itching in the scalp, etc
• Premature greying of hairs
• Tiredness, fatigue
• Aggravation of Doshas
• Low immunity
• Cracks and fissures in the hands (palm) and foot (sole)
• Urinary disorders
• Laxity and loss of integrity of joints (fragile joints)
• Heart diseases
• Sluggish metabolism
• Anorexia
• Diseases of the ear, nose, throat, eye
• Psoriasis
• Migraine
• Hemicrania
• Alzheimer’s disease
• Dandruff
• Diabetic neuropathy

Precautions before therapy

When undergoing shirovasti treatment, there are a few things to keep in mind for the best results:

• Pay close attention to the practitioner’s instructions. The oils used, and the duration of application can differ depending on your dosha and the specific ailments being addressed.
• Make time for rest. Shirovasti treatment causes the body to release toxins, so getting more rest allows your body to flush them out more effectively. Walking is fine for light exercise but avoid strenuous activity.
• Keep hydrated. Drinking plenty of water helps your body eliminate toxins and speeds up the healing process. Herbal teas can also be beneficial.
• Consume light, warm meals. During treatment, a diet of soups, stews, and cooked vegetables is the easiest for your body to digest. Avoid foods that are heavy, oily, or spicy.
• Dress comfortably. As your body releases heat, loose, breathable clothing made of natural fibres helps regulate your body temperature.
• Be patient in terms of “aggravations.” Toxin release can cause temporary aggravation of symptoms. This is an indication that the treatment is effective. The discomfort is usually mild and will go away in a few days.

Following these recommendations, you’ll get the most from your Shirovasti therapy treatments. 

While the oils and massage provide direct healing benefits, how you care for yourself during and after treatments can make an even more significant impact. 

Take it slow, keep warm, stay hydrated—your body and mind will thank you.

Aftercare

After the therapy, you might need more time to rest.

A relaxing warm water bath is advised. 

You can process the water with dashamool, nirgundi, bala etc

After that, you can consume the decoction like Gandharvahastadi kashaya as per your doctor’s advise

Following this, you can consume light foods. Light foods always complement an effective therapy

You can use this time to avoid unwanted thoughts, as this Ayurvedic therapy purifies your senses and mind.

After the session, Continue your day in a calm and leisurely atmosphere.

Do’s and Don’ts

After your Shirovasti treatment, there are a few things you should keep in mind:

Do’s

• Rest as much as you can. Shirovasti therapy balances your doshas, while rest allows your body and mind to heal.
• To help flush toxins from your body, drink plenty of warm water. Keeping hydrated will help the healing process.
• Consume light, warm meals. Following Shirovasti, a light diet of rice, dal, and steamed vegetables is recommended. Avoid cold, heavy, or spicy foods, as these can shock your system.
• Exercise gently, such as walking or yoga. Light movement stimulates your body’s natural healing mechanisms. For the next 24 hours, avoid strenuous exercise.
• If any concerning symptoms appear, seek medical attention. While side effects are uncommon, contact your Ayurvedic practitioner immediately if you notice any signs of infection or an allergic reaction.

Don’ts

• Strenuous physical exercises
• Exposure to sunlight
• Cold exposure or consumption of cold food substances
• Tobacco use and alcohol consumption
• Sleeping excessively
• Long periods spent in cool, breezy, or dusty environments
• Forcing the body’s natural urges or reflexes, such as defecation, urination, hunger, thirst, sleep, sneeze, and so on,
• While sleeping, use high or low-level pillows.
• Anger, grief, and stress
• Keeping awake until late at night
• Long-distance walking
• The patient should only sleep for a short period and should stay awake late at night.
• While sleeping, the head position (pillow placement) should be neither too high nor too low.
• The patient should avoid emotional highs and lows.
• Speaking or shouting excessively, talking loudly, and so on
• Maintain a stress-free and pleasant state of mind
• Following these recommendations will allow you to gain the maximum benefits from your shirovasti treatment. Check with your practitioner for additional advice specific to your dosha and condition.

Oils used in Shirovasti

Oil should be selected according to the patient’s body constitution, Prakriti, and disease condition. 

There is an ancient saying from the great Vaidyas that a diseased one should apply the oil on the head and wipe it off, and a healthy one should apply oil and leave it for a few minutes and then rinse with water.

• Tila taila or coconut oil can be used by a healthy person. Alternatively, the following greases can be used according to the condition of the disease.
• Ksheerabala taila- For insomnia, nervous disorders, etc.
• Balaguluchyadi taila- For Pitta aggravated conditions.
• Thriphaladi taila- For eye-related disorders
• Karpasasthyadi tail- for Vata disorders
• Chandanbala lakshadi taila- For migraine
• Bala Thailam- For nervous disorders
• Brahmi Tailam- For Alzheimer’s disease
• Mahamasha Tailam- For vata disorders
• Yashtimadhu Tailam- For Gout and pitta disorders
• Dhanwantaram Tailam- For vata disorders
• Asanavilwadi taila- For eye and ear-related disorders
• Balaswagandhadi taila- For vata and pitta disorders

Contraindications of shirovasti

• Fever
• Head injury
• Acute Inflammation
• Infectious diseases
• Diarrhea
• Certain forms of cancer
• Acute illness
• Certain cardiac problem
• Extreme fatigue
• Hemorrhagic disorders
• Indigestion
• Unconsciousness

Conclusion

Saatwika Ayurveda provides Shirovasti treatment at their Ayurvedic Hospital in Trivandrum.

This Powerful Ayurvedic treatment provides deep nourishment and healing to your body and mind. 

The warm oil soothes your senses and relaxes your muscles as the herbs work magic. 

Give your body the gift of this rejuvenating experience. 

Your body will thank you for it, and you’ll emerge feeling vibrant, balanced, and blissful. 

Ayurveda has endured for centuries because of its natural therapies like shirovasti work. Now, you can benefit from this ancient wisdom and take your self-care to the next level.