A Therapeutic Efficacy of Shirodhara in Ayurveda: A Review Study

Abstract

Introduction-Shirodhara is the application of medicinal Kwatha (Decoction) or  oil to the forehead. According to Ayurveda, Shirodhara is an example of  BahyaSnehana, or external oleation therapy. The primary indications for  Shirodhara are neurological and psychosomatic illnesses. Stress is a big part of  today's modern lifestyle, which makes it difficult for people to go about their  daily lives. The most prevalent and difficult conditions in the modern period  include conditions like insomnia, headaches, facial paralysis, scalp psoriasis, hair  loss, etc. However, there hasn't been any efficient management of these  complaints up to this point. Determining safe and efficient treatment techniques  for these disorders is therefore urgently needed. Thus, an effort is made to rule  out Shirodhara's effectiveness in treating various psychological disorders.  Methods-review is collected from classics, commentaries etc.,Results-This  procedure’s apparent mode of action are unclear. Ayurveda focused more on the  results of the method than its action. Discussion-Treat the scalp with medicated oil in such a way that the oil remains  in contact with the scalp for a certain period of time called MurdhaTail. In order  to better understand Shirodhara, a review of the Samhita, Chikitsa Grantha,  Nighantus, and Ayurvedic texts was done. During the study, Shirodhara's  indications, contraindications, and therapeutic efficacy were noted.