What combines a deeply relaxing scalp massage, intensive hair
treatment, is a form of Ayurveda therapy, and a possible opening to your third
eye? If you read the title you know it is Shirodhara, a treatment that has been
gracefully given in India for centuries to bring relief for stressful living.
The first time I had the extreme fortune to try this wonderful stream
of tranquility streaming down my forehead and into my scalp, I was learning how
to perform the service. My long-time
friend and fellow therapist, Olivia, was my teacher. Now let me tell you that I
am a complete sucker for any type of scalp massage, but have it combined with
dosha specific oils designed to bring about the wholeness of being and I am
completely sold on the process. What I was not expecting was the intensity of
relaxation.
Lying face up on a massage table, with my hair flowing off the table, a
covering was placed over my eyes to prevent oil intrusion. A copper bowl held
the oil and was hanging from a, forgive the analogy, wooden stand that looked
like a hangman’s apparatus. Once I was comfortably in position, Olivia placed
the hanging bowl above my forehead. The top of the copper bowl is wide for the
oil to be poured in, but has a small opening at the bottom that is opened when
the therapist is ready to give the gift of utter relaxation. A warm, thin,
continuous cascade of scented oil drifted out of the bowl, to a point just
above the middle of my eyes, and down my appreciative scalp and fell into a
waiting bowl. A simple towel
waiting to absorb any noise that would interrupt my time of tranquility
ingeniously hushed the sound of oil hitting the bowl.
Slowly, gently, Olivia dragged the copper nozzle back and forth along
my forehead, always returning for prolonged interludes at my third eye. As the
oil escaped my forehead, it was sent to mingle with my hair, greedy for the
moisture and benefits my skin was reveling in.
I have held a meditative practice for over a decade, but the deeply
relaxed state that I was put into at this point was deeper than I had ever
experienced. This is the point
where visions may arise and inner awareness can be fully experienced—all in
about fifteen minutes!
With the oil gone, the bowl is moved away and Olivia
began the loving art of scalp massage.
Ever so gently, she rolled strands of my hair into rows that allowed the
oil to sink into my skin and infuse into my hair. Having prior knowledge of the
product being used, I was aware that my hair was gaining benefits of strength,
durability and shine. The touch of her
practiced fingertips perfectly entwining the oil to my hair caused my whole
body to feel so relaxed I was on an unknown realm of stress free living. It was
bliss on a massage table.
Once the oil had permeated my scalp and flowed out to the tips of my
hair, her hands began to massage my head.
She followed a slow rhythm with pressure perfectly aligned to some
unworldly knowledge of just what I needed. The Shirodhara had been akin to a spiritual relaxation; this
was more on the physical realm as my body sunk into the table and every muscle
loosened into jello.
At the end of the treatment, she snuck away from the room, allowing me
a few moments of contemplation before venturing out to the real world.
Shirodhara has been used to treat a variety of conditions including eye
diseases, sinusitis, graying of hair, insomnia and psoriasis. It can also
benefit premature graying or thinning hair. (These statements are not evaluated
by FDA and are not meant to diagnose, treat or cure any disease.)
Now that I have
completely drawn you into a desire to book the treatment at the nearest spa,
here are some tips:
·
Find out what kind of
oil is being used and research what they tell you. Cheaper spas will use
cheaper oils and you want something that will benefit your hair and scalp
·
See what they are using
to hold the oil. I’ve heard tell of spas that will skimp and use something that
resembles a water gun—I’m not kidding!
·
Be sure that the oil
will be released in a steady stream. Dripping on your forehead is awfully close
to water torture
·
Ideally, you want a spa
that is going to discover your dosha and then use the oil that is best for you.
·
Plan to just go home and
relax after the treatment. The oil in your hair, if it is the good stuff, will
benefit you even more if left in for an hour or two. I often leave mine in over
night.
·
When you take a shower,
rub in the shampoo before getting
your hair wet, then rinse. A second or even third shampoo is often needed to
remove all of the oil. Leave your hair conditioner for another day, you won’t need
it.
·
Try to schedule this
service on a day in which you can relax for the remainder of the day. This kind of peace should be
relished and fully absorbed before heading back into the land of reality.
Best wishes on your day of hair therapy, scalp massage, and Shirodhara
experience.
Heather Leigh
