Shirodhara
Shirodhara is a deeply relaxing Ayurvedic therapy in which a steady stream of warm medicated oil, or sometimes medicated buttermilk or milk, is poured gently and continuously over the forehead. It is used mainly for stress, poor sleep and tension, and is a core part of our stress programme.
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Who It May Suit
- Chronic stress and burnout
- Difficulty falling or staying asleep
- Tension headaches
- Anxiety, alongside medical care
Precautions & Safety
Shirodhara is avoided with fever, colds and congestion, recent head injury, scalp wounds or infection, and very low blood pressure, and is usually avoided in early pregnancy. Because you may feel drowsy, avoid driving straight afterwards and keep your head warm. It complements, and does not replace, treatment for anxiety, depression or sleep disorders.
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What to Expect
- Gentle head and body massage to begin.
- You lie on your back with your eyes covered; warm oil flows in a steady stream over the forehead for about 30 to 45 minutes.
- You rest afterwards. Many people feel deeply relaxed or drowsy.
What the Evidence Shows
- In healthy volunteers, standardised Shirodhara produced a state of “alert calmness” similar to the relaxation response seen in meditation [1].
- A randomised study reported anxiety-reducing effects and changes in stress-related nervous-system activity [2].
- A small EEG study recorded brain-wave patterns associated with relaxation after Shirodhara [3].
- In people with high blood pressure, a 2025 meta-analysis found that Shirodhara significantly lowered diastolic blood pressure [4].
- A small trial in insomnia studied Shirodhara alongside a herbal tablet [5].
The evidence is encouraging but most studies are small, so Shirodhara is best used as part of a wider plan.
Prepared by the AyurSoul Healthcare team from the published research listed below. Medical review by Dr. Hemlata Soni, BAMS is in progress. This page is for education and does not replace individual medical advice. Medical disclaimer.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many sessions are recommended?
Commonly a course of 7 to 14 sessions, but the doctor decides for you.
Will my hair be oily?
Yes. Bring a scarf or cap; the oil is usually washed out later as advised, often with warm water.
Can I have Shirodhara if I take sleeping tablets?
Yes, but continue your medicines as prescribed and tell the doctor about them.
Clinical Research
5 studies: 1 systematic review / meta-analysis, 1 randomised trial, 1 laboratory study, 2 narrative articles.
Show the 5 studies
Numbers in the text refer to this list. Each study is labelled by type: systematic reviews and randomised trials are stronger evidence than pilot studies or single case reports.
- Dhuri KD, Bodhe PV, Vaidya AB. Shirodhara: A psycho-physiological profile in healthy volunteers. Journal of Ayurveda and integrative medicine, 2013. Perspective / narrative article PubMed
- Uebaba K, Xu FH, Ogawa H, et al.. Psychoneuroimmunologic effects of Ayurvedic oil-dripping treatment. Journal of alternative and complementary medicine (New York, N.Y.), 2008. Randomised controlled trial PubMed
- Dasari Y, Chebolu LR, Balasubramanian V. Electroencephalogram analysis on alpha/beta and theta/beta ratios due to shirodhara. Journal of Ayurveda and integrative medicine, 2025. Laboratory / observational research PubMed
- Khapre M, Dhanlika D, Mohanty S, et al.. The effect of Shirodhara on essential hypertension: Systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of education and health promotion, 2025. Systematic review / meta-analysis PubMed
- Pokharel S, Sharma AK. Evaluation of Insomrid Tablet and Shirodhara in the management of Anidra (Insomnia). Ayu, 2010. Perspective / narrative article PubMed