Shirodhara
Alternate names: Ayurvedic Shirodhara, Jaladhara, Ksheeradhara, Massage Ayurvédique, Shiro Dhara, Shirodhara Therapy, Thakradhara, Thyladhara
Background
Shirodhara is a technique used in Ayurvedic medicine. It involves pouring different liquids over the forehead to heal various conditions.
Shirodhara literally means "head flow." The liquids used depend on the conditions being treated. Commonly used liquids include water, various oils, buttermilk, or coconut water. It's not clear how shirodhara might work.
People use shirodhara for hayfever, insomnia, ringing in the ears, dizziness, hearing loss, memory loss, ADHD, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.
Shirodhara literally means "head flow." The liquids used depend on the conditions being treated. Commonly used liquids include water, various oils, buttermilk, or coconut water. It's not clear how shirodhara might work.
People use shirodhara for hayfever, insomnia, ringing in the ears, dizziness, hearing loss, memory loss, ADHD, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.
Safety Safety definitions
Shirodhara is possibly safe when used appropriately. No side effects have been reported.
Special Precautions & Warnings:
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if shirodhara is safe to use when pregnant or breast-feeding. But there is no reason to expect side effects.Effectiveness
Effective Effectiveness definitions
There is interest in using shirodhara for a number of purposes, but there isn't enough reliable information to say whether it might be helpful.
Dosing & administration
Shirodhara is a technique that involves laying face up in a relaxing environment while a variety of liquids are gently flowed over the forehead. The liquid used depends on the condition being treated. Commonly used liquids include water, various oils, buttermilk, or coconut water. Shirodhara is becoming increasingly popular in day spas, especially in North America, where it is used to relieve fatigue and promote relaxation.
Interactions with pharmaceuticals
It is not known if this treatment interacts with any medicines. Before using this treatment, talk with your health professional if you take any medications.
Interactions with herbs & supplements
There are no known interactions with herbs and supplements.
Interactions with foods
There are no known interactions with foods.
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This monograph was last reviewed on 31/07/2023 10:00:00 and last updated on 25/02/2022 07:38:15. Monographs are reviewed and/or updated multiple times per month and at least once per year.
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Natural Medicines rates safety based on scientific evidence according to the following scale: Likely Safe, Possibly Safe, Possibly Unsafe, Likely Unsafe, Unsafe, and Insufficient Evidence to Rate. For more information about Natural Medicines’ Safety Rating System, click here.
The Natural Medicines Effectiveness Ratings are assigned for specific indications. A product might be rated "Possibly Effective" for one condition, but be rated "Likely Ineffective" for another condition, depending on the evidence. For more info click here.
