Ayurvedic treatments are also an effective method to bring Dosha balance. Abhyanga is one such treatment method. “Abhi,” in Sanskrit means “moving into right now,” and “anga” signifies a part of the body. Attending to a specific part of the body in the moment with complete attention is Abhyanga. There are over 200 specific moves that bring balance to the various Doshas, all over the body, from head to toe. Abhyanga is an ancient massage techniques that remained a secret within royal families in India for centuries.
Shirodhara is another technique that is highly effective in harmonizing the Doshas. “Shiro,” in Sanskrit means forehead (or head/temple region), and “Dhara” stands for a continuous flow. Therefore, Shirodhara represents a continuous flow of warm herb-infused oil over the forehead.
Why has the forehead been chosen for this technique?
The head region houses many nerve centers that form part of the nervous system, and control hearing, sight, smell, taste, and other vital body functions. When there is any kind of Dosha imbalance, these functions are directly affected. The forehead is an area where there is concentration of nerves, and the steady flow of oil causes a mild vibration, saturating the forehead and scalp, penetrating the nervous system. As the warm oil is poured over the forehead, the person experiences deep relaxation and stress release. They may fall into a state of deep rest, similar to meditation.
Shirodhara is greatly beneficial in pacifying various Dosha imbalances. It strengthens the nervous system, relieves symptoms of anxiety and depression, and assists with insomnia and other sleep disorders. Ultimately, Shirodhara has a positive impact on the functioning of the pineal gland, also known as the third eye, that helps in regulating the wake-sleep cycle. As balance is restored at the level of body rhythms, fatigue is alleviated, leading to renewed energy and improved health. For individuals who travel frequently and experience jet lag, Shirodhara is an excellent technique that delivers deep relaxation and rejuvenates the body inside out.
