Treatments
Shirodhara in India
Quick answer
Shirodhara is an Ayurvedic therapy in which warm medicated oil, buttermilk or milk is poured in a steady stream onto the forehead for around 30 to 45 minutes. It is mainly offered for relaxation, stress and sleep difficulties. Most people find it deeply calming; scientific evidence of specific health effects is limited.
Medically reviewed by The Curaventa Team · Last updated 2026-10-24
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At a glance
You lie on a wooden table while a vessel with a small hole swings gently above your forehead. The liquid flows over the scalp and is collected and reheated.
Variants use different liquids: oil (tailadhara), buttermilk (takradhara) or milk (ksheeradhara).
How this approach differs
Usually given as a course of seven to fourteen sessions.
Who needs shirodhara
- Adults with stress or sleep difficulty
- Part of longer Ayurveda programmes
- People with headaches, after medical review
How it is done
- Brief head and body massage.
- Eyes covered with cotton pads.
- Liquid poured for a set time.
- Rest afterwards.
- Head wash with herbal powder.
Before you travel to India
- Inform staff about neck problems or skin conditions on the scalp
- Plan at least a week if doing a course
- Inform staff about low blood pressure or vertigo
Recovery and flying home
- Rest and avoid cold wind.
- Oily hair for a day.
- Avoid washing hair with cold water immediately.
- Rest quietly for an hour.
Risks
- Scalp irritation
- Dizziness on getting up
- Oil in eyes
Alternatives
- Head massage
- Meditation
- Sleep therapy
Hospitals in India for shirodhara
- Indraprastha Apollo HospitalsDelhi NCR
- Sir H. N. Reliance Foundation Hospital & Research CentreMumbai
- Apollo Health City, Jubilee HillsHyderabad
- Rajagiri HospitalKochi
- Moolchand Hospital (Moolchand Medcity), Lajpat NagarDelhi NCR
- Apollomedics Super Speciality Hospital, LucknowLucknow
- Apollo Hospitals, SecunderabadHyderabad
- Apollo Hospitals NoidaDelhi NCR
- Medway Institute of Pulmonology, ChennaiChennai
Frequently asked questions
Is shirodhara relaxing for everyone?
Most find it calming; a few feel restless lying still.
How many sessions?
Often a course of 7 to 14.
Can shirodhara be done alone?
Yes, but it is often part of a wider programme.
Medically reviewed by The Curaventa Team. Last updated 2026-10-24. General information, not medical advice. Medical editorial board · Editorial policy · How we get prices
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