Shirodhara: Ancient knowledge offers new approaches to relaxation

By Becky Langdon

At first it seemed like any other trip to the spa. I checked in at the front desk, a sleek, black marble countertop. Behind it was a parchment wall adorned with mirrors framed in wrought iron. Jodi Treptow, a licensed massage therapist, greeted me warmly and led me back to the room where I would be receiving the treatment.

With dim lighting, an earth-tone color palette, and nature-inspired music, the room looked and felt much like others I'd seen before, with one exception. A copper, funnel-shaped pot with a hole in the bottom hung over the head of the massage table. The sight of it transported me to another place and time, fitting for the exotic sound of the word Shirodhara, pronounced SHE-row-DAR-uh, the treatment I was to receive.

Although it may seem like the latest "new" thing to try at the spa, Shirodhara is actually quite old, originating in India more than 5,000 years ago. Part of the traditional medicinal practices known as Ayurveda (meaning "the complete knowledge for long life"), Shirodhara is a soothing experience in which warm oil is drizzled gently over the forehead in a continuous stream invoking a deep sense of relaxation. Some of the largest benefits of Shirodhara include reducing stress, relieving anxiety, and promoting better sleep. 

Pouring oil on your forehead? I admit as I went to try Shirodhara firsthand at John Taylor Salon and Day Spa in Rock Island, it sounded a bit messy to me. What I experienced, however, surprised me. 

Treptow asked me to lie down with my head tipped slightly back near the edge of the bed and comfortably supported by a neck roll. Soon I felt the warm oil running gently across my forehead and along my scalp. While the stream of warm oil running lightly over my forehead was relaxing enough, the accompanying scalp massage made the experience heavenly. I found myself drifting into a meditative state, completely free from tension.

Sesame oil is one of the oils traditionally used for Shirodhara, but Treptow explained that it also has moisturizing benefits for the scalp and hair follicles, and it's easier to wash out than heavier oils.

"Since it's a salon and day spa," she said, "we like to use an oil that's most beneficial from a beauty aspect as well."

In the day-spa environment, Shirodhara is offered mainly as a relaxation method. Health spas specializing in the ancient traditions of Ayurveda, however, incorporate Shirodhara as one of many treatments that make up a holistic approach to health and wellness.The Raj in Maharishi Vedic City, Iowa, just outside Fairfield, is one such spa that has been offering Ayurvedic treatments for more than 18 years.

Graciella Zogbi, The Raj Vedic health educator, says that Shirodhara is the most common and popular Ayurvedic treatment because it can be used on all body types. It's beneficial for anyone with a fast-paced and hectic lifestyle. 

"Shirodharas remove stress, anxiety, and fatigue deep from the brain and nervous systems," Zogbi says. "They're very relaxing treatments."

The main focus at The Raj is developing personalized health programs that begin with a pulse assessment by an Ayurvedic health expert. These experts listen to the rhythms of the pulse at various levels of pressure, determine an individual's body type, and recommend treatments based on the information they gather.

"The whole health history is present in the pulse," Zogbi says.

Shirodhara is one of the many detoxifying and rejuvenating treatments that may be customized with herbalized oils based on the specific body type. Founded with the goal of offering authentic treatments, The Raj follows the ancient classical texts for every recommendation and program. 

While the art of Shirodhara may be ancient, the experience was new for me. I left the spa relaxed and refreshed. My hair felt soft after washing, and to my surprise, I received a compliment on how it looked later that afternoon. Whether you're looking for a way to de-stress, or if you're interested in exploring a holistic approach to health and longevity, Shirodhara might be for you. The treatment starts at $65 at John Taylor and lasts a half hour. At The Raj it costs $125 through their day-spa program and lasts 25 minutes.

To learn more about Shirodhara and other Ayurvedic treatments, visit johntaylordayspa.com or theraj.com.