I can't recommend Emma highly enough. She is a great therapist. the session was amazing: I felt it worked on so many levels - physical, emotional and spiritual. Physically, I definitely felt very relaxed and and actually fell asleep during the treatment. but what made it a particularly good treatment for me was that it felt healing. Healing in the sense that I had an internal dialogue play out in my head during the treatment that helped me resolve some emotional issues that had been burdening me for some time. It goes without saying that it's not only a well trained therapist - but a person with very special qualities and attributes - that can facilitate that kind of personal experience for a client during a treatment. I felt revived and energised for days afterwards.
Robert
Shirodara client
Shirodhara: The Ancient Ayurvedic Secret for Deep Rest and Healing
Are you craving deep rest and inner calm? In our busy, modern world, it can be hard to find stillness. And yet taking a sacred pause from the noise and the never-ending to-do list is absolutely vital for our minds and bodies to stay balanced. That’s where Shirodhara, one of Ayurveda’s most powerful therapies, comes in, offering us a unique and deeply restorative opportunity to go within and reconnect with ourselves at a deeper level.
What is Shirodhara?
Shirodhara is a deeply soothing Ayurvedic treatment where a steady stream of warm hoil is gently poured over the forehead, specifically over the “third eye” area. Before the oil pouring begins, the treatment starts with a calming head massage to relax the scalp and prepare the mind.
This simple yet profound ritual is designed to bring the body, mind, and spirit into harmony, making it a favourite for those seeking a sense of peace, balance, and renewal.
The Benefits of Shirodhara
Shirodhara is more than relaxation—it is an ancient and natural way to detoxify and reset the nervous system.
In Ayurveda, it is traditionally used to:
- Calm anxiety and reduce stress
- Relieve insomnia and improve sleep quality
- Ease migraines, tension headaches, and eye strain
- Support fertility
- Help with recovery from addiction and burnout
- Help with trauma release, PTSD, and emotional overwhelm
- Improve mental clarity and reduce self-critical thoughts
- Nourish the scalp and support healthy hair growth
The experience is often described as “liquid meditation.” Many clients say they feel clearer, calmer, and lighter afterwards—like they’ve had hours of restorative sleep.
Shirodhara and Abhyanga: The Perfect Pair
One of the most powerful ways to receive Shirodhara is after a full-body Abhyanga massage. This is how shirodara is traditionally practiced. The rhythmic, oil-based massage combined with the stillness of Shirodhara creates a treatment journey that leaves you feeling grounded, calm, and uplifted on a whole new level.
As an Ayurvedic practitioner, it’s such a joy to watch clients walk into the treatment room looking drained—and leave glowing, restored and with a new sense of clarity
What to Expect During Your Shirodara Treatment
- A gentle head massage to relax your mind and prepare you for stillness
- A warm stream of sesame oil poured over your forehead in a continuous flow
- A state of deep meditation-like relaxation, often described as blissful and dreamlike
Tip: After your session, protect your head and ears from wind. Bring a light scarf or hat to cover your ears and keep the benefits of the treatment sealed in.