Sirodhara

For carrying out shirodhara-dhara on the for head, a droni alone is not enough. Structure similar to a drip stand is used to suspend the vessal that holds the dhara fluid. A vessal with a hole at the bottom is used. For a gentle, continuous flow, a small device made of the shell of a coconut to which a cotton wick has been tied, is fixed inside. The wick, which hangs down through the hole at the bottom, guides the flow. 

To begin with, some oil suited to the patient’s dosha condition is applied on the crown. This is a prerequisite in almost all oil treatments. A head band (vartti) is tied just above the ear level to prevent oil from flowing into the eyes. The patient is then made to lie on his back on the droni with the head rested properly. The position of the head should be such that the stream from the vessel false at the center of the forhead. The therapist then fills the vessel. When the oil that trickles down the wick start to fall on the patient’s forehead, the therapist moves the vessel to and fro gently to ensure that oil covers the entire region between the temples while he gently massages the area with his other hand. 

The duration of a dhara is usually between 25 and 75 minutes. However, if the disease is very sever it may take longer. A dhara is generally good for deseases due to a disorder of the tridosha. Herbal oil, tender coconut water, milk, ghee dhanyamlam(a mixture of cereals and citrus fruits) or butter milk may be used for various kinds of dharas. The treatment is inticated for insanity, severe illnesses due to disorder of the vata, chronic cold, sinusitis, deseases of the eyes, ears and so on.