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The Ancient Healing Art of Ayurveda

Ayurveda is a system of health and medicine that was developed in India. The foundation of its theory is similar to oriental systems. However, Ayurveda is distinct because of its rich body of knowledge.

Ayurveda means life knowledge or right living and is based on a mind/body/spirit system. It includes a tridosha theory which is unique to this system. A dosha is a body chemical pattern. When the doshas combine, they constitute the nature of every living organism. The three doshas are Vata (wind) Pitta (bile) and Kapha (mucus). The three combine to form five elements (similar to Oriental theory) of ether, air, fire, water, and earth.

•Earth element -Bones, flesh, skin, and nerves.
•Water element- Blood, fat, urine, mucus, saliva, and lymph
•Fire element- Hunger, thirst, temperature, sleep, intelligence anger, hate, jealousy, and radiance.
•Ether element- All movement, breathing, natural urges, sensory and motor functions, secretions, excretions, attachment.

People display temperament based on the degree of influence or dominance of a particular dosha. This is considered an inherited genetic quality and influences a person through his or her entire life. The balance of function within the dosha system equates to health.

The points connected with this system are called marmas. About 100 of these points exist, and they are concentrated at the junctions of muscles, vessels, ligaments, bones, and joints. Marmas have a strong correlation to common trigger points and the location of the traditional meridians.

The Soothing Effects of Shirodhara

What Is Shirodhara?

Shirodhara is an ancient Ayurvedic healing practice performed in India for over 2,000 years. It is the application of warmed oil gently poured onto the forehead for an extended period of time combined with a marma point body massage. Shirodhara is performed with the client lying face up on a massage table in a relaxing environment.

Shirodhara is traditionally used to calm the nerves, restore the nerves, release stored emotions, and purify the mind. In Ayurvedic medicine, shirodhara is considered an important tool in the pursuit of higher states of consciousness. Shirodhara has been traditionally shown to help with fatigue, mental exhaustion, anxiety, insomnia, some mental disorders, headache, excessive thinking, nervousness, and many other conditions commonly affecting Americans today.

What Are the Effects of Shirodhara?
Most people will commonly notice many of the following after shirodhara: reduction in stress, reduction in excessive thinking, calming of the emotions, release of negative emotions, improved sleep, improvement in insomnia, vivid dreaming, muscle relaxation, improvement in mood, centeredness, reduction of anxiety, alleviation of mental anguish, and a temporary blissful state. Many people experience profound levels of insight and emotional healing after shirodhara.

Do I Need to Prepare in Any Special Way?
Although it is not necessary, it is recommended all clients eat very lightly the day of your treatment.

What Should I Do After Shirodhara?
It is highly recommend to rest and relax after shirodhara, as the mind will be very calm. Many people comment on experiencing new levels of yoga, prayer, or meditation after the session. It is common to remain in a near blissful state of peace and harmony for up to five days after shirodhara.

Contact our Concierge staff at (510) 796-8800 to schedule your Shirodhara appointment today!