sirovasti

Sirovasthi (also spelled Shirovasthi or Shirovasti) is a specialized treatment in Ayurveda, an ancient system of medicine. The name comes from the Sanskrit words "siro" (head) and "vasthi" (retention/container), and the procedure involves retaining warm, medicated herbal oil on the head for a specific period.

Procedure

During a sirovasthi session, the patient sits comfortably while a massage is often given to the head, neck, and shoulders. A specially designed, open-topped cap or bandage, often made of leather or rexine sheet, is fitted snugly around the patient's head and sealed with a paste of black-gram flour to prevent any leakage.

Lukewarm medicated oil, chosen by an Ayurvedic physician based on the individual's condition and body type, is then poured into this cap. The oil is retained for a prescribed duration, typically between 15 to 60 minutes, depending on the condition being treated and the patient's response. The oil is then removed, and a gentle massage might follow on specific areas.

Key Benefits

Sirovasthi is highly valued for its ability to nourish the nervous system, brain tissues, and central nervous system, helping to balance the Vata dosha (one of the three fundamental principles in Ayurveda). It is often recommended for the following:

• Neurological and Psychosomatic Issues: It is considered an effective treatment for a range of nervous system disorders, including facial paralysis, hemiplegia, multiple sclerosis, and psychosomatic problems.

• Mental Health: The therapy helps alleviate stress, anxiety, depression, mental fatigue, and burnout, promoting mental calmness and clarity of thought.

• Head and Sensory Organ Ailments: It is beneficial for chronic headaches, migraines, sinusitis, certain eye disorders (like optic atrophy), ear issues (otalgia, deafness), and dryness of the nostrils, mouth, and throat.

• Hair and Scalp Health: The medicated oils nourish the scalp and hair roots, which can help prevent hair fall and improve hair texture.

• Overall Rejuvenation: By enhancing cell life span and boosting metabolism, it is thought to improve overall immunity and rejuvenate the body.

This deeply relaxing treatment allows the potent herbal oils to penetrate the scalp, offering significant therapeutic benefits.