The Science Behind Shirodhara and Its Benefits in Ayurveda

Shirodhara is most effective when performed in the morning or the evening. After a person lies down with his or her eyes closed, the procedure may start with an abhyanga or a form of Ayurvedic body massage. After that, lukewarm oil is applied to the forehead as treatment.
The oil is consistently and rhythmically dispensed in a flowing stream. It is important to take precautions to prevent oil from getting in the ears or eyes. 

The complete process could take 30 to 45 minutes, depending on the patient’s condition. Before or during the treatment, a therapist could also give the patient a brief head massage.

The forehead is the preferred site for oil application as it has abundant nerve endings and is extremely sensitive. The pressure of the oil causes vibrations to occur on the forehead. After coating the forehead and scalp with warm oil , By dilating all the channels, the oils increase blood flow to the brain. As a result, it offers relief from anxiety and other related problems by lowering the levels of stress hormone cortisol. The entire process allows the body, mind, and nervous system to enter a profound sleep state akin to that experienced after meditating.