Shirodhara Massage

This is an ancient Ayurvedic treatment which has been around for decades. Shirodhara is considered to be a rejuvenating and purifying therapy.
It was one of the most relaxing treatments I have had.

I have always wanted to try Shirodhara but when I go to make an appointment I usually change it for a deep tissue or sports massage instead thinking I might become bored after 15 minutes of oil running onto my head. This time I was determined to get one.

A Shirodhara massage involves pouring therapeutic heated liquids over the forehead gently. A light body and head massage are also included in the treatment. They add a scented oil to the mix and cover your eyes to prevent any oil from running into them.

The experts believe that the human forehead carries the third eye which needs to be rejuvenated through the thread of therapeutic liquid poured gently on it. This is one of the most ancient and unique therapies.


Aaron and I had booked our treatments in advance and when we got to the Ayurvedic Healing Centre only Aaron's massage therapist was there. He went straight in for his full body massage and I had to wait for about 5 minutes for my lady to come. In India you often get treated by a Therapist of the same sex. As I am waiting for my lady to arrive I am thinking about changing my mind. I'm a little worried about the quality of the oil which will be used, if the oil is clean and not already used by someone else and if my face was going to break out after the treatment. I saw the lady carry in a dirty plastic container and a tarp and I was thinking, crap! She called me into the small hut and told me to jump up on the table. I placed my head on the tarp and above my face was a copper pot hanging by a little rope (please don't fall). At least she wasn't using the dirty plastic bowl to hold the oil.
I told myself to go with it and enjoy the experience.

I surrendered myself to the experience. I was cocooned in towels and my head was positioned under the oil fountain - a copper pot with a slow-flowing spout from which the oil streamed gently onto my forehead.

The soothing and fragrant oils flowed continuously for about 30 minutes back and forth over my forehead. My hair was instantly drowned in oil.
I closed my eyes under the cloth that was covering them and sank into a deep relaxing state. The constant stream of the warm oil over my forehead made the chatter in my head dissolve and I drifted away. After about 30 minutes I was treated to a head and body massage.

My temple, my body was truly honoured as a sacred temple. I left feeling relaxed and ready for a sleep.


Benefits of a Shidohara Massage:

Shirodhara have various benefits to the human health. With the help of the therapeutic oil and aromatic liquids, Shirodhara offers the following benefits:

Relaxation to the mind and body
Purify and rejuvenate the body and soul
Enhance positivity within oneself
Massage during Shirodhara induces positive energy flow inside the body
Enhances the flow of nutrients to the body and brain
Facilitates healing
Stabilizes the nervous system
Increases concentration
Cool the mind and body
Treat conditions like headaches and hair loss
Lowers metabolism
Integrates effective brain function
Helps in reducing frequent mood swings
Increase blood circulation and oxygen transport within the body
Improves memory
Nourish, skin and scalp
Detoxify the body

Has anyone had Shirodhara treatments before? How did it make you feel?

Peace n Love
Jeanette

Cinnamon massage oil

In India they call cinnamon oil, 'Magic Oil'. Cinnamon oil has many other benefits but as my body is going through a few aches and pains at the moment (due to my increased yoga schedule) I thought I would just talk about the benefits of using Cinnamon oil for muscular pain relief.

As a Remedial therapist I'm a strong believer of self massage. Working with my hands, standing a lot and having a daily yoga practice calls for a little extra care for my body. Self massage is my saviour. Before bed each night I spend 15-20 minutes massaging my muscles and joints making sure to apply a little more pressure to the areas of pain or stiffness.


Cinnamon oil, along with its many other benefits, has been found to have anti-inflammatory properties as well. The oil greatly aids in relieving sore and tired muscles as well as helping to loosen up stiffness. Cinnamon can also help to relieve joint pain and it is often recommended that arthritis patients increase their cinnamon intake as well as use the oil. For those suffering from migraines and other headaches (even when related to cold or other illness), cinnamon oil is great for relieving the pain and pressure.

Add three drops of pure cinnamon oil to 25ml of a carrier oil such as coconut, sesame or almond oil and mix together.

Apply the oil into the body in downward motions giving a little stress on the joints. Try doing this for at least 28 days and see if you notice any difference in your body.

Self massage is a great practice to add to your daily routine. It helps increase blood flow and circulation, especially to the nerve endings. Helps to tone muscles and lubricate the joints. Improves with the elimination of impurities from the body. Makes the skin softer and smoother and can assist with a better, deeper sleep at night.


CLEAR TIP:
Before using essential oils make sure they agree with your skin and body. Apply a small amount to the skin and see if irritation occurs.

Who already has a self massage practice at home?


Peace n Love
Jeanette