Shirodhara in Barcelona: Ayurvedic Therapy for Calmness and Balance
Discover how the flow of warm oil on the forehead can help you calm the mind, relieve stress, and balance your vital energy.
Ideal for those seeking deep relaxation, relief from insomnia, and a renewed sense of inner well-being.
Deep Mental Balance
Calm your mind with the gentle flow of warm oil that relieves stress and promotes mental clarity.
Therapeutic Relaxation
Experience an ancient technique that induces a state of inner peace and deep rest for body and mind.
Since I started working with women who want to become mothers, I have focused much of my attention on the application of Shirodhara, as it is highly recommended for removing energetic blockages, impressions (samskaras), and mental patterns that may be preventing a couple from achieving a natural pregnancy. Of course, Shirodhara is not only ideal for treating future parents but also for all individuals, from young to old. Anyone who, on the one hand, is suffering from the effects of stress, as we will see later, or, on the other hand, is seeking their own personal and spiritual growth and development.
With this article, my sincere desire is to spread and share the sources I have studied about its wonderful benefits. In some of them, I found brief details, but with others, I have been truly delighted. The most generous account in terms of details comes from one of my teachers, Dr. John Douillard (referenced at the end), along with other texts that I have translated and adapted.
Some background information
It is well known that India has countless rituals and ceremonies throughout the country and at different times of the year. The so-called Mahabastaka Abhisheka is one of them.
This grand ceremony and religious festival takes place in Shravanabelagola, Hassan district, in the state of Karnataka, southern India.
It occurs every 12 years (the last one was in 2018) and its purpose is to venerate a giant 17-meter-tall statue in honor of Lord Siddha Bahubali, also known as Gomateshwara.
A large number of people from India and around the world gather to witness the ritual, which consists of pouring different liquids one after another from the statue’s head. They use milk, sugarcane juice, oils, ghee, water, coconut water, churnas (herbal powders), kashayas (herbal decoctions), kalkas (herbal pastes), flowers, and many more. At the end, everyone prostrates at the feet of the statue in worship.
Discover why it’s so popular by watching the video!
During the next twelve years, this 1,000-year-old statue will remain radiant and polished until the next ceremony.
Just as this procedure is performed on the stone statue, it’s no surprise that traditionally it is also applied to people. This is the treatment in Ayurveda known as Shirodhara.
What is it?
Shirodhara comes from shiro meaning “head” and dhara meaning “flow.” It involves letting a continuous stream of medicated oil pour from the hairline, spreading it gently across the entire scalp like a soft, enveloping massage. Traditionally, medicated sesame oil infused with specific herbs is used, but it can also be done with plain sesame oil or other types of liquids.
What is it for?
This treatment is the most effective and powerful way to pacify Vata (or wind) in the mind. When there is too much Vata, the mind experiences overstimulation, generating excessive thoughts and rumination, unable to stop. As a result, it becomes difficult to manage stress, leading to increased nervousness, anxiety, depression, insomnia, fatigue, and it can even develop into psychological disorders. Shirodhara is the specific treatment for these disorders or any others caused by stress.
How does it work?
Shirodhara directly influences the manomaya kosha, or mental body. It is here that the mind retains impressions from the past which generate unbalanced desires (vasanas) and repetitive behavioral patterns (sanskaras). These impressions are trapped in the limbic system or emotional cortex of the brain.
The healing process begins
While the flow of oil is poured onto the forehead, the nervous system begins to slow down, and brain waves become slower and more coherent. When the brain is calm, the pranavaha and manovaha srotas begin to transport prana (vital energy), oxygen, and nutrients to the brain.
When the brain is stressed, circulation is poor, which compromises its ability to activate the receptors of neurotransmitters responsible for a stable mood. When the brain is serene, the circulation of these substances improves significantly, resulting in improved brain function, better mood, and enhanced stress management.
In addition to this improved circulation, the mind can more easily access the limbic system, where the “stressors” or factors causing emotional distortion and repetitive behavioral patterns are stored.
Once the srotas can nourish the brain, the vayus can begin to restore their normal functions. If the vayus function properly, the nadis or channels are activated, which is like turning on the master computer for the first time. It is then from this computer that the brain can begin to direct the spiritual process and physiological purification. The chakras and physiology are purified effortlessly and effectively from this control center (the brain), rather than from the organs.
Dissolving blockages, healing traumas
This process is described as the soul moving through the personality. The mind, which once controlled all thoughts, actions, and desires, is replaced by feelings and impressions felt deeply from the heart. The thinker is no longer trapped in emotional stress and its resulting behavioral patterns but becomes a reflection of the soul expressing itself through feelings of love and compassion from the heart.
This process may take some time, but it is the expected outcome of this wonderful and unique Ayurvedic treatment.
The soul takes control
This process is described as the soul moving through the personality. The mind, which once controlled all thoughts, actions, and desires, is replaced by feelings and impressions felt deeply from the heart. The thinker is no longer trapped in emotional stress and its resulting behavioral patterns but becomes a reflection of the soul expressing itself through feelings of love and compassion from the heart.
This process may take some time, but it is the expected outcome of this wonderful and unique Ayurvedic treatment.
More interesting facts
My experience in consultation
According to a 2013 study published in the Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine, it states: “A session of SHIRODHARA leads to a state of calm alertness, similar to the relaxation observed in meditation.” The researchers observed significant improvements in mood, decreased respiratory rate, reduced blood pressure and heart rate, and an increase in alpha waves—brain waves associated with tranquility and a conscious mental state.
According to Dr. Hebbar (references at the end), Shirodhara is a highly effective Ayurvedic treatment that strengthens the immune system, physiology, and mind in such a way that a person can better tolerate extreme life situations such as illnesses, stress, etc. It helps the person overcome diseases, stay youthful, feel and look good, and build a preventive shield against many psychosomatic illnesses.
Regarding preparation for pregnancy, I had a young client originally from India who lived with her husband in California. They moved to Barcelona and planned to become parents. Their Ayurvedic doctor prescribed the couple 21 sessions of Shirodhara as a preparatory procedure before conception, which was intended to take place a year later. Here, I was able to see Ayurveda’s approach of cleansing and rasayana phases prior to natural pregnancy, and the essential role of Shirodhara in this process. Experiences from other types of clients are shared below, as told by them both in reviews on my website and on my Google profile.
What My Clients Say
“I regularly get massages with Janeth, who is a lovely person and explains everything in great detail. This time I tried the 3-session Shirodhara massage, and I highly recommend it. It’s a session where, after a full-body massage, Janeth focuses on the head, gently pouring a flow of oil that completely relaxes you. I felt the heaviness I had gradually dissipate.” Emanuel
“I came to Janeth’s consultation because I wasn’t feeling well. I’ve been vegan for two years and lacked energy—I didn’t know if it was because of my diet and/or stress. After she designed a nutrition plan complemented with massages, I saw results immediately. The pimples (without heads) under my eyes that I’d had for years disappeared, the cellulite I’d had since puberty also improved, my fatigue lifted, and my nails regained their bright white color they used to have—they had become fragile, transparent, and had vertical ridges. Also, thanks to Shirodhara, my third eye awakened—I can now see more clearly what I want and what my body and soul need. It has been like a miracle. Janeth is a great professional, and you get results (if you follow all the guidelines) very quickly.” A. Orozco.
“Before the Shirodhara session, I was very stressed and anxious. During the massage, I was able to relax and enjoy the sensations it produced. I was surprised by the feeling that someone seemed to be massaging me when in reality it was just the effect of the oil flowing. I also felt like I was receiving Reiki on my head. After the session, I was able to maintain a state of mental peace and relaxation for the rest of the day, which for me is almost impossible to achieve. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it, it’s hard to explain in words.” M. Molina.
How should I prepare for a session?
I will send you a note via WhatsApp with all the recommendations so you can come prepared for your sessions, but you should know two things: being on your period is a contraindication, and you need to bring a long scarf to cover your head like a turban at the end of the session.
Are you ready to try this wonderful Ayurvedic treatment?
Contact me by email or WhatsApp and tell me about your case.
I’m sure we’ll find the best way to help you solve your problem.
Shirodhara therapies
Shirodhara
This unique Ayurvedic therapy consists of pouring warm oil continuously over the forehead and scalp for at least 20 minutes.
It relieves tension, worry, anxiety, and fear. Shirodhara will transport you to a deep state of relaxation during the session. It is the go-to therapy to achieve Mental Peace. It will definitely leave an impression on you!I want to offer you therapies that will improve your physical and emotional health
Benefits of Shirodhara
Reduces stress and anxiety
The continuous flow of oil on the forehead calms the nervous system and promotes a deep sense of tranquility
Improves sleep quality
Ideal for treating insomnia and sleep disorders, promoting natural and restorative rest.
Balances mind and body
Harmonizes the doshas (vital energies of Ayurveda) and promotes mental clarity, concentration, and emotional well-being.