Ayurnava Hospital, Metro Station, Plot 59, near Sec 11, Dwarka, Delhi, 110075
Phone: 7042384500
Email: info@ayurnava.com
Map Directions: https://maps.app.goo.gl/b7rzEoMY4wuNEt4p6
Opening Hours: Mon – Sun: 08:00 AM to 08:00 PM

A continuous, gentle stream of warm medicated oil poured over the forehead — one of Ayurveda's most well-known therapies for calming the mind, easing stress, and improving sleep. Available at 6 clinics across Delhi NCR & Gurugram.
Shirodhara is one of the most recognizable Ayurvedic therapies, and for good reason — the continuous flow of warm oil over the forehead has a uniquely calming effect that's hard to replicate any other way. At Ayurnava, Shirodhara is used to help with stress, anxiety, insomnia, and the mental fatigue that builds up from constant overstimulation.
Shirodhara ("shiro" = head, "dhara" = flow) involves a steady, oscillating stream of warm medicated oil poured over the forehead for 45–60 minutes while you lie comfortably. It's used to calm the nervous system, reduce stress and anxiety, ease migraines, and improve sleep quality.
At Ayurnava, the oil used for your Shirodhara session is selected based on your dosha and specific concern — whether that's anxiety, insomnia, or tension-related headaches — so the therapy is matched to what you actually need, not one-size-fits-all.
Your practitioner discusses your concerns — stress, sleep, headaches — and selects the right oil for you.
You lie comfortably on a specialized table, and the warm oil is prepared to the right temperature.
A continuous, oscillating stream of oil is poured over your forehead for 45–60 minutes, recirculated and rewarmed throughout.
A short rest period follows before a gentle wash, giving the calming effect time to settle in.
Shirodhara is a wellness and supportive-care therapy, complementary to — not a replacement for — medical treatment of diagnosed conditions.
Always consult an Ayurnava practitioner first if you have a diagnosed medical condition, to confirm Shirodhara is appropriate and identify any modifications needed.
May need to be avoided or modified for: active conjunctivitis or eye infection, glaucoma, fever, scalp injuries or wounds, acute inflammatory conditions, and pregnancy without practitioner clearance. Our practitioners review your health history before your first session.
It's primarily used for stress, anxiety, insomnia, migraines, and general mental fatigue — the continuous warm oil flow has a distinctly calming effect on the nervous system.
Sessions typically run 45–60 minutes, including the oil-pouring itself plus a short rest period afterward.
Common choices include Ksheera Bala Taila, Chandanadi Thailam, and warm sesame oil, selected based on your dosha and specific concern such as anxiety, insomnia, or headaches.
A course of at least 7 days is commonly recommended for noticeable benefit, with courses extending up to about 4 weeks for ongoing concerns, followed by a break before repeating.
It's not recommended for people with active eye infections, glaucoma, fever, or scalp injuries — your practitioner will confirm suitability before your first session.
Many people do feel very drowsy or fall asleep during Shirodhara — that's a normal and expected response to how deeply relaxing the therapy is.
Shirodhara is described in classical Ayurvedic texts as a therapy for calming the mind and balancing Vata dosha, which Ayurveda associates with anxiety, restlessness, and disturbed sleep when aggravated.
The continuous, rhythmic pouring pattern — oscillating gently across the forehead — is considered central to the therapy's calming effect, distinguishing it from simply applying oil to the head.
Modern interest in Shirodhara often centers on its effect on the nervous system and stress response, though it is offered at Ayurnava as a traditional supportive therapy rather than a substitute for treatment of diagnosed mental health conditions.
Ayurnava Kerala Ayurveda offers Shirodhara across six centres in Delhi NCR & Gurugram. Call your nearest clinic to book a consultation.
Experience Shirodhara, tailored to your body's constitution, at the Ayurnava clinic nearest you.