Shirodhara comes from the two sanskrit words “shiro” (head) and “dhara” (flow). It’s an ayurvedic healing technique that involves having someone pour liquid — usually oil, milk, buttermilk, or water — onto your forehead. Different types of shirodhara massage shirodhara is called by different names as per the classical ayurvedic texts of charak samhita and susruta samhita, such as sirothara, shiro sheka, shiro parisheka, shirashek, etc. Mainly, they can be categorised into the following four types.

Kashayadhara This shirodhara therapy is performed with medicated herbal decoction called kashayadhara. The type of oil and herbs used in this therapy are selected considering the health conditions of the individual and their purpose of seeking the therapy.

Thailadhara Here, medicated oil is used in therapy.

Ksheerdhara This shirodhara therapy uses milk infused with herbs like vetiver roots, sandalwood or camphor. During the therapy, the milk is maintained at room temperature.

Takradhara The takradhara is a form of shirodhara that uses buttermilk infused with herbs for the therapy.