Ksheeradhara is a procedure in which milk boiled with medicinal herbs is poured continuously over the body or head for a particular duration. It is quite similar to sirodhara but Ksheeradhara has a cooling effect on the body.The name comes from the Sanskrit words Ksheera (milk) & Dhara (flow).
Types
The two main types of Ksheeradhara are Ksheeradhara( head) and Sarvanga ksheeradhara( body):
Ksheeradhara ( head): This type of Ksheeradhara is performed on the head.
Sarvanga ksheeradhara(body): This type of Ksheeradhara is performed on the entire body, except the head.
Benefits
The herbal milk that is poured on your body acts as a moisturizer which helps relieve any stress, anxiety, and tension; It’s also used for skin and hair care. The Ksheeradhara treatment works like a charm because it enhances your skin’s glow.
The constant stream and pouring of herbal milk help stimulate the hypothalamus, which regulates the pituitary gland and induces sleep.
The gentle movement of the milk over the forehead helps to relax the patient and promote good sleep. The medicaments are absorbed through the scalp and hair follicles, and act on the body and head according to the patient’s condition.
Materials Required:-
Sirodhara Device, Varti( wick), medicated milk-1.5 litres, Gauze, Cotton ear plugs -2, Soft pillow with cloth-1, Vessels-3, Nadi sweda device -1, Oil for talam- 10 ml, Rasnadi powder-5 gm, Soft towels-2, dhara patra -1.
Infrastructure Facilities
A full fledged panchakarma therapy room
Man power- A qualified and experienced therapist and an assistant
Procedure
Ksheeradhara for head- Massage should be done over the face, neck, shoulder, and chest . Gauze is tied around the head above the eyebrows of the patient, After closing the eyes cotton should be kept over the eyelids and it should be tied with proper bandage. Thalam should be kept over the head of the patient .. Earplug should be applied. The milk is heated to a lukewarm temperature and it’s taken in a dhara vessel. It’s then allowed to pour from the vessel onto the forehead from a height of 4 angulas(1.5 inches). The milk is poured in a constant stream over the forehead as an oscillating motion, particularly the glabellar region.
Sarvangadhara is done by covering the entire body, except the head, with milk. While Shirodhara treatment is only done to the head. For Sarvangadhara, the herbal milk is poured in a constant stream all over the body from a heoght of 4 angulas.
Post Operative Procedure
Gauze and earplugs should be removed and the milk must be wiped off from the head and the body. Rasnadi choornam should be applied over the head. Hot water bath can be taken ,if advised.
Ksheeradhara Contrindications
In conditions like chronic sinusitis or cold, cough, fever or chills, fatigue ,unconsciousness, pregnancy , this treatment is not recommended.
Complications
If the procedure is done for a long period, person may become anaemic and reactions from nose, mouth and anus may occur.if he is not observing wholesome diet and regimen properly, skin irritation, fever, swelling, unconsciousness may also develop.
