Shirovasthy is treatment procedure which comes under murdhni thaila.Murdhni thaila is a procedure of conducting various treatments over head with medicated oils so that the oil remains in contact with the scalp for a fixed duration of time.
This treatment involves retention of warm medicated oil over the scalp by creating a pool of oil that envelops the scalp. Oil is retained on the scalp by keeping a cap like structure made of leather placed around the scalp in a systematic manner for a specified time.
Procedure of shirovasthy:
The patient is made to sit on chair comfortably. A strap of leather with a height of 12 angula (36 cm) and equal to that of head circumference should be wrapped around the head and tied just above the ear. The intervened spaces should be packed with a paste of black gram flour in order to prevent the leakage of oil. Then the prescribed medicated oil for the medical condition is poured over the head in a Luke warm condition to a height of 1 angula over the scalp. The oil should be retained for the time period suggested by the Doctor. Temperature of the oil should be maintained by replacing the oil. The duration of treatment usually ranges from 25 to 45 minutes.
Post procedure: After the procedure the oil is removed gently and mild massage is done on the scalp, back of neck and shoulder of the patient. Patients are advised to avoid washing their head after treatment.
Benefits of Shirovasthy:
This treatment is mainly done to treat vata disorders (various neurological and psychological disorders. This treatment is beneficial for brain, nerves, sense organs and hair. It also helps to improve blood circulation in the brain, aiding recovery from neurological disorders.
Complications and Management:
Fever, shivering, cold- in such cases treatment is stopped and appropriate management should be done .Some people may experience discomfort or heaviness in the head as the oil is applied. This usually subsides after the treatment.
This treatment requires careful consideration of individual health condition and proper techniques to minimize complication.
