Abstract

MODIFICATIONS IN SHIRODHARA EQUIPMENT: AN OVERVIEW

Dr. Subhash Sharma* and Dr. Bharti Sharma

Abstract

Shirodhara is a classical procedure carried out in order to alleviate urdhava jatrugata vikaras. Although a brief description regarding its properties and instrumentation is available in classical Ayurvedic textbooks but Dhara kalpa a doctrine of familial Vaidyas of South India explains everything ranging from its instrumentation to properties of dhara carried out with specific dravyas. The procedure with classical instrumentation remained a part of this holistic system for a long time. The need for change with time in every field has led to the evolution of instrumentation in Shirodhara equipment also. This paper is an attempt to overview the change in instrumentation of Shirodhara and to evaluate the benefits and shortcomings of the newer instrumentation.

Keywords: Shirodhara, Murdhni Tailam, Dharapatra, Spa Therapy, Droni, Shirahseka.