Shirodhara Treatment, an intervention for PTSD

Shirodhara: An Ayurvedic Intervention for Normalizing the Nervous System in PTSD, Trauma & Anxiety

By Rose Carol, M.A., LPC

Shirodhara is one of Ayurveda’s most refined neuro-restorative therapies. In this treatment, a steady stream of warm, medicated oil is gently poured across the forehead—directly influencing the central nervous system. For clients living with PTSD, developmental trauma, chronic anxiety, or insomnia, Shirodhara offers a powerful blend of physiological regulation and emotional soothing.

Clinically, trauma survivors often present with:

* Night waking and vivid dreams
* Difficulty initiating or maintaining sleep
* Hyperarousal at bedtime
* Chronic sympathetic activation and emotional reactivity

Shirodhara offers a traditionally grounded yet clinically relevant way of calming the limbic system, regulating autonomic function, and restoring a felt sense of safety.

How Shirodhara Supports Nervous System Normalization

Regulates Vata and Pitta—the Ayurvedic Roots of Trauma and Anxiety**

From an Ayurvedic perspective, trauma dysregulates several subtle physiological systems:

Prana Vata:** cognition, emotional processing, mind
Vyana Vata:** neural communication, circulation, sensory sensitivity
Udana Vata:** breath, voice, expression
Samana Vata:** digestion and emotional assimilation
Sadhaka Pitta:** emotional metabolism and stress response
Tarpaka Kapha:** nourishment of brain tissue and mind

Shirodhara directly pacifies these subdoshas through light, rhythmic, predictable sensory input helping the mind shift from agitation to ease. These changes can often be confirmed through *Nadi Vigyan* (Ayurvedic pulse assessment) immediately after treatment.

2. Supports Parasympathetic Dominance & Reduces Cortisol

Modern studies show that Shirodhara can:

* Lower cortisol and DHEA—reducing HPA-axis hyperactivation
* Decrease heart rate and blood pressure
* Improve vagal tone
* Increase EEG alpha waves—reflecting a relaxed, meditative state

This shift mirrors what therapists aim to cultivate through somatic therapies, breathwork, EMDR, and mindfulness-based interventions.

3. Provides Gentle Sensory Regulation for Trauma Recovery

For clients whose nervous systems are locked in hypervigilance, the warm steady flow of oil acts as:

* Predictable and rhythmic sensory input
* Non-invasive and soothing touch
* Stimulation of forehead pressure receptors linked to emotional regulation

This supports:

* Down-regulation of sensory overwhelm
* Increased embodied safety
* Reduced startle response
* Stabilization of the “internal threat detection system”

In Ayurvedic psychology, this helps quiet “chitta vritti” the mental disturbances associated with trauma and emotional reactivity.

4. Supports Limbic System Healing

Shirodhara gently influences regions of the brain involved in trauma responses:

* Hypothalamus:** neuroendocrine balance
* Amygdala:** fear and emotional memory
* Hippocampus:** contextual memory and safety perception
* Pineal gland:** sleep-wake cycles

Clients frequently report:

* A deep meditative or transcendent state
* Emotional softening without flooding
* A sense of being “reset” or neurologically reorganized
* Improved clarity, reduced fear, and more emotional stability

5. Improved Sleep—A Foundation for Trauma Healing

Because Shirodhara normalizes the autonomic system, clients often experience:

* Reduced nighttime anxiety
* Fewer disturbing dreams
* Longer sleep duration
* More restorative sleep cycles

Improved sleep directly enhances mood regulation, cognitive flexibility, and trauma recovery.

Client Experience: What to Expect in a Shirodhara Session

1. Initial Intake:
A thorough Ayurvedic assessment determines the appropriate medicated oil and treatment plan.

2. Positioning:
The client lies comfortably on a massage table with gentle eye protection and head support.

3. Treatment:
Warm medicated oil is poured in a continuous stream across the forehead for **30–45 minutes**, inducing deep parasympathetic rest.

4. Integration:
After the flow stops, clients rest quietly for 10–15 minutes to allow the nervous system to settle.

5. Completion:
Excess oil is removed, and grounding techniques are offered as needed.

The full session lasts 75–90 minutes
Average cost: $225

Depending on the severity of symptoms, clients may benefit from 2–7 consecutive sessions, or ongoing weekly or monthly treatments.

For more information:
rosecarolayurveda@gmail.com](mailto:rosecarolayurveda@gmail.com) | 847-636-2744
http://www.rosecarolayurveda.com

Summary of Current Scientific Findings

While research on Shirodhara is still emerging, multiple studies indicate its potential value for trauma-informed care:

Neuroendocrine Regulation

* Reduced cortisol and DHEA
* Decreased sympathetic activation
* Improved HPA-axis balance

Autonomic Function

* Lower blood pressure and heart rate
* Improved heart rate variability (HRV)
* Enhanced parasympathetic activity

Neurological Effects

* Increased alpha wave activity (relaxed alertness)
* Improved sleep architecture
* Reduced markers of anxiety and physiological arousal

Clinical Implications for Therapists

Shirodhara supports the same therapeutic outcomes pursued in trauma therapy:

* Down-regulating hyperarousal
* Improving affect regulation
* Enhancing somatic safety
* Supporting emotional integration
* Improving sleep and stability

Its gentle, non-invasive nature makes it a supportive adjunct for clients already engaged in psychotherapy.

For an appointment or more info please text 847 636 2744 USA