It is an Ayurvedic treatment in which medicated oil is allowed to stay overhead in contact with the scalp for a specific period of time.
The word Shirobasti is derived from two words Shiro means head and basti means container.
Hence Shirobasti means holding oil on the head for a specific time with the help of a cap-like structure on the head.
In Ayurveda of oil on the head is given and this procedure is called Moordhatailam (application of oil on the head)
Shirobasti is a type of moordhatailam and is used to treat diseases related to the head, ear, and brain like neurological disorders such as migraine, chronic headaches, depression, Insomnia, and many other problems.
Shirobasti is mainly done after major Panchkarma procedures to increase the benefit of those procedures but it can be done separately also where ayurvedic detoxification is needed.
It is recommended in-
- Migraine
- Hypertension
- Insomnia
- Deafness
- Facial palsy
- Burning or discomforting sensation in the scalp
- Optic nerve atrophy
- Dryness of nostrils
Benefits-
- Nourishes the brain
- Brings mental calmness
- Nourishes hair roots
- Makes hair soft, glossy, and strong
- Cures eye disorders
- Balances vata and Kapha in brain