What is Dharai Therapy? (Also known as Shirodhara)

Most of us may have heard of this traditional form of therapy. It consists of oil, or other forms of liquid like medicated buttermilk or herbal decoction to be dripped in a constant flow on the forehead of the patient.

This therapy is extremely versatile and used to treat many conditions; ranging from skin ailments, psychiatric disorders to even autoimmune conditions. The number of therapy sessions, the choice of liquid, the speed at which the liquid is to be dispensed from the dharai paathiram (the copper vessel stationed a few inches above the forehead), is all dependant on the patient's condition & customised to what he or she requires.

What is the important point on the forehead?

Some physicians opt for the medicated liquid to be dripping throughout the forehead and not on one specific point.

However, in Siddha Medicine, according to the science of Varmam, it is preferred for the medicated oil or liquid to be dripping at a slow, steady state at a point called "Baalachandra adangal" also known as the "third eye".

Source: https://www.yogapedia.com/how-do-i-see-through-my-third-eye/7/8900

The Varmam point is situatuated about 1.5 finger spaces above the centre point between the eyebrows. This is essentially where the important Naadi Pathways of Idakalai & Pingalai unify, before ending their journey through the right & left nostril.

The conditions that may require a Dharai Therapy protocol to be implemented:

• Psychiatric disorders: Anxiety, Depression, OCD (Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder), etc.

• Autoimmune disorders: Rheumatoid Arthritis, Sjögren’s syndrome, etc.

• Other Non-communicable disorders: Insomnia, migraine, tension headaches, fibromyalgia, etc.

This treatment would typically be given for 8 sessions, spaced out according to the patient's needs & clinical requirements. It may be combined with other therapies to achieve an optimum outcome.