Shirodhara Therapy for Anxiety- According to Ayurveda

a peaceful woman lying on a treatment table receiving shirodhara therapy as a steady stream of warm herbal oil flows gently onto her forehead promoting deep relaxation and ayurvedic healing

By Jessica Haas, Ayurveda Practitioner & Panchakarma Therapist

Anxiety can feel like a constant hum in the background; racing thoughts, tension in the chest, restlessness in the mind and body. I’ve been there, and I see it often in the clients who come to me looking for deep, lasting calm. While there are many tools in Ayurveda to address anxiety, one of the most transformative therapies I offer is Shirodhara.

Shirodhara is a deeply soothing Ayurvedic therapy where a continuous stream of warm herbal oil is gently poured over the forehead — specifically on the ajna marma, the third eye center. This therapy works not only on a physical level, but energetically and emotionally as well. I often describe it as a reset for the nervous system.

The Ayurvedic View of Anxiety - Shirodhara Therapy for Anxiety

In Ayurveda, anxiety is primarily seen as an imbalance in Vata dosha, which governs movement, the nervous system, and mental activity. When Vata is aggravated — which happens easily with overstimulation, irregular routines, worry, or trauma — it can lead to symptoms like insomnia, fear, unease, dryness, and disconnection from the body.

Shirodhara helps to pacify Vata by using warm, unctuous oils and rhythmic flow to ground and stabilize both the mind and body.

How Shirodhara Helps with Anxiety

Here’s how this beautiful therapy supports anxiety relief:

🌿 Calms the central nervous system – According to a study published in the Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine (2011), Shirodhara was shown to significantly reduce symptoms of anxiety by shifting the body into a parasympathetic (rest-and-digest) state.

🌿 Reduces cortisol levels – A clinical study in the Ayu Journal (2012) found that patients receiving Shirodhara had a measurable reduction in cortisol, the body’s stress hormone, after just a few sessions.

🌿 Improves sleep quality – Many of my clients report better sleep after their first session. The continuous flow of oil over the forehead activates the pineal gland, which regulates melatonin — the hormone that governs our sleep-wake cycle.

🌿 Enhances emotional resilience – Shirodhara is a heart-centered therapy. By calming the mind and allowing deep stillness, it creates space for emotional release and realignment. It’s not uncommon for clients to experience a sense of peace, clarity, or even joyful tears during or after a session.

What to Expect

Each session begins with a grounding head and neck massage to prepare your body and marma points. The oil used is warm and tailored to your constitution; typically sesame or Brahmi-infused oil for Vata types. As the oil flows rhythmically across your forehead, you’ll drift into a meditative, almost trance-like state. This is where the healing begins.

After the session, you’ll have time to rest and absorb the experience. I always recommend taking it easy for the rest of the day, allowing the benefits to settle deeply.

My Thoughts

As someone who practices Ayurveda daily, I believe Shirodhara is one of the most powerful treatments we have for modern mental health. Shirodhara therapy for anxiety is a very well-known treatment in India. In a world where we’re constantly “on,” this therapy offers a chance to just be — to pause, to breathe, to receive. If you’re experiencing anxiety, insomnia, racing thoughts, or just feel ungrounded, I invite you to try Shirodhara. It’s more than a treatment, it is a sacred ritual for coming back to yourself.

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If you'd like to book a session with me at my Ayurveda wellness hut in Katy, or have questions about whether Shirodhara is right for you, feel free to reach out. I’d love to support your wellness journey.

With LOVE

Jessica Haas

Namaste Blends & Ayurveda Wellness Katy