Shirovasti / Shirobasti
Shirovasti is an Ayurvedic procedure that essentially involves keeping high specific gravity luke warm oil for a specific period on the head. This treatment is prescribed for disorders like cervical spondylosis, numbness, facial paralysis, Bell’s palsy, dryness of nose and mouth, cataract, deafness, earache, insomnia and other diseases that afflict the cranial nerves. It is also known to prevent hair fall, alopecia and graying of hair. It gives sense organs more efficiency and health.
Ayurvedic procedures involving application of oil to the head are classified into four – Abhyanga, Seka, Pichu and Vasti. These are collectively denoted called Moordha Taila procedures (Moordha – Head and Taila – Oil). The gentle massage of the scalp with oil is called Abhyanga, pouring of oil on the head is Seka, putting oil dipped cotton in head is Pichu and keeping the oil on the head in a leather bag or sleeve is called Vasti (or commonly Shirovasti). The procedure for sirovasti is done on a shaven head preferably and by making the patient sit erect and fastening a belt on leather bag or sleeve around the head covering the portion of the forehead so that a round shaped tank like formation takes place over the head. This tank is then filled with oil and kept for some time. This is also beneficial in diseases of the head especially in difficulties arising due to injuries to the head. The brain is the seat of all sensory and motor functions. It is called as the Uno organ of human body. It is the controlling system of the body, the process done directly to it will result in the total rejuvenation of the body. The human brain though accounts for only 2 % of the body weight, uses 20% of the total energy consumed by the body. It therefore produces more metabolic wastes. If the channels to eliminate these wastes are blocked they will get accumulated in the head leading to various diseases. Shirovasti liquefies and drains the toxins in the channels of the brain and relaxes the organs.