+91 9895734005
Call us anytime
info@idealkerala.com
Drop us a line anytime!
+91 9895734005
Call us anytime
info@idealkerala.com
Drop us a line anytime!
A warm medicated oil therapy for the head, planned by our Ayurvedic physician after a personal consultation at Ideal Ayurvedic Resort, Kovalam.
Shirovasti is a traditional Ayurvedic head therapy in which warm medicated oil is retained on the scalp for a set time inside a snug leather cap or band. The oil is chosen according to your dosha, or constitutional body type, after a consultation with an Ayurvedic physician.
The word comes from the Sanskrit shiro (head) and vasti (container). The cap is sealed at the forehead so the oil stays in place without leaking, and the therapy is counted among the major external oil treatments of Ayurveda.
What separates it from simply oiling the scalp at home is the decision-making before the cap goes on. At our Kovalam centre, the oil, its temperature and the length of time it stays on are all set by our physician after observing you.
A simple, unhurried process guided by our Ayurvedic physician and trained therapists at our Kovalam centre.
Our physician assesses your constitution, current complaints and medications, and confirms head oil therapy is suitable that day.
The medicated oil chosen for you is warmed to a comfortable, carefully checked temperature.
A snug cap is sealed around the head and the warm oil is poured in, where it stays for the time your physician prescribes.
The oil is drained, the cap is removed, and a gentle head massage and a short rest complete the session.
You sit upright and comfortable while the therapist fits the cap, which is made of leather or a similar material and sealed at the forehead so no oil can escape. The warm oil is poured in until it covers the scalp and is kept at a steady, comfortable warmth for the whole time. You stay calm and still while the oil is in place, and you should tell the therapist at once if anything feels too warm or uncomfortable. When the time is up the oil is drained, the cap is removed, and a gentle head massage helps complete the session.
With the oil in place, a Shirovasti session usually lasts 30 to 60 minutes. The time varies with the person and the physician's plan. Allow about 90 minutes in total once you include the consultation, the preparation, the massage afterwards and a rest. It is traditionally given as a course of sessions rather than a single visit.
Shirovasti is traditionally used as part of Ayurvedic wellness routines. People come to us for different reasons, so here is a plain account of what guests tend to notice and what they should not expect.
The most consistent feedback is a settled, quiet feeling in the mind, often from the first session.
Many guests tell us they sleep more soundly during a course of treatment.
Warm oil held on the scalp is traditionally used for a dry or hot, burning-feeling scalp.
Often chosen for a heavy, tight feeling in the head, as part of a physician-guided plan.
Traditionally used to settle a tired, overstimulated mind after stress or a long journey.
Often chosen as part of a regular, physician-guided Ayurvedic routine.
Shirovasti is traditionally used as a supportive therapy alongside proper medical care. Our Ayurvedic physician may suggest it for people who:
Being clear about this matters more to us than filling the diary. Please tell us about any of the following when you book, not at the door. It saves everyone a wasted journey, and it is safer.
Here is how a typical Shirovasti session runs at our Kovalam centre, from preparing beforehand to resting afterwards. Allow about 90 minutes in total.
Before Treatment
Eat something light about two hours before and skip heavy meals and excess caffeine. Wear loose clothing you do not mind getting oil on. Our physician then reviews your constitution and medications.
During Treatment
You sit comfortably while warm oil is held on the scalp inside the cap, usually for 30 to 60 minutes. Tell your therapist straight away if the oil feels too warm or the cap too tight.
After Treatment
Rest for a while and avoid cold wind and strenuous activity. Drink warm water, avoid heavy food that evening and plan a slow, light day. Follow the physician's advice on washing your hair.
Several Ayurvedic therapies work on the head with warm oil. This is how Shirovasti differs from the others our physician may recommend.
Warm medicated oil is retained on the scalp inside a sealed cap for a set time. Usually chosen by guests who want a deep, sustained calming effect and are comfortable sitting quietly for the length of the treatment.
A continuous, rhythmic stream of warm oil is poured over the forehead while you lie down. A different technique from Shirovasti, and our physician may suggest one, the other, or both in the same course.
A warm oil massage of the scalp, neck and shoulders, with the oil worked in by hand rather than retained or poured. Often added when the upper back and neck hold tension.
You may also like our Shirodhara treatment, or our Abhyanga Ayurvedic massage for the whole body.
Pricing depends on the length and number of sessions, and on whether you are booking a single treatment or a residential package with accommodation and diet included. Single sessions and multi-day programmes are priced separately, so please ask us for the current rate for your dates.
We are a residential Ayurvedic centre in Kovalam, Thiruvananthapuram, and we have been treating guests here since 1997. These are the things we think are worth knowing before you book.
Every treatment plan is set by our physician, not chosen from a menu at reception.
Our therapists are trained in-house and work under supervision, including how to judge safe oil temperature.
Residential guests receive a diet plan with their therapy, because in Ayurveda what you eat during a course of treatment is not a side issue.
We would rather tell you a therapy is unsuitable than sell it to you.
Real experiences from guests who have stayed and been treated with us.
The Shirovasti treatment was a peaceful and relaxing experience. The therapist explained the procedure clearly and ensured the oil temperature was comfortable throughout the session. I really appreciated the attentive care and calm surroundings.
I had a pleasant experience with this traditional Ayurvedic head therapy. The staff were welcoming, the treatment area was clean, and the therapist made sure I was comfortable at every stage. The entire session felt professional and well organised.
I enjoyed experiencing this traditional Ayurvedic therapy during my stay. The practitioner provided clear guidance, and the gentle approach made the session comfortable. The peaceful resort environment added to the overall feeling of relaxation.
Quick answers to the questions guests ask us most often before booking.
Shirovasti is an Ayurvedic head therapy in which warm medicated oil is held on the scalp for a set time inside a snug leather cap or band. The word comes from shiro (head) and vasti (container). The oil is chosen by our physician according to your constitution and complaints.
Both use warm medicated oil on the head, but they work differently. In Shirovasti the oil is retained on the scalp inside a cap for a set time. In Shirodhara a continuous stream of oil is poured over the forehead. Our physician will advise which suits you, and the two may be advised in the same course.
The oil usually stays on the scalp for about 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the person and the physician's plan. Allow about 90 minutes in total once you include the consultation, the preparation, the head massage afterwards and a rest.
It is traditionally given as a course rather than a single session. Seven to fourteen sessions is a common range, but our physician will set the number after assessing you.
Traditionally it is used for a heavy or tense feeling in the head, a dry or burning-feeling scalp, restless sleep, and mental tiredness from stress or travel. It is a supportive wellness therapy and not a treatment for any specific disease.
For most people it is gentle when carried out by trained therapists. It is not carried out during fever, active infection, a heavy cold or congestion, indigestion, or over a scalp wound or skin infection. Pregnancy, recent surgery, a recent head injury, cardiac conditions, high blood pressure, uncontrolled diabetes, clotting disorders and blood-thinning medication need your doctor's clearance first.
Usually yes. Tell our physician about any scalp sensitivity, allergies or skin conditions when you book, and an oil suited to your skin will be chosen. If your scalp has an active skin problem, we may advise waiting until it has settled.
No. Shirovasti is a traditional wellness and supportive therapy, not a cure for migraine, insomnia, depression, anxiety or any other condition. It may be used alongside medical treatment with your doctor's knowledge, and it should never replace prescribed care. Persistent headaches, low mood or sleeplessness should be assessed by a doctor.
Rest for a while and keep the rest of your day light. Avoid cold wind, air-conditioned drafts and strenuous activity straight afterwards, drink warm water, and avoid heavy food that evening. Follow the physician's advice on when to wash your hair.
Yes, we recommend it, particularly during the November to February season. Call +91 9895734005 or use our booking form, and mention any health conditions or medications at that point so our physician can review before you arrive.
Speak with our team about your requirements and learn whether Shirovasti is right for you. Our physician will review any health conditions before you arrive.