Shirodhara therapy has existed for over 3,000 years in India as part of Ayurvedic therapies. Classically, patients lie down on their backs on a wooden table. A copper container containing lukewarm oil is suspended above its head. A hole in the pot allows the oil to flow pleasantly on the forehead and quickly induces a deep physical and mental relaxation accompanied by a deep state of mental silence and happiness. A fabric protects the patient's eyes so that the oil does not penetrate the patient, which would be irritating. A therapist is usually located at the back of the patient's head. It can move the flow to the front and periodically retrieve the oil with a ladle below the table to refill the container.
The traditional technique requires a cumbersome and expensive equipment (sometimes more than 2.000 USD).
The table is not comfortable.
The equipment occupies a lot of space.
Some technicians operate the device and make noise behind the head of the patient.
Futhermore, the eyes are protected by a headband, so that the oil does not come in contact with the eyes, which would be very irritating. But the headband diminishes the sensation and the effect of the flow on the forehead.
Some automatic systems have been developed but are very expensive (several thousand USD) and are still not comfortable.
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