Research study on shirodhara and insomnia proves the treatment is beneficial.
Three
groups of ten patients with insomnia were studied. One group was
treated with the 'Insomrid' tablet - an herbal tablet. Another group was
treated with shirodhara. A third group was treated with both 'Insomrid'
and shirodhara. This last group showed 'highly significant
improvement', and the other two groups showed 'significant improvement'. Please refer to the above link to read all the details of the study.
Here's what they said about how the shirodhara process helps to induce sleep.
If prolonged pressure is applied to a nerve, impulse conduction is interrupted and part of the body may go to rest. In Dhara therapy (shirodhara), prolonged and continuous pressure due to pouring of the medicated liquid may cause tranquility of mind and induce natural sleep.
From PubMed: Evaluation of Insomrid Tablet and Shirodhara in the management of Anidra (Insomnia)
Here's what they said about how the shirodhara process helps to induce sleep.
In the procedure of Shirodhara, particular pressure and vibration is created over the forehead. The vibration is amplified by the hollow sinus present in the frontal bone. The vibration is then transmitted inwards through the fluid medium of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). This vibration along with little temperature may activate the functions of thalamus and the basal fore brain which then brings the amount of serotonin and catecholamine to the normal stage inducing the sleep.
Again, it is explained in modern text books of physiology that pressure has an effect on impulse conduction through tactile and thermo receptors. If prolonged pressure is applied to a nerve, impulse conduction in interrupted and part of the body may go to rest. In Dhara therapy, prolonged and continuous pressure due to pouring of the medicated liquid may cause tranquility of mind and induce natural sleep.
