Abstract

A SINGLE-GROUP OBSERVATIONAL STUDY ASSESSING THE HEMODYNAMIC EFFECTS OF SHIRODHARA ON VITAL SIGNS

Prof. Dr. Gopesh Mangal*, Dr. Avvinish Narine, Dr. Karishma Singh, Dr. Pratibha Chowdhary, Dr. Surajita Biswal, Dr. Arju, Dr. Annu Kaushik, Dr. Sneh Kanwar, Dr. Abhishek Ranjan Jha, Dr. Nisha Bhoi, Dr. Laxmi Sharma, Dr. Shubhechchha Lamichhane and Dr. Rajkumar Banjaray

Abstract

Shirodhara is a classical Ayurvedic therapy involving the rhythmic pouring of medicated liquids over the forehead (Shira). Traditionally used for psychosomatic and neurological conditions, this intervention has also shown promising calming effects on physiological parameters. The present study was planned to evaluate the immediate and shortterm physiological effects of Shirodhara in patients irrespective of their underlying disease condition and the type of medicated liquid used. In order to assess the effect of Shirodhara, 100 subjects aged 18 to 70 years who were prescribed Shirodhara at the Department of Panchakarma, National Institute of Ayurveda, Jaipur, were enrolled for this observational study. The subjects were advised to undergo Shirodhara for 30 minutes daily, for a continuous period of 7 days. The procedure involved the pouring of warm medicated oil or Ksheera from a height of 4 Angula over the forehead in a rhythmic oscillating manner, maintaining a temperature between 38–40°C. Standard procedural safety measures like gauze above the eyebrows, eye pads, and ear plugs were implemented for all participants. Vital physiological parameters including systolic and diastolic blood pressure, pulse rate, blood oxygen saturation (SpO₂), respiratory rate and body temperature were assessed at three intervals: A) Before Shirodhara, B) Immediately after, and C) 15 minutes after the therapy. This is an open-labelled, single-armed, single-centric, non-interventional observational study. The final outcome of the study indicates a noticeable reduction in systolic and diastolic blood pressure, a calming trend in pulse rate, and stable oxygen saturation levels. The therapy demonstrated a mild, homeostatic influence on body temperature. The findings affirm Shirodhara's value not only as a traditional Ayurvedic therapy for inducing mind-body relaxation but also as a promising supportive intervention in managing stress-related cardiovascular imbalances

Keywords: Ayurveda, Hemodynamic effect, Shirodhara, Panchkarma, Vital Parameters.