Abstract

This review attempts to evaluate the effect of Shirodhara treatment on essential hypertension. Essential hypertension is one of the most prevalent conditions, with significant implications on public health. Shirodhara is one of the ancient Ayurvedic therapies, which involves the pouring of herbal oils or medicated liquids on the forehead, particularly on the 'third eye' region. The therapy is believed to affect the nervous system in a sedative manner and thus regain balance between the body and mind. Some researchers have investigated the beneficial aspects of Shirodhara as an intervention for managing essential hypertension. The study findings reveal that Shirodhara treatment might help in managing blood pressure in people with essential hypertension, while enhancing their well-being. The studies were small, and some used varying Shirodhara protocols. Large-scale further studies using a more standardized treatment will have to be carried out in order to evaluate the efficiency of Shirodhara treatment on essential hypertension. This action mechanism that supposedly acts to alter the level of blood pressure also deserves mention in regard to why it has become a viable intervention within mainstream medicine. In general, this review gives insight into the potential of Shirodhara as an adjunct therapy in essential hypertension.

Key words: Shirodhara, hypertension management, autonomic nervous system, physiological and psychological pathways, neurophysiological assessments