In Shiro Basti, a tall leather or rexine cap open at the top is fixed around the head with dough, and warm medicated oil is poured in and kept on the scalp for a set time.
It is considered the strongest of the head therapies (Murdha taila) for Vata disorders of the head and nervous system.
How Shiro Basti is done
- Head and body oil massage.
- Cap fixed around the shaved or oiled scalp with dough seal.
- Warm oil poured in and kept 30–50 minutes depending on dosha.
- Oil removed, head, neck and shoulders massaged.
- Rest; avoid cold and head bath that day.
Who Shiro Basti may suit
May suit insomnia, facial palsy (Bell's palsy, supportive), migraine, anxiety, dryness of the scalp and some neurological conditions.
Precautions before Shiro Basti
- Not during cold, fever, sinus congestion or with a scalp infection.
- Tell the doctor about any medicines you take, pregnancy, recent illness, high blood pressure, heart or kidney problems before the therapy. Do not stop any prescribed medicine on your own.
Shiro Basti in Varanasi at Aarogyam Shri Ayurveda
Shiro Basti at our Varanasi (Banaras) clinic is done by trained therapists under the supervision of an Ayurveda doctor, who first checks your Prakriti, current health and reports. The doctor then decides the oils or medicines, the number of sittings and the diet to follow during the course.
