Role of Shirodhara in the Management of Depression

Abstract

Depression is a state of low mood and aversion to activity that can affect a person's thoughts, behaviour, tendencies, feelings, and sense of well-being. It is also a symptom of some physical diseases and a side effect of some drugs and medical treatments. It is one of the most common mental disorder affecting a large number of people worldwide. It can be caused due to various factors including unfavourable environmental conditions, psychological conditions, biological causes or some genetic cause. Overwhelming sadness or isolation, headaches or migraine, anxiety over everyday activities, moodiness, irritability and agitation, chronic fatigue, low self-esteem are main symptoms of depression. On reviewing the symptoms of depression, we can say that according to Ayurveda there are two conditions which can be correlated to Depression- namely- Vishada and Avsada. Sometimes it has also been correlated to Kaphaj Unmada. Modern medicine use antidepressants which on long term use have serious side effects. On the other hand, Ayurveda follows a multidimensional approach with the use of proper diet, lifestyle, Yoga, Rasayana therapy along with classical medications. Panchakarma therapies especially Shirodhara play an important role in enhancing the patient’s condition with depression. Shirodhara is a Panchakarma therapy that is quite popular nowadays, and this review article has focused on how it can be used to treat mental illnesses like depression. In numerous investigations, Shirodhara was found effective on subjective as well objective criteria.

Full text

ISSN: 2322 - 0902 (P)
ISSN: 2322 - 0910 (O)
IJAPR | July 2023 | Vol 11 | Suppl 3
82
International Journal of Ayurveda
and Pharma Research
Review Article
ROLE OF SHIRODHARA IN THE MANAGEMENT OF DEPRESSION
Sharma Priyanka1*, Priyanka2, Srivastava Alok Kumar3, Tiwari Shashi Kant4
*1Assistant Professor, Dept. of Panchakarma, 2Assistant Professor, Dept. of Agadtantra, Haridwar Ayurved College
and Research Centre, Padartha, UAU.
3Professor, Dept. of Panchakarma, Main Campus, UAU.
4Assistant Professor, Dept. of Rog Evam Vikriti Vigyana, Rishikul Campus, UAU, India.
Article info
Article History:
Received: 11-06-2023
Revised: 01-07-2023
Accepted: 15-07-2023
KEYWORDS:
Depression,
Ayurveda, Vishada,
Panchakarma,
Shirodhara.
ABSTRACT
Depression is a state of low mood and aversion to activity that can affect a person's thoughts,
behaviour, tendencies, feelings, and sense of well-being. It is also a symptom of some physical
diseases and a side effect of some drugs and medical treatments. It is one of the most
common mental disorder affecting a large number of people worldwide. It can be caused due
to various factors including unfavourable environmental conditions, psychological
conditions, biological causes or some genetic cause. Overwhelming sadness or isolation,
headaches or migraine, anxiety over everyday activities, moodiness, irritability and agitation,
chronic fatigue, low self-esteem are main symptoms of depression. On reviewing the
symptoms of depression, we can say that according to Ayurveda there are two conditions
which can be correlated to Depression- namely- Vishada and Avsada. Sometimes it has also
been correlated to Kaphaj Unmada. Modern medicine use antidepressants which on long
term use have serious side effects. On the other hand, Ayurveda follows a multidimensional
approach with the use of proper diet, lifestyle, Yoga, Rasayana therapy along with classical
medications. Panchakarma therapies especially Shirodhara play an important role in
enhancing the patient’s condition with depression. Shirodhara is a Panchakarma therapy that
is quite popular nowadays, and this review article has focused on how it can be used to treat
mental illnesses like depression. In numerous investigations, Shirodhara was found effective
on subjective as well objective criteria.
INTRODUCTION
Depression is a condition in which a person
feels very low and see’s negativity around himself,
which left untreated may start affecting everyday
routine activities. According to the WHO, depression
can be caused by multiple factors including social,
psychological, environmental and biological factors.
Studies show that life events like childhood adversity,
loss of something valuable, unemployment, poverty,
death of a loved one, physical illness, abuse etc may
trigger the symptoms of depression. For some, the risk
is also hereditary.[1] Depression and depressive
symptoms are the most common psychological
problems in the world, impacting over 300 million
people of all ages (4.4% of the world’s population),
Access this article online
Quick Response Code
https://doi.org/10.47070/ijapr.v11iSuppl3.2867
Published by Mahadev Publications (Regd.)
publication licensed under a Creative
Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-
ShareAlike 4.0 International (CC BY-NC-SA 4.0)
with an 18.4% increase in people suffering from
depression between 2005 and 2015.[2] The World
Health Organisation (WHO) predicts that depression
will be the leading cause of disability and a significant
contributor to the global disease burden by
2030.[3]According to a report, in the year 2022 the
prevalence rate of depression in India is 4.50% and the
cases stand at 56,675,969.[4] According to a study, 26
per cent respondents were suffering from mild
depression, 11 per cent were feeling moderately
depressed, and six per cent were facing severe
symptoms of depression.[5] Approximately 15% of the
population experiences a major depressive episode at
some point of in life.[6] A person should have at least
five of the following symptoms for continuous fifteen
days to be diagnosed major depression. At least one of
the five symptoms must be either (1) depressed mood
or (2) loss of interest or pleasure. [7]

Sharma Priyanka, Priyanka, Srivastava Alok Kumar, Tiwari Shashi Kant. Role of Shirodhara in the Management of Depression
IJAPR | July 2023 | Vol 11 | Suppl 3
83
Symptoms include
 Depressed mood most of the day, nearly every day.
 Markedly diminished interest or pleasure in
activities most of the day, nearly every day.
 Changes in appetite that result in weight losses or
gains unrelated to dieting.
 Changes in sleeping patterns
 Loss of energy or increased fatigue
 Restlessness or irritability
 Feelings of anxiety
 Feelings of worthlessness, helplessness, or
hopelessness.
 Inappropriate guilt
 Difficulty thinking, concentrating, or making
decisions.
 Thoughts of death or attempts at suicide
Treatment in modern medicine includes Talk
therapy with a trained counsellor or psychotherapist,
exercise and support groups are among the options
available. Antidepressants are also sometimes
prescribed. [8]
Ayurvedic Review
In Ayurveda we can say that Vishada has close
resemblance to depression. Dalhana defines “Vishadaas
Asiddhibhayat Dvividheshu Karmeshu Apravrutti
Vishada;[9] a condition originating from apprehension
of failure resulting in the incapability of mind and body
to perform their functions properly.
According to Shabda Kalpadruma and Vachaspatyam,
Vishada is referred as Avasada.
According to Vachaspatyam, Vishada is a condition
when the mind is not able to perform the routine
activities properly. [10]
Monier Williams gives the meaning of Vishada as
drooping state, lassitude, depression, languor. [11]
Vishada is Vata nanatmaja vikara. [12]
Since, the causative factors of Vishada have not been
mentioned separately, we can consider the common
causes of Manas roga:
1. Lack of coordination between mental functions of
Dhi (learning), Dhriti (fortitude) and Smriti (long
time memory). [13]
2. Weakness or imbalance of the life force or Prana
Shakti. [13]
3. Pragyapradha (violation of nature and virtues). [14]
Vishada is witnessed in the Arjuna Vishada Yoga, the
first chapter of Bhagavat Gita (verse 14), where Arjun –
the mighty warrior described his helpless condition.
He said that he could feel weakness in his limbs and
they were getting loose, his mouth had dried up with
heat, he could feel tremors and horripilation all over
his body, he could feel burning sensation over his skin
and his bow was slipping from his hand, his brain was
whirling and he was unable to stand there. [15] This lead
Arjun in a state of reduced physical and mental
activities, finally refusing to perform his duties on the
battle field. This description clearly reflects the
symptoms of Vishada.
Table 1: Shows the Samprapti Ghataka of Vishada[16]
Dosha
Manas – Tamas, Rajas (Predominantly Tamas)
Sharira - Vata, Pitta, Kapha (Predominantly Vata)
Dushya
Manas, Sarvadhatu
Srotasa
Manovaha Srotas
Agni
Jatharagni
Udbhavasthana
Manas (Hridaya)
Adhishthana
Hridaya (Shirohridaya)
Vyaktisthana
Manas, Sarvasharira
Purvarupa
Alpavyakta
Rupa
Manas - Mano bhrama, Anavasthitachitta, Avasada, Atmano Ashakta Jananam,
Chittodvega, Asiddhi bhayat, Karmeshu apravritti, Kheda, Dukkhatvam, etc.
Sharira- Vepathu, Prasveda, Romaharsha, Gatrasada, Mukhshosha, etc.
Rogamarga
Madhyam

Int. J. Ayur. Pharma Research, 2023;11(Suppl 3):82-87
Available online at: http://ijapr.in
84
Shows the Samprapti of Vishada [17]
Hetu Sevana- Malina, Ayogya Aahara, Ayogya Vihara, Pradnyaparadha, Manoaghata, Grahabadha
Asatmendriyartha Sanyoga, etc
↓
Vata, Pitta, Kapha, Rajasa, Tamasa dushti + Satva guna decreases
↓
Jatharagnimandya
↓
Annavaha Strotodushti
↓
Rasavaha Strotsa + Manovaha Strotasa dushti
↓
Manoavsada, Chinta, Bhaya, Pralapa, etc. formation
↓
Vishada (Depression)
Ayurveda has holistic approach in the
treatment of any disease and it does not just include
the use of medications but also lays stress on the role
of proper diet, lifestyle changes, Yoga, exercises,
meditation, Rasayana therapy, Panchakarma etc.
Ayurvedic Management
1. Nidana Parivarjana (Removal of causative
factor)
This the foremost principal in treating any disease in
Ayurveda. Any disease cannot be cured unless its
causative factor is removed. If not done, the disease is
certain to reoccur. So, while making the diagnosis the
main reason causing depression should be searched
and then suitable steps should be taken for its removal.
2. Ayurvedic management mainly includes
Daivavyapashraya Chikitsa, Yuktivyapashraya
Chikitsa, and Satvavajaya chikitsa. [18]
a) Daivavyapashraya Chikitsa (Spiritual
Therapy)
It includes the recitation of Mantras, medications,
use of gems and roots, Bali (offering), Homa,
Upahara (gift), Prayascita (atonement), Upavasa
(fasting), Pranipata, and Yatragaman (pilgrimage).
These techniques make a person strong from inside.
b) Yuktivyapashraya Chikitsa (Physical
Therapy)
It includes the use of medicine in different forms. It
is of 3 types (Antarparimarjana, Bahirparimarjana,
and Shastapraninidhana)
Antarparimarjana (Internal cleansing)
 Samshodhana (purification)- That is elimination of
vitiated Doshas by throwing them out of the body.
 Samshamana (alleviation)- It includes different type
of drugs, diet activities used to alleviate the vitiated
doshas.
Bahirparimarjana (External cleansing)
It includes procedure like Snehana (oleation),
Swedana (sudation), Lepa (liniment), and Parisheka
(Fomentation), Shirodhara etc.
Shastrapranidhana (Surgical or para-surgical
procedures)
Surgical procedures like bloodletting have been
recommended for a number of different mental
problems.
c) Satvavajaya Chikitsa (Mental therapy)
Keep the mind away from negative thoughts.
Through this treatment modality the patient is
treated through counselling.
3. Yoga and Pranayama
Through Yoga and Pranayama we can completely
relax our body and mind and get rid of many
physical and mental ailments. Yoga Asana like
Padmasana, Shavasana, and Surya Namaskara,
Bhujangasana, Paschimottanasana, Sarvangasana
and Pranayama like Kapalabhati, Bhastrika, and
Anuloma Villoma are very helpful in reducing
symptoms of depression.
4. Aahara and Vihara
The patient should be given complete nutritious
food rich in all the components of a balanced diet.
Fresh fruits and vegetables help to heal quickly.
Medhya (brain tonics) Dravya should be given with
priority. Modifying one's lifestyle helps in the
treatment of depression, like indulging in some
activities, music etc.
5. Rasayana
Rasayana are used to rejuvenate the body, increase
longevity and improve the quality of life. Rasayana
improves immunity levels as well as enhance the
function of endocrine, psychological and
neurological system. Example; Shilajatu Rasayana
Kalpa, Amalaki Rasayana, Brahmi Ghrita,
Panchagavya Ghrita.[19]

Sharma Priyanka, Priyanka, Srivastava Alok Kumar, Tiwari Shashi Kant. Role of Shirodhara in the Management of Depression
IJAPR | July 2023 | Vol 11 | Suppl 3
85
6. Panchakarma
It is a potent Ayurvedic therapy that balances the
Doshas by removing harmful toxins from the body,
increasing metabolic rate, and improving digestive
fire. Snehapana, Virechana, Sarvanga Abhyanga
followed by Bashpa Sweda, Shirodhara, Shiropichu,
results in induction of relaxation stage of mind,
which results in dynamic psycho-somatic balance.
A total feeling of mental clarity, happiness and
comprehension is experience in this process.[20,21]
7. Herbs
Certain herbs can be given to a person suffering
with depression. Ashwagandha has anxiolytic and
anti-depressant activity. [22] Few drugs like
Vacha [23], Jatamansi [24], Brahmi[25], and
Shankhpushpi[26] have demonstrated anti-
depressant activity.
We can say that the holistic approach of Ayurveda is a
complete package in treating the diseased condition of
a patient. Among external therapies Shirodhara plays
an eminent role in relaxing a patient suffering from
depression.
DISCUSSION
Shirodhara is a type of Murdhataila where
suitable medicated oil, Kwath, milk, buttermilk etc is
heated and then poured over the forehead of the
patient lying in supine position. The selected liquid is
then allowed to flow over the scalp from a specific
height in oscillatory movement at regular interval.
Shirodhara is a very efficient kind of treatment,
and in this part, the findings of some research works
on its role in managing mental disorders like stress
and depression are being discussed.
1. Shirodhara demonstrates a sympatholytic effect
and encourages the decline of noradrenaline,
which activates the peripheral foot skin circulation
and shows enhancement of immune response. [27]
2. In their study, Xu et al. hypothesized the
mechanism by which the physiological action of
Shirodhara, which involves drizzling sesame oil on
the forehead, would trigger a somato-autonomic
reflex via thermosensors or pressure sensors in the
skin or hair follicles via the trigeminal cranial
nerve. This process brought about a state of
relaxation that keeps the psycho-physiological
balance intact. [28]
3. Shirodhara showed significant improvement in
serum biomarkers of stress, which are reduced
after Shirodhara. It showed appropriate
responsiveness to the stress system. Since
prolonged stress leads to depression, we can refer
this study. [29]
4. Dhara therapy, specifically, Takradhara has shown
a significant role in relieving stress-induced
disorders. [30]
5. Shirodhara combined with Ayurvedic treatment
has neuroendocrine modulatory and anti-
depressant effects in Vishada patients. After the
therapy, cortisol levels significantly dropped. [31]
6. Takradhara showed better improvement in
depression and anxiety scores in the subjects. One
of the modes of actions could be involvement of
pH-sensitive receptors present on the forehead by
Takra.[32]
Probable Mode of action of Shirodhara [33]
Shirodhara keeps the body and mind healthy.
Imbalance of Prana, Udana and Vyana Vayu, Sadhaka
Pitta and Tarpaka Kapha can produce mental issues
like depression, stress and anxiety. Through its
mechanical action, Shirodhara restores the functional
integrity between these subtypes of Dosha. [34]
 Marma or the vital points
Some of the Marma, mainly Sthapni, Utshepa, Avarta,
Shankha and Apanga Marma are situated in forehead
and head region.[35] The region between both the
eyebrows is the site of Sthapni Marma.[36] The site of
Sthapni Marma and the site of pituitary and pineal
gland exist at the same level.[33] The pituitary gland is
the main controller of the endocrine system and
regulates the hormones.[37] During mental disorders
like stress and depression a hormonal imbalance is
seen. Through Shirodhara there is stimulation of
Sthapni Marma and indirect stimulation of pituitary
gland, which brings changes in psycho-somatic level.
Hence helps in relieving symptoms of depression.
Effect of temperature in Shirodhara
Pouring warm liquid continuously on the
forehead causes mild vasodilatation. This improves
blood circulation and blood supply of the brain. The
thalamus and the basal forebrain may be activated by
vibration and warmth, bringing serotonin and
catecholamine levels back to normal. [33]
Effect of constant pressure in Shirodhara
During the procedure of Shirodhara, a constant
pressure is being applied on the forehead due to the
movement of the liquid continuously. This pressure
brings some chemical changes which calm the mind
and help in relieving the symptoms of depression.

Int. J. Ayur. Pharma Research, 2023;11(Suppl 3):82-87
Available online at: http://ijapr.in
86
Shows the effect of constant pressure on Shirodhara
Constant pressure and vibration produced in the Shirodhara procedure
↓
Amplified by the hollow sinus present in the frontal bone
↓
Inward transmission of vibrations through the fluid media of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)
And application of prolonged pressure
↓
Stimulate nerve endings of the autonomic nervous system
↓
Produce chemical substances like Acetylcholine (activated by a nerve impulse vibration)
↓
Causes fall of blood pressure
↓
Decreased activity of central nervous system
↓
Resulting in tranquility of mind
↓
Relieving in symptoms of depression
CONCLUSION
The number of people suffering from mental
disorders like depression is rising day by day in society
and is affecting all age groups. So, it is the need of the
hour to help the mankind by giving an effective remedy
to this serious problem. From the above discussion we
can conclude that Shirodhara is a boon to humanity
and is very effective in relieving the symptoms of
depression.
REFERENCES
1. From Anxiety to Schizophrenia: Mental Health
Conditions Explained. Lynn Chann: Our better World;
[cited 2019 Oct 07]. Available from: https: // www.
Ourbetterworld.org/series/mental-health/support-
toolkit/anxiety-schizophrenia-mental-health-
conditions-explained
2. The Author(s). GBD 2015 Disease and Injury Incidence
and Prevalence Collaborators. Global, regional, and
national incidence, prevalence, and years lived with
disability for 310 diseases and injuries, 1990–2015: A
systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease
Study 2015. Lancet. 2016 Oct 8; 3736(16): 1545–1602.
3. Depression and Other Common Mental Disorders:
Global Health Estimates. World Health Organization
(WHO). Available online: https://apps.who.int/iris/
handle/10665/254610 (accessed on 12 April 2022).
4. Depression in India: The Latest Statistics. Sakshi: Mind
voyage; [cited May 12, 2023]. Available from:
https://mindvoyage.in/depression-in-india-latest-
statistics
5. 43% Indians suffering from depression: Study. The
Times of India [2020, July 28]. Available from: Http:
//timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/77220895.
cms? Utm _source= contentofinterest &utm_medium=
text&utm_campaign=cppst
6. Harrison T.R. et al. Harrison’s Principles of Internal
Medicine. 19th International edition; Vol-II. Singapore;
McGraw-Hill book Co; 2012. p.2770, 2715.
7. Frequently Asked Questions about Depression: Brain
and behaviour research foundation; Available from:
https://www.bbrfoundation.org/faq/frequently –
asked-questions about depression.
8. From Anxiety to Schizophrenia: Mental Health
Conditions Explained. Lynn Chann: Our better World;
[cited 2019 Oct 07]. Available from: https: //www.
Ourbetterworld.org/series/mental-health/support-
toolkit/anxiety-schizophrenia-mental-health-
conditions-explained?
9. Sushruta, Sushruta Samhita, Nibandha Samgraha
Commentary of Sri Dalhanacharya and Nyaya Chandrika
Panjika on Nidana Sthana Commentary of Sri
Gayadasacharya, by; Vaidya Yadavji Trikramji Acharya,
Vol-1. (Sutra Sthana Chapter1, verse- 24(3)), Varanasi;
Chaukhamba Orientalia; reprint-2014. p-6
10. Sri Taranatha. Tarakvachaspati Vachaspatyam.
Varanasi; Chaukhambha Sanskrit Series; 1970. p. 4933.
11. Sir.Monier. Monier - Williams, a Sanskrit - English
dictionary, first Indian edition. Delhi; Motilal
Banarasidass; 1970, Page no.996
12. Charaka. Charaka Samhita with Ayurveda Dipika
commentary by Chakrapanidatta, edited by Vaidya
Yadavji Trikamaji Acharya. Vol -1 (Sutra sthana 20/11)
Varanasi; Chaukhambha Prakashan; Reprint 2010, pg.
113 [2].
13. Charaka, Charaka Samhita with Ayurveda Dipika
commentary by Chakrapanidatta, edited by Vaidya
Yadavji Trikamaji Acharya, Vol-1 (Sutra sthana 7/51-
52), Varanasi; Chaukhambha Prakashana; Reprint 2010,
pg. 54.
14. Charaka, Charak Samhita With Ayurveda Dipika
Commentary Of Chakrapani Datta, Ed. Yadavji Trikarma
Ji Acharya, Vol-1 (Charaka Samhita Sharirsthan Chapter

Sharma Priyanka, Priyanka, Srivastava Alok Kumar, Tiwari Shashi Kant. Role of Shirodhara in the Management of Depression
IJAPR | July 2023 | Vol 11 | Suppl 3
87
1). Varanasi; Chaukhambha Surbharati Prakashan, p-99-
102.
15. Dr. Vikram Chauhan; An Ayurvedic Perspective of
Depression (Vishada): Dr Vikram Chauhan’s blog;
September 1, 2020; Available from: https://www.
blog.drvikram.com/an-ayurvedic-perspective-of-
depression-vishada/
16. Vasudha S. Umate, Pramod F. Garje, Ashish Y. Gotmare,
Jaikrishna R. Chhangani; Ayurvedic Concept of Vishada
(Depression) and its Healing Through Traditional
Regimen: A Review Article; International Journal of
Innovative Science and Research Technology; October -
2020; 5(10); 725-729.
17. Jabeen G. Shaikh & Shrikant G. Deshmukh. Vishada
(Depression) in Ayurveda: A Literary Review.
International Journal of Ayurveda; Jan. 2020; 05(01);
01-05
18. Agnivesha, Charak Samhita -Vidhyotani teka edited by
Kasi nath sastri & Gorakha nath Chaturvedi. Edition
reprinted 2022, vol-1 (Charaksutra, 11/54). Varanasi;
Chaukhambha Bharti Academy, p-238.
19. Sanjay Dhurve, An Ayurvedic outlook on Vishada
(Depression) and its management, IJCRT; May 2021;
9(5); 2320-2882.
20. Uebaba K, Xu FH, Ogawa H, Tatsuse T, Wang BH,
Hisajima T, et al. Psychoneuroimmunologic effects of
Ayurvedic oil-dripping treatment. J Altern Complement
Med. 2008; 14: 1189–98.
21. Kalpana D Dhuri, Prashant V Bodhe, Ashok B Vaidya.
Shirodhara: A psycho-physiological profile in healthy
volunteers. JAIM.2013 Jan; 4(1); 40-4
22. Bhattacharya S.K., Bhattacharya A., Sairam K., Ghosal S.
Anxiolytic-antidepressant activity of Withaniasomnifera
glycowithanolides: an experimental study.
Phytomedicine. 2000; 7(6): 463–469.
23. Tripathi A.K., Singh R.H. Experimental evaluation of
antidepressant effect of Vacha (Acoruscalamus) in
animal models of depression. AYU. 2010; 31(2): 153–
158.
24. Dhingra D., Goyal P.K. Inhibition of MAO and GABA:
probable mechanisms for antidepressant-like activity of
Nardostachys jatamansi DC. In mice. Indian J Exp
Biol. 2008; 46(4): 212–218
25. Kadali R.M., Das M.C., Rao S., Sri K.G. Antidepressant
activity of brahmi in albino mice. J Clin Diagn Res. 2014;
8(3): 35–37.
26. Agarwal P., Sharma B., Amreen F., Jain S.K. An update on
Ayurvedic herb Convolvulus pluricaulis Choisy. Asian
Pac J Trop Biomed. 2014; 4(3): 245–252
27. Uebaba K., Xu F.H., Ogawa H., Tatsuse T., Wang B.H.,
Hisajima T. Psychoneuroimmunologic effects of
Ayurvedic oil-dripping treatment. J Alternative Compl
Med. 2008; 14(10): 1189–1198.
28. Dhuri K.D., Bodhe P.V., Vaidya A.B. Shirodhara: a psycho-
physiological profile in healthy volunteers. J Ayurveda
Integr Med. 2013; 4(1): 40–44.
29. Sujata Rajana, Manoj K. Shamkuwar, Ankur Kumar
Tanwara. Impact of Shirodhara on biological markers of
stress: A case study. JAIM; 2021 Jan-Mar; 12(1): 178–
181.
30. Dr. Jawahar Rahangdale, Dr.Sumit Madankar, & Dr.
Deepali Kohale. Systemic review on Shirodhara and
mode of action of Takradhara in Psoriasis. Journal of
Ayurveda and Integrated Medical Sciences, 2019. 4(06),
175-180.
31. Ramakrishna K. Kishore a, Hulegar A. Abhishekh b,
Kaviraja Udupa c, Jagadisha Thirthalli b, Gandhidas S.
Lavekar d, Bangalore N. Gangadhar b, Trichur R. Raju b,
Talakad N. Sathyaprabha; Evaluation of the influence of
Ayurvedic formulation (Ayushman-15) on
psychopathology, heart rate variability and stress
hormonal level in major depression (Vishada); Asian
journal of psychiatry, December 2014; 12; 100-107
32. Siju Vikhnan, Kaviraja Udupa, Shivarama Varambally,
Sudhakar Deverakonda, Talakad Narasappa
Sathyaprabha. A comparative study to assess the
modulation of stress by Shirodhara in healthy
individuals by psychometric and heart rate variability
measures; Applied Medical Research, 2019; 6(01); 1-9.
33. Nidhi Gupta and Gopesh Mangal: A conceptual study on
Shirodhara procedure; Int.J.Res. Ayurveda Pharm.;
2019; 10 (3), 10-12
34. Patel D.V., Chandola H.M., Baghel M.S. & Joshi J.R.
Evaluation of the role of Mansika bhava in the
etiopathogenesis of Madhumeha (NIDDM) and its
management by polyherbal antidiabetic Formulation
with and without Medhya Rasayana; Ph.D. Thesis,
I.P.G.T. & R.A G.A.U. (2009)
35. Shushruta; Shushruta Samhita, Edition: Reprint 2014;
volume 1 (Sharira sthana, 5/28). Varanasi; Chaukhamba
Sanskrit Sansthan, Chaukhamba publication Hindi
commentary, page no.61
36. Shushruta. Shushruta Samhita Dalhana comm. Ayurved
Tatva Sandipika, edited K. S. Shastri. Vol-1 (Sharir
Sthana 5/28). Varanasi; Chaukhamba Surbharati
Prakashan. page 56
37. Guyton, Hall. Pituitary hormone and their control by
hypothalamus. Textbook of Medical physiology; 11th
edition. Noida, Elsevier. Reprint 2008. p.919-20
Disclaimer: IJAPR is solely owned by Mahadev Publications - dedicated to publish quality research, while every effort has been taken to verify the
accuracy of the content published in our Journal. IJAPR cannot accept any responsibility or liability for the articles content which are published. The
views expressed in articles by our contributing authors are not necessarily those of IJAPR editor or editorial board members.
Cite this article as:
Sharma Priyanka, Priyanka, Srivastava Alok Kumar, Tiwari Shashi Kant. Role of
Shirodhara in the Management of Depression. International Journal of Ayurveda
and Pharma Research. 2023;11(Suppl 3):82-87.
https://doi.org/10.47070/ijapr.v11iSuppl3.2867
Source of support: Nil, Conflict of interest: None Declared
*Address for Correspondence
Dr. Sharma Priyanka
Assistant Professor,
Dept. of Panchakarma,
Haridwar Ayurved College and
Research Centre, Padartha.
Email: shimla.lovely@gmail.com
Phone: 9720139606