If you want a traditional wellness escape, to feel renewed, replenished and rejuvenated then there is no better choice than an Ayurveda holiday that provides Shirodhara. Shirodhara is an Ayurvedic practice that hails from the ancient alternative medicine system that has its roots in the Indian subcontinent, it can be traced back at least 3000 years! The practice champions having a balanced mind, body, and soul, otherwise known as your Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. These three terms offer instruction on how to lead a healthy life, that benefits all aspects of your being. Ayurveda places an onus on disease prevention by promoting a healthy lifestyle that upholds wellness above all else. Many of our wellness holidays offer Ayurveda, but more specifically, Shirodhara.
Shirodhara is one of the many techniques that belong to Ayurvedic teachings. Written in ancient Sanskrit, Shiro translates to ‘head’, Dhara translates to ‘flow’ which rather accurately describes the process. Often accompanied by a head or scalp massage, warm herbal-infused oil or buttermilk is slowly poured onto the head and it slowly trickles down the face offering the ultimate relaxation practise. This often causes a deep yet tranquil state of sleep, waking to feel clear-minded, focused and rejuvenated. The method is often used to treat insomnia making it perfect for a sleep enhancement holiday. Shirodhara also is used to treat stress-related conditions such as anxiety, PTSD, and depression due to its soothing nature offering deeper, more healing nights of sleep as well as many other health benefits.
Discover our wellness holidays dotted around the globe that offer this exquisite form of ancient healing and wellbeing:
Perched on the northern tip of St-Lucia rests BodyHoliday, the perfect destination for a singles holiday. Surrounded by lush rainforests and a turquoise ocean, this stunning retreat’s mantra hinges on four core values: exercise, a healthy diet, restorative beauty, and relaxation. The 7-day De-Stress Holiday includes Shirodhara as well as reflexology, Tai-Chi, Kora healing and bespoke wellness consultation. Alongside this, make use of the 18-hole golf course nearby under palm trees and blue skies, multiple swimming pools and the spa, which this package provides a daily pass.
Immersed deep within the Sri Lankan rainforest, hidden away from the commotion of the urban-jungle, lies the intimate Santani Wellness Resort & Spa which encourages guests to be at one with nature, to reconnect with your essence and leave feeling renewed. The Mindful Triathlon™ Holiday combines three key elements, Be Active, Be Mindful, and Be Balanced. These factors tie closely with the pillars of Ayurveda as of course Shirodhara is included in the programme, as well as nature walks, variants of yoga and chakra balancing. This stunning little secret is also home to a spa, infinity pool and an elevated nutritious elevated restaurant, the perfect destination for a healing holiday.
South of the Thai mainland, adjacent to Malaysia, resides the island of Ko Samui. Located on the southern coast of the island, resting by a private beach you will find Kamalaya, a holistic retreat steeped in history that looks out over the Gulf of Thailand. Built around an ancient cave temple where Buddhist monks would meditate and hone their dualism, this sacred ground offers an authentic spiritual and holistic health retreat. This luxury wellness holiday builds on this where of course, you will experience Shirodhara as well as a bespoke wellness consultation, private reiki sessions and an extensive array of differing massages. You would also have access to the incredible spa that is home to over 70 therapies from both the East and West, the steam cavern, swimming pool and the Shakti fitness centre, making it a perfect retreat for a luxury spa holiday.
It is clear how relevant and beneficial Shirodhara still is as a treatment, the ancient practice has endured thousands of years, passed down between generations and is now implemented into numerous wellness programmes around the globe helping people enter a state of serenity.
