A person suffering from an anxiety disorder, stress, hypertension, fatigue, tension, worry, headache, and depression can opt for this Ayurvedic treatment. Furthermore, Shirodhara oils mixed with nervine herbs can be useful for people suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder. A person suffering from insomnia is also eligible for this treatment as the process helps to stimulate the pineal gland which produces the sleep-inducing hormone melatonin. A person suffering from high blood pressure will also find this treatment to be beneficial.

Women in the final phases of pregnancy should not opt for this treatment. A person who has an aversion to oil is not eligible for this treatment. Other people who are not eligible include people suffering from brain tumor, neck injury, cuts or abrasions on the forehead or fever. People with some acute illness or suffering from nausea, vomiting, exhaustion, fatigue or spontaneous sweating are not eligible for this treatment.

There are no such preparations that are to be done before the initiation of the treatment.

Shirodhara provides optimum results when it is done in the morning or in the evening. Shirodhara may begin with an Ayurvedic body massage or abhyanga after a person lies down with his/her eyes closed. After this, the procedure involves the pouring of about 2 liters of lukewarm oil over the forehead. The oil is poured continuously as a stream and in an oscillating manner. Care should be taken to ensure that the oil does not enter the eyes or ears. The entire procedure may last for 30 to 60 minutes depending on the condition of the patient. A therapist may also give a patient a light head massage before or during the procedure.

People, who have undergone this treatment, will have to remove the oil from their hair. It is better to add shampoo to the hair first and then use water to wash the hair. This is because the shampoo will stick to the hair and ensure that is properly cleaned. Caffeine should be avoided for a few days after the treatment as caffeine has a negative effect on the nervous system. A person should use warm water for bathing and drinking purposes. A person should also go for a light diet and avoid eating oily food.

Shirodhara treatment lasts for about 30 minutes to 60 minutes and it provides immediate relief. A person does not require any such time to recover from the treatment.