Shirodhara Pot Apparatus
Shirodhara Pot Apparatus (Sanskrit: Shirodhara Yantra) is an instrument used in panchakarma equipment. A vessel (traditionally earthen or brass) with a small hole at the bottom, suspended above the patient's forehead. Warm medicated oil, milk, or buttermilk is poured in a continuous stream (dhara) onto the forehead (third eye area).
| Sanskrit name | Shirodhara Yantra |
|---|---|
| Ayurvedic category | Panchakarma Equipment |
A vessel (traditionally earthen or brass) with a small hole at the bottom, suspended above the patient’s forehead. Warm medicated oil, milk, or buttermilk is poured in a continuous stream (dhara) onto the forehead (third eye area).
Where is it described in the classical texts?
Described in Ashtanga Hridaya and elaborated in Kerala Ayurvedic texts (Sahasrayogam). The term ‘Shirodhara’ derives from ‘Shiro’ (head) and ‘Dhara’ (stream).
How is it used traditionally?
Traditionally used for insomnia, anxiety, migraines and stress, and as a Medhya (brain-nourishing) therapy. Part of Murdhni Taila (head oleation) therapies.
Traditional materials
- Earthenware (Mritpatra)
- Brass (Pittala)
- Copper (Tamra)
- Coconut shell
Modern variants
- Stainless steel automatic Shirodhara machines with IR heaters
- Electric oil circulation and temperature-controlled systems
- Fiber-body Shirodhara stands
Regulatory status
- India (CDSCO): Not separately classified as a medical device under CDSCO MDR 2017. Regulated as Panchakarma therapy equipment under AYUSH ministry guidelines.
- US (FDA): Not specifically regulated. Would fall under general wellness device if no medical claims are made.
- EU (MDR): Not specifically classified. May fall under Class I if marketed as a medical device with therapeutic claims.
Reviewed by Dr. Awadesh Pratap Singh, BAMS, on 11 October 2026. What that review covered.
Available from Age Ayurveda
This encyclopedia is published by Age Ayurveda. The products below are ours, and are listed here because they contain or use what this page describes.
Surya ShirodharaA portable, gravity-fed shirodhara apparatus on a collapsible frame. The vessel holds two litres and a session takes about 1.5 litres, three 500 ml bottles, so it runs a full session without a refill. Oil is caught in the base and recovered after the session. Flow rate and oil temperature are set manually by the operator, and there is no motor.Ask about this on WhatsApp
Vata Oil 500 mlA Vata-pacifying shirodhara taila for external use in continuous-stream forehead therapy.Ask about this on WhatsApp
Pitta Oil 500 mlA Pitta-pacifying shirodhara taila for external use in continuous-stream forehead therapy.Ask about this on WhatsApp
Kapha Oil 500 mlA Kapha-pacifying shirodhara taila for external use in continuous-stream forehead therapy.Ask about this on WhatsApp
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