Oils to Use
Herbalized sesame oil is the traditional oil used for Shirodhara. Other oils or liquids, such as coconut oil, olive oil, milk or even buttermilk, are sometimes used as well. For example, coconut oil has a more cooling effect than sesame oil. So someone with a lot of Pitta or excess heat in their system might benefit more from a Shirodhara that used coconut oil. Milk Shirodharas are also very cooling and are especially beneficial in the summer time. If you do not have adequate training to determine which oil or liquid is most appropriate for a particular client, then we recommend using a cold-pressed, organic sesame oil.