Ayurvedic Bliss Massage with Shirodhara Serenity Treatment
Tranquil Symphony: Ayurvedic Bliss Massage with Shirodhara Serenity Treatment
At Het Sattvahuys, you can experience the deeply holistic Shirodhara treatment. This treatment is one of the most refined Ayurvedic therapies, designed to calm the nervous system and enhance mental clarity. Through the subtle yet powerful use of warm oils slowly poured over the forehead, a deep state of relaxation is achieved—deeper even than Yoga Nidra, which induces the body into a state of deep sleep.
the treatment
The Shirodhara treatment always begins with a full 60-minute Abhyanga massage, during which medicinal herbal oils (tailas) are poured over your body. This body massage is not only nourishing but also balancing. During the massage, the marma points—vital energy points of the body—and the chakras are gently stimulated with rhythmic movements to promote energy flow and release blockages.
After the Abhyanga massage, the 30-minute Shirodhara session begins. A special Shirodhara vessel is positioned above your head, from which warm oil will flow. The oil stream is applied to the forehead in various patterns, starting with a zigzag pattern across the entire forehead to saturate the skin with oil. The treatment then moves to a steady stream directly over the Ajna chakra, without interruption. Throughout the session, I alternate between the horizontal and vertical zigzag patterns, gentle swaying and a steady stream.
Book your appointment
Would you like to book this relaxing treatment? Easily schedule your appointment through the calendar on the website. If you have any questions or are unsure which treatment suits you best, feel free to contact me via the contact page, I'm happy to help you make the right choice.
Duration & price of the treatment
120 min. – €176
What is Shirodhara?
Shirodhara centers around a constant stream of warm oil poured over the forehead, right above the Ajna chakra, or third eye. This point, just above the center of the eyebrows, is known as the center of intuition and mental clarity. The soft stream of oil acts like a “massage of the mind,” reducing both physical and mental tension. Many describe the sensation as a head massage from within, promoting deep mental relaxation and tranquility.
A Shirodhara treatment is adapted based on an individual's dosha or imbalance. Adjustments are made to the length of the oil stream, the temperature of the oil, and the type of taila used. Experiences of this treatment can vary greatly from person to person, but it is often described as an internal head massage, providing profound mental relaxation, and inducing a state of deep relaxation even deeper than that experienced in Yoga Nidra. The oil stream falls just above the point of the third eye.
Benefits of Shirodhara
Shirodhara has a wide range of benefits and can help with various conditions, including:
(mental) stress
Mental exhaustion
Restless mind
Overthinking
Insomnia
The Ayurvedic approach – doshas and imbalance
Before the Shirodhara session, your personal dosha (Vata, Pitta, or Kapha) is determined, following the Ayurvedic tradition. Read more about your constitution and any imbalances. Your Shirodhara treatment is carefully adapted based on this unique energy profile. Factors such as the oil stream’s length, the oil pot’s distance from your forehead, the treatment’s duration, and the oil temperature are all adjusted to restore balance.
Dosha-specific variations
Abhyanga is most suited for Vata and Pitta doshas due to its grounding and calming effects. For Kapha, it is also beneficial but with some adjustments. I take these differences into account during the treatment in the following ways:
Vata Abhyanga
Vata represents a lot of physical and mental movement, coldness, thinness, and emptiness. To balance these qualities, I offer the softest and calmest form of Abhyanga. The gentle, loving touches ground the air and ether elements. As a Vata type, you might be so used to constant stimulation and overactivity that firmer treatments initially feel better. However, the gentle, mindful, and slow movements can help release the physical restlessness, which can be incredibly liberating.
Vata Abhyanga
Shirodhara for Vata types lasts 30 minutes, with oils like Dhanwantara taila, Mahanarayan taila, or pure sesame oil. The oil is heated slightly above body temperature for a calming effect, and the oil stream is kept short, about 10-15 cm from the head.
Pitta – Cooling and balance
Pitta types benefit from cooler oils such as Ksiera taila or Chandanabala lakshadi taila. Treatment lasts 20-30 minutes, depending on any Vata imbalance, with oil at body temperature or slightly cooler. The oil stream ranges from 10-40 cm in distance.
Kapha – Stimulation and energy
Kapha types receive a shorter Shirodhara of 10-20 minutes, with an extended Abhyanga, making the overall treatment duration two hours. The oil is warmer than that used for Vata and Pitta, but not unpleasantly hot. The distance between the oil pot and the head is often greater, up to 40 cm, to stimulate energy.
The wellness ritual
For an optimal experience, I offer a nurturing ritual with the treatment. This ritual consists of:
- A warm welcome with a soft, luxurious bathrobe.
- A relaxing foot bath with fragrant essential oils and magnesium-rich Himalayan and Epsom salts, customized to your dosha type.
- A selection of scents and music—you can choose the essential oils that will accompany your treatment, and even the music can be adjusted to your preference. If you prefer to enjoy your treatment in silence or wish to be completely cared for, that’s perfectly fine too.
- A brief guided meditation to help release all tension and bring you fully into the present moment.
- Afterward, a moment of integration with a choice of Ayurvedic tea or warm cacao to gently awaken and end the experience on a serene note.
- A card pull from the Inner Compass deck, offering a gentle invitation to carry some wisdom or love with you for the rest of your day.
After the treatment – Time to recover
The deeply relaxing effects of Shirodhara may leave you needing a moment to return to the present. Afterward, we take time for an integration moment with a cup of tea or cacao to help you gently transition back to your day.
Aftercare – Nourishment for your hair
During the Ayurvedic massage, oil is also applied to the scalp, face, and third eye. After the treatment, your hair will be saturated with oil, deeply nourishing but leaving it feeling greasy. To help the oil fully absorb—and to prevent staining—I provide a hair wrap and Ayurvedic shampoo for home use. My recommendation is to rest after the treatment, drink plenty of water, and avoid washing your hair immediately to allow the oil's nourishing properties to take full effect.
Book this treatment
Duration & price of the treatment
120 min. – €176
Opening hours
Maandag: 8:45 - 13:00 uur
Dinsdag: 8:45 - 13:00 uur
Woensdag: 8:45 - 13:00 uur
Donderdag: 8:45 - 13:00 uur
Friday: closed
Zaterdag: gesloten
Sunday: closed