AYURVEDIC TREATMENTS

Shiro
Basti

Warm medicated oil held on the crown of the head inside a leather cap. Traditionally used for insomnia, chronic headache, dryness of the scalp and Vata disorders affecting the head.

03 / AROGYA

01WHAT IT IS

शिरो बस्ति · Shiras, the head

Shiro Basti is the most intensive of the head oil therapies. A tall cap, traditionally of leather, is fitted around the head and sealed at the base with dough. Warm medicated oil is poured in to a depth that covers the scalp and is retained for the session, keeping the whole crown in contact with the oil.

It is traditionally used where Vata affects the head: sleeplessness, chronic headache, dryness and thinning of the hair, facial nerve weakness and a sense of emptiness or agitation in the head. Because the oil is held rather than poured, it is considered deeper-acting than Shirodhara for these concerns.

02HOW IT IS DONE AT AROGYA

01
Consultation confirms the oil and the number of sessions, and the scalp is checked.
02
You sit upright and the cap is fitted and sealed around the head.
03
Warm medicated oil is poured in and topped up to keep the temperature steady.
04
The oil is retained for around thirty minutes while you sit quietly.
05
The oil is drained, the scalp is wiped and gently massaged, and you rest briefly.

03BENEFITS

Traditionally used for insomnia and disturbed sleep
Eases chronic headache with a Vata quality
Deeply nourishes the scalp and hair roots
Calms agitation and restlessness of the mind
Used in supportive care of facial nerve and sensory complaints, as assessed

Often suited to

Long-standing sleep difficulty
Dry scalp, hair fall and premature greying tendencies
Chronic headache without an acute cause
Guests on a Panchkarma program where the practitioner advises head therapy

Please tell us first

Not given during fever, cold, sinus infection or scalp infection
Please share any neurological diagnosis or recent head injury
Avoided after a heavy meal and in late pregnancy
Not suitable when Kapha congestion is present

04WHAT TO EXPECT

You sit rather than lie for this therapy, and the sensation is of steady warmth over the whole scalp. Guests usually feel calm and sleep well the same night. The hair remains oiled until a wash the next morning. A course of five to seven days is common.

This page is educational and describes the therapy as traditionally practised. It is not medical advice and does not replace consultation with a qualified practitioner. Suitability, preparation and duration are confirmed individually at Arogya Retreatt. Content reviewed September 2026.

05QUESTIONS

Common questions about Shiro Basti.

Which is stronger, Shirodhara or Shiro Basti?

Shiro Basti is generally considered the more intensive of the two because the oil is retained in contact with the scalp rather than poured over it. The practitioner chooses based on your concern and constitution.

Will it help hair fall?

Shiro Basti nourishes the scalp and is traditionally used for hair fall and dryness, particularly where stress and poor sleep are contributing. Diet and other factors are addressed alongside.

How long does the oil stay on?

About thirty minutes during the session. Afterwards a light residue remains on the hair until you wash it the following morning.