Shiro Vasti is a special ayurvedic therapy where the Shira (head) is subjected to a procedure called Vasti involving a pool of warm oil in a chamber over the head. Vasti denotes “a compartment that holds” (in this case the pool of oil over the head).
Shiro Vasti is one treatment among the four main Murdhni Taila (head oil applications), the others being Shiro Abhyanga, Shiro Dhara, and Shiro Pichu. As the head houses several vital organs, these procedures in Ayurveda are aimed at protecting and fortifying this vital part of the physiology, to promote mental and physical wellbeing. Essentially, warm medicated herbal oil is pooled in a closed chamber, built over the head to keep the oil in contact with the scalp, for a while. This therapy has an extremely soothing and healing effect for the head and the structures within. Your doctor will assess your condition and choose a medicated oil according to your Dosha and disease condition.