THE NEURO-PHYSIOLOGICAL MECHANISMS OF SHIRODHARA IN SLEEP DISORDERS: AN INTEGRATIVE REVIEW

Primary Insomnia, correlated with Anidra in Ayurveda, has emerged as a global health crisis due to rising stress and circadian disruptions. While modern sedative-hypnotics gives immediate relief, they often carry risks of dependency and cognitive damage. Shirodhara, a specialized Ayurvedic Murdha Taila procedure, gives a non-pharmacological alternative. This review discovers the integrative mechanisms of Shirodhara, comparing the classical Vata- Shamaka properties of Tila Taila and the Medhya (nootropic) effects of Brahmi Taila. By analyzing the modulation of the Hypothalamus-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) axis and the induction of alpha brain waves, this article provides a scientific rationale for the clinical efficacy of Shirodhara in managing Primary Insomnia.