When a person receives Shirodhara,  they lie down on their back, face up, on a massage table with their neck adjusted to a comfortable position. To protect the eyes from liquid, a band is placed on the brow line. Warm liquid is then poured in a steady stream, with a regulated thickness, from a suspended clay or copper vessel at a height according to the client’s needs.

Depending on the specific purpose of the treatment, the liquid used in this therapy is usually herbal sesame oil (a natural mood enhancer, which helps to release serotonin); however medicated oils, buttermilk or milk can also be used.  The treatment lasts for 45 minutes, and ideally would be repeated every day or at least once a week, depending on the gravity of the condition.  For best results, the number of recommended sessions is either 3, 7 or 14.  This treatment can continue until the client is well again.