Murdha thailam refers to the application of oil on the head.There are four ways to apply,they are:
(1)Siroabhyanga:This is a routine for all of us.Here oil is applied over the head.This helps to keep the head cool and cures dandruff,prevents hairfall and soothes the eye.The oil is choosen according to the disease and the prakruthi(nature)of the patient.For Vataprakruthi,Ksirabala,Balaguduchyadi thailam etc are used.For Pittaprakruthi,bringamalakadi thailam,Manjishtadi thailam etc are used.For Kaphaprakruthi,Asanavilwadi thailam,Eladi thailam etc are used.Taking bath after the abhyanga is a must.
(2)Sirodhara:Here the oil is made to flow from a particular height towards the head for a particular time.This is done for the diseases of the head,eyes and ears, also for the mental abnormalities.Instead of oil, takra(buttermilk)or ksira(milk) can be used.
(3)Siropichu:This is mainly done for vata predominant siroroga.Here oil is soaked in a piece of cloth and is spread over the head.When the oil gets absorbed more oil should be poured so that the cloth remains wet . The oil is prescribed according to the disease and the prakruthi of the patient.
(4)Sirovasthi:Here the medicated oil is made to stand on the head for a particular time।This is good for all the vata diseases of the head and neck।The oil used depends on the dosha predominance of the disease.
