The infusion of oils or other liquids when poured onto the head and scalp produces a soothing and calming sensation on the muscles of the head, which in turn passes via the superficial peripheral nerves of the forehead to the brain. By soothing the hypothalamus, it regulates the activity of the pituitary gland; the warm herbal oils used for this process causes vasodilatation of all the blood vessels & thus improves the blood circulation in the brain. Shirodhara also reduces the level of stress hormones such as adrenaline & noradrenaline & thus relaxes the mind and thereby helps in relieving stress and tension. (Shirodhara is one such practice where the healer helps open one’s third eye which leads to the free flow of ‘prana’ or ‘life force’. When the prana drifts through the energy channels, also known as ‘srotas’, they help remove the blockages in the mind)