Takradhara in Ayurveda

Dhara is a sudation process involved in the Ayurvedic treatment system of India. In this, medicated oil is poured over the patient’s body. It is one of the major Ayurvedic therapies. There are three kinds of Dhara viz., Shirodhara (pouring oil or medical decoction on head only), Sarvangadhara (pouring oil allover the body) and Pizhichil.

Dhara is carried out daily for a period of one to three weeks, depending on the severity of the disease. Dhara alleviates fatigue, lack of vitality, improves memory and restores the equilibrium of Doshas (Vata, Pitta and Kapha). This treatment is also effective in insomnia, chronic headaches like migraine, ear nose diseases, neuropathy, spondylitis, etc.

Takradhara is a treatment involving the pouring of buttermilk over the body of the patient. It can be done either as Shirodhara (pouring the decoction over the head) or the dhara over the entire body. In the video, the Takradhara treatment where buttermilk is poured all over the body is seen.