Try the Shirodhara Treatment at Pranaa Spa

Thankful doesn’t even begin to describe the way I feel when it comes to my health and well being. Lately, I’ve been reminded often that life is short and not guaranteed. I have ailments every now and again but my problems are ridiculously small compared to what they could be. One of my biggest problems that I deal with is stress. I stress out a lot, my schedule is always busy and deadlines haunt me. I’ve been on a mission to incorporate exercise back in my schedule and to change my eating habits to live an even healthier life. Along with changing a few minor things in my life, I’ve been trying a few new spas to help with my stress levels. Last month, I stopped by Salt Escape for Salt Therapy and I recently tried Pranaa Spa for a Shirodhara treatment.

I know you’re asking, ‘What is a Shirodhara treatment?” I wasn’t too sure what it was even after I scheduled the appointment. This is the explanation on their site:

The Sanskrit word Shirodhara blends the words shiro and dhara. Shiro means head and Dhara, the flow of warm oil; Shirodhara is one of the most divine and relaxing therapies that Ayurveda has to offer.

Lying on your back, a soothing stream of warm, aromatic  oil is gently poured back and forth across your forehead, creating a sensation of such profound, enjoyable and deep relaxation that you’ll lose all track of time. Many compare the effects of Shirodhara to transcendence; the meditator’s state of sheer bliss. This treatment is traditionally used to calm and restore the nerves, harmonize vata constitutions  unbridle pent up emotions, and purify the mind.

I’m going to be honest, I had no idea what I was walking into after reading that. The whole part about oil being poured on my head confused me but I went in to my appointment with no opinion so I wouldn’t be biased. I entered Pranaa to a beautiful salon and welcoming staff. It is located next door to Sea Breeze Fish Market and Grill at Lakeside Market in Plano.

Just like going to any new salon, I filled out a piece of paper with my info and a place to voice my concerns about any problems that I may be having. Once I was ready, I was taken back to a small area where the lockers were which held my robe and sandals. I got changed and was ready to try this new experience.

The massage room was the same as any massage room I have been in but instead there was a device that I had never seen. It was the pot that holds the oil. My masseuse explained that I was going to lay on my back on the massage table just like I was going to be getting a massage and the oil was going to slowly flow over my forehead right above my eyebrows in the center of my head. I was anxious to see what it was all about.

Before we got the oil treatment started, the masseuse massaged my scalp and had me breathe in eucalyptus scented essential oils which made me instantly want to go to sleep. Slowly, warm oil started flowing over my forehead back and forth. I should have done my research because ALL of your hair will get soaked in this oil which isn’t necessarily a bad thing, I just wasn’t prepared. The Shirodhara treatment lasted around 25 minutes which was followed by an amazing back massage.  I’ve been working out regularly and my body is so sore from lifting weights so the massage was just what I needed.

After everything was through, my hair was sopping wet with oil. The masseuse said that most ladies will keep the oil in their hair for a couple hours after the treatment because it’s good for their hair – hello free oil treatment! I wish I could have left the oil in my hair but my hair is long and thick and I wouldn’t have been able to go anywhere in public with it like that. Trader Joe’s was just down the street so I opted to take a shower at the spa so I could do some mid week shopping. I’m not a big fan of showering anywhere other than my house so I was skeptical but was pleasantly surprised to see that Pranaa had everything I needed.  After washing my hair, I didn’t want me visit to end so I hung out in the relaxation room for a bit.

The relaxation room had many sectioned off seats with loads of pillows that you could sit back and relax in. Hot tea and water were available for you to hydrate before and after your spa service, as well as an array of magazines and newspaper for you to read. I loved this room and the decor reminded me of time I spent in India. I tried to stay in there as long as possible so I could avoid getting back to work.

Overall, my experience was great, relaxing and I would do it again in a heart beat.  The Shirodhara is one of their most popular treatments and I understand why.  Shirodhara is profoundly relaxing and is known to have a salubrious effect on people suffering from insomnia, memory loss, hormonal imbalance, headaches, mental tension and certain skin diseases. In addition to its health benefits, this great rejuvenating therapy gives a healthy glow to your face and body.  I’m looking forward to my next appointment.

My Shirodhara was done at Pranaa Spa in Plano located at 4017 Preston Road, Plano TX 75093.

Would you try the Shirodhara treatment?