In Sanskrit, “Shiro” translates to “Head”, while “Vasti” means “pouring of oils”. Therefore shirovasti means holding oil on the head for a specific period of time with use of cap fitted on the head in such a way that oil doesnot leak out.
It is used for the treatment of diseases concerned to the head, brain and neurological diseases such as migraine, chronic headache, depression and insomnia. Shirovasti is recommended after the major procedures of panchakarma therapy, but it can be done in cases where ayurvedic detoxification is not required.