Which shamana treatment is suggested to potentially restore motor and sensory loss after a stroke?

• A. Shirodhara
• B. Abhyanga
• C. Shirovasti
• D. Nasya

Answer: (A)

Shirodhara is a cranial therapy that pacifies vata in the head and is often linked to neurological rehabilitation in Ayurveda. By slowly and continuously pouring warm medicated oil over the forehead, it promotes a calming effect on the nervous system, helps normalize autonomic function, and can support brain–body regulation. This focused, soothing stimulation at the forehead is thought to influence brain centers involved in motor and sensory processing, which is why it’s considered a potential aid in restoring motor and sensory functions after a stroke.

Abhyanga, while excellent for improving circulation and reducing overall stiffness through full-body massage, does not target the cranial nervous system in the same direct way. Shirovasti is another head-focused therapy, but it involves maintaining oil within a cap on the scalp for an extended period and is used for different patterns of imbalance. Nasya administers medication through the nasalroute, which can influence head and brain function, but its role in restoring overt motor-sensory loss after stroke is less direct than the forehead-focused, steady flow of Shirodhara.