*Disclaimer: This is not a paid review. The treatment was provided, though the review thereof is based on the author’s experience and opinion. Reviews published on Aesthetic Appointment are intended to be for information purposes only, and should not be regarded as a replacement for sound medical advice. Always speak to your doctor or skincare therapist if you have any concerns.*
In a world where aesthetics and self-care often lean towards quick fixes, I found myself drawn to the deep-rooted wisdom of Ayurveda, thanks to the AryaVedic Clinic in Johannesburg and its founder, Komona Govender. As an editor, I’ve seen it all—but this experience took me beyond skin deep. My Shirodhara treatment at AryaVedic was a holistic journey of calm, balance, and, dare I say, a little extra brainpower for this mom! Here’s what went down (and up) during my experience.
What is Ayurveda? Let’s Break It Down
Before we get into the oily details, let’s recap Ayurveda. It’s more than a 5,000-year-old health system—it’s about balance. In Ayurveda, everything from your skin to your digestion is linked to your “doshas”—those energy points that govern your physical and mental health. If your doshas are out of whack, your body and mind let you know through stress, inflammation, skin issues, and even mental fatigue.
A treatment like Shirodhara is designed to restore that balance, leaving you feeling like a zen goddess or at least a calmer version of yourself. For more on how Ayurveda can be integrated into aesthetic and health practices, check out Komona’s article here.
The Treatment: Shirodhara – More Than Just an Oil Drip
Now, let’s talk Shirodhara. It sounds fancy, but it’s actually the simplest, most soothing experience. The name literally means head flow, and that’s exactly what it is—warm, medicated oil flowing over your forehead in a steady stream. But it’s more than just a nice head massage. The oil penetrates those all-important pressure points, known as marmas, to calm the nervous system, regulate serotonin levels (hello, happiness!), and improve circulation to the brain.
When I arrived at AryaVedic, I was warmly greeted by Komona, who immediately made me feel at ease. She pre-mixed the oils specifically for me, focusing on destressing and anti-inflammatory benefits because, let’s face it, life can be a little… *inflamed* sometimes. As the warm oil dripped onto my forehead, I felt an almost instant sense of relaxation while taking calming breaths. The warmth and gentle pressure worked like magic to melt away my stress.
What Happens During Shirodhara?
After undressing and snuggling under warm blankets, the room enveloped me with soft music, creating the ultimate sanctuary. As the warm oil cascaded from my hairline down to my scalp, Komona performed a series of gentle massage techniques that targeted those key points to release tension. And yes, it was as blissful as it sounds.
Shirodhara isn’t just for relaxation, though. It’s been known to help treat everything from headaches, migraines and insomnia to anxiety and depression. For someone like me, who’s constantly on the go, this was a game changer. By the time the treatment was over, I was so relaxed I nearly floated off the table.
Post-Treatment: Hair Full of Oil, Heart Full of Peace
Now, let’s be real: after Shirodhara, your hair will look like you dunked it in a bowl of oil, and it’ll take at least three or four shampoos to wash it out. But honestly? It’s worth it. The oil nourished my scalp, and my hair felt like it had been given a VIP treatment. But just note not to wash your hair until at least the next day after treatment.
As for my mind and body? I felt lighter, more focused, and, for the first time in weeks, I had more clarity. And let me tell you, “mom brain” felt a lot more manageable after this treatment.
Why Ayurveda Makes Sense for Skincare (and Life)
Komona’s approach to Ayurveda isn’t just about slathering on oils and calling it a day. It’s about integrating the profound science of Ayurveda, addressing the underlying issues—like stress and inflammation—that can prevent your skin from responding well to treatments. Think of it as laying the groundwork for everything else, whether that’s skincare treatments, laser therapy, or just feeling better in your own skin.
And that’s what I love about AryaVedic. It’s not an either/or approach to skin and aesthetics—it’s about combining the best of both worlds. After all, glowing skin is just as much about your inner health as it is about the latest serums and creams.
Komona Govender: The Heart Behind AryaVedic
Komona Govender is a holistic aesthetician with a passion for blending ancient Ayurvedic wisdom with modern skincare and aesthetics. Trained in both Ayurveda and aesthetic skin treatments, she offers a unique approach that targets everything from skin health to mental wellness.
At AryaVedic, Komona provides personalised care, tailoring treatments to suit each patient’s specific needs. Whether it’s managing stress, gut health, or even skincare concerns, Komona’s expertise shines through in every treatment. For more on her work, check out AryaVedic’s clinic profile here.
Final Thoughts: Why I’ll Be Back for More
This is definitely not my last Shirodhara session. The combination of stress relief, improved focus, and the pure joy of feeling balanced is something I can’t recommend highly enough. Plus, as someone who loves integrating both traditional and modern treatments, it’s exciting to see how Ayurveda can complement other aesthetic treatments for even better results.
So, if you’re looking for something a little out of the ordinary but incredibly effective, go visit Komona at AryaVedic. Your skin—and mind—will thank you.
For more about AryaVedic, visit their website www.aryavedic.co.za or follow Komona on Instagram and Facebook.
Rochelle is the founder and driving force behind Aesthetic Appointment. With a passion for the aesthetics and pro-ageing industry in South Africa, she has been in the aesthetic publishing industry since 2012, dedicated to creating a valuable platform for insights and knowledge, bridging the gap between patients and doctors - delivering reliable, medical-based information. Rochelle firmly believes in the power of a good skincare regimen, especially when started at home, and is committed to educating consumers about the myriad of treatments, procedures, and products available to them.
- Rochelle Friedmanhttps://www.aestheticappointment.co.za/author/rochelle
- Rochelle Friedmanhttps://www.aestheticappointment.co.za/author/rochelle
- Rochelle Friedmanhttps://www.aestheticappointment.co.za/author/rochelle
- Rochelle Friedmanhttps://www.aestheticappointment.co.za/author/rochelle
