The effects and benefits of Oleation/Unction Therapy on the Neurological condition knownas Cervical Dystonia

By Danielle Nuñez
California College of Ayurveda

Introduction:

This paper will examine the effects of four specific Snehana practices on particular neurological conditions that affect the head and neck. In Ayurveda, neurological pathologies are classified as Vata vyadhi.

The Practice of oleation is also referred to as “unction therapy” in the classical texts. Snehana also means “fat” and “to love” A word with many meanings that convey warmth and smoothness. The application of oil to one’s body, whether it be one’s self or to another, during a massage, is an act of nurturing compassion and deep intention. The types of oils that can be used are innumerable, given the multitude of uses and indications for herbal formulations in Ayurvedic practice.

There are four major unctuous substances (mahasneha) named by Caraka: Ghee, oil, animal fat, and bone marrow. These substances are used after preparing them with other herbs for potion unction, medicated enema, and errhine (nasya) therapy [Caraka Samhita 86].

Conditions that are indicated for oleation therapy include autoimmune diseases of the musculoskeletal system, neurological motor disorders, such as Parkinson’s disease, and any conditions that have associated muscle or nerve pain, Hypertrophy or atrophy, dryness (vata-type), causing rigidity or hypermobility.

4 specific Oleation treatments that have been demonstrated to be effective in the case studies on the conditions presented in the text to follow. Cervical Dystonia correlates with the condition of convulsive spasms identified in the classical texts as Aksepaka, External Oleation: Bāhya Snehana. There are many different types of external oil massage performed in Ayurveda. Abyhanga is the most well-known form, and can be found as an offering in Western Spas as well as traditional Ayurvedic treatment centers and spas. It can be performed alone, on oneself, or can be administered as a treatment by a trained practitioner or sometimes even as a two-person (4 hands) massage. The types of strokes used to apply and spread the oil around the body vary, but in general, for Abyhanga, the intention should be to circulate the flow of energy in the direction of the five vāyus. Oil absorption is enhanced by the use of gentle friction. Emphasis is also placed on the joints, and on long flowing strokes. Oil interacts with the Hypodermis of the skin, which has a relationship to the mamsa dhatu.

Benefits of Practice:

Oil therapy is Rāsāyana therapy, which means that it is rejuvenating and especially beneficial for individuals who need tonification and tissue strengthening. Oleation, or unction therapy, is a central component of Pancakarma, as well as a variety of other holistic rituals and therapeutic applications.

Oil can be taken internally with food, or taken as a form of medication, such as in herbal preparations of ghee (Abhyantara Snehana). Nasya is the practice of administering oil through the nasal passages to reach the nerve tissue in the head region and the brain.

External Oleation (Bahya Snehana) can be administered in a variety of ways, depending on
the indication & purpose. Massage is the most accessible and well -known method of
applying oil to the body, and in Ayurveda, abhyanga is the most common form of massage.
As Dr. Marc Halpern writes in his Principles of Āyurvedic Medicine textbook: “The purpose
of Abyhanga is not the massage itself, but the application of the OIL, and its subsequent
absorption into the body. (Halpern, 453)

Caraka explains: The unctuous substances produce oiliness, vitality, complexion, strength, and growth in the body and provide relief in vata, pitta and kapha [87-87.5]

When to oil, and when not to oil:

Oil is most pacifying to those with a Vata constitution and imbalance, followed by pitta. Those with a Kapha constitution do not typically require oleation therapy, and in some cases, excessive oleation can lead to obstinate skin disorders, known as Kushta (CAM textbook Vol 2. 2-16). One practices to alleviate excess internal oleation is the herbal smoke application known as dhuma.

Research:

As multiple Ayurvedic-based case studies illustrate, Dystonia, as a general movement disorder affecting the Majja dhatu, can benefit from all of the oleation practices described in this paper. One study describes the efficacy of Shirodhara and Nasya Karma in the Management of post-stroke dystonia (Sundhu, et al. 2024). In this case, the subject was suffering from an acute case of dystonia, which correlated with the Sanskrit term Akshepaka (clonic convulsions) (Sundhu, et al. 2024). The patient was treated with shirodhara and nasya for 21 days, and after the treatment, their tremors had subsided.

Physiology:

Cervical dystonia, also known as Spasmodic torticollis, is a neurological disorder affecting the firing of the nerves that emerge from the cervical spine connecting to the muscles that are utilized in movements of the head, neck, and shoulders. These include the sternocleidomastoid (SCM), splenius, the trapezius, the scapula, the scalenes, and the platysma. Today, torticollis is a relatively common condition, and it is estimated that 90% of people will exhibit at least one episode within their lifetime. The etiology and severity of symptoms vary by individual, but the general presentation is chronic neck muscle spasm. (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK539857/) Caraka identifies this condition as Manya Stambha, a Vata disorder. Spasmodic torticollis is the most common cause of neck rigidity, and common triggering factors include emotional stress, physical overload, or sudden movement.

External Therapies in the Treatment of Cervical Dystonia (Ramana, 2014)

• Sarvanga Abhyanga with Dhanvantharu taila for 35 minutes and Bhaspa sveda for 10 minutes daily for 30 days.
• Greevabasti with Dhanvanthara taila for 30 minutes daily for 30 days
  
  o Warm medicated oil is retained over the neck, which helps to cure cervical spondylosis, neck pain, paralysis, numbness of hands, etc.
  
  o Dhanvanthara taila considered one of the best vata shamana talia used in the
  treatment of chronic rheumatic and nervous disorders.
  
• Marsha nasya with Ksheerabala 101 avaritia (10 drops in each nostril) daily for 30 days
  
  o Nasya is indicated for imbalances of the head and neck.
  
  o Ksheerabala 101 avaritia is an excellent remedy in the treatment of vata viakri when administered as a nasya.
  
• Shirodara with Ksheerabala taila daily for 30 minutes for 30 days.

Greeva is a Sanskrit term referring to the posterior region of the cervical spine.

From Caraka Samheeta:
Matrashiteeya Adhyaya, Sutra Sthana, Chapter 5.

On Nasya Therapy:

One should take a course of anu taila every year, during three seasons, of the prerainy season, the autumn and the spring, when the sky is free from clouds. One, who practices nasya, per the prescribed method, at the proper time, will keep his sight, smell and hearing unimpaired. His hair and beard will never become white or grey; his hair will not fall off, rather will grow in abundance. Torticollis, head-ache, facial paralysis, lock-jaw, rhinitis, hemicrania and tremors of the head will be alleviated thereby. The nasya will nourish the blood vessels, joints, ligaments and tendons of cranium, giving them greater strength. The face will become cheerful and plump, the voice will become mellow, firm and stentorian, and all the senses will become clearer and strengthened considerably. Diseases related to head and neck would not attack him all of a sudden even though he might be aging. The effects of senility would not affect the head. [56-63] Anu taila (Preparation of Anu oil), its dose and method of administration ||64||

Snehana Nasya: is the process of administering a measured amount of oil into the nasal passages to tonify dhatus. When performed in a clinical or spa setting, the dose can range from 8 to 64 drops of oil, poured into a patient’s nostrils by a practitioner. Following the oil administration, the process of Sirovirecana is recommended, which is a general purgation of the head. Through the use of certain verechana herbs infused within the oil, sneezing can be triggered, to purge kapha dosha from the head region.

The patient is then instructed to inhale the oil through the nose, into the throat, with the purpose of flushing and tonifying the passages. According to Caraka, this practice should only be administered 3x per year, when the and it should not be performed on cloudy or rainy days.

Pratymarsha Nasya: is a type of snehana nasya that can be used on a long-term, preventative health basis. This is also indicated for patients who have low Ojas, and/or general weakness. This can be performed by oneself, on a daily basis, and only requires 2 drops of oil to gently lubricate the nostrils.

Caraka presents the ingredients for the Anu Talia, followed by the preparation process, the required dose (to achieve the ideal sara described in the passage above), the methods of administration, and the precautions of administration.

One who has got his head daily well oleated alleviates head-ache, premature graying, and alopecia, while strengthening the cranial bones significantly. Hair roots become stronger, senses become clearer, the facial skin becomes smoother and the person gets sound sleep and happiness. By filling the ears with oil daily, there will be no ear diseases of the vata type, no stiffness of the neck or jaws, no difficulty in hearing and reduced chances of deafness. Just as a pitcher by smearing with oil, a hide by soaking in oil or an axle by lubricating with oil become firm, so does the human body when oleated with oil. The skin becomes beautiful, vata disorders are relieved, and tolerance to hardship and physical strain is enhanced. vayu predominates in the tactile sense faculty and the tactile sense faculty resides in the skin. Massage is exceedingly beneficial to the skin. Therefore, a person should practice it regularly. A person’s body accustomed to oil massage is not liable to be afflicted with injury due to external trauma or strenuous physical exertion. A person, by applying daily oil massage, becomes smooth and plump, strong and good looking, while slowing his aging process. [81-89]

Cakradhara: Oil poured continuously over the Chakras has a calming effect, reducing the flow of ordinary prana.

Shirodhara and Abhyanga for Better sleep, reduced mental stress, and improved heart rate variability: (Javed et el. 2023)

Shirodhara: A psycho-physiological profile in healthy volunteers.

The practice of Oleation benefits the manovaha Srotas as evidenced by the 2013 study by Dhuri et. al. In this study, 16 healthy volunteers were given shirodara treatments following abhyanga. The conclusion of the study confirmed the fact that “the clinical benefits observed with Shirodhara in anxiety neurosis, hypertension, and stress aggravation due to chronic degenerative diseases could be mediated through these adaptive physiological effects. (Dhuri et. al, 2013)

Kati Vasti – Application of oil pool to the back. Oil is retained by a dough dam, a classical treatment for back pain. It is used to strengthen the muscles, joints, ligaments and nerves. Anti-inflammatory herbs and nervine tonics are most commonly used, such as St. John’s wort, Aśvagandā, brāhmī, and bala (PAM 456).

Ānuvāsana basti is a tonifying enema that is performed using medicated oil, inserted into the rectum. Because Vata has its seat in the large intestine, one way to cleanse and tonify the organ is to irrigate it with a significant quantity of oil, administered via an enema. The oil should be retained in the body for at least 30 minutes, to allow for maximum absorption.

Netra Tarpana “to saturate the eye” with oil/ghee. The length of administration can vary, between 9-16 minutes, depending on the Vikruti of the patient, or if the treatment is indicated solely for the prevention of disease.

This paper is not finished! Final summary and conclusion still need to be added!

References

Abstracts:

1. Journal: World Journal of Pharmaceutical Research, ISSN 2277-7105, Vol 14, Issue 18, 202509 Sept. 2025

Title: Exploration of Applied Anatomy of Neck WSR to Greeva Stambha,
Authors: Deewan, Dr. Shireen Tobassom, Sarma, Dr. Tikendrajit, Baishya Dr. Pranabjyoti

Abstract:

Applied Anatomy relates with Clinical, Structural, Prognostic and diagnostic importance. In Ayurveda, where treatment is emphasized in human being rather than human body shows exclusively range of Clinical correlation or morphological interpretation. Greeva, Kantha, Gala and Manya are 4 specific terminologies which indicate Neck. Avatu is another term that relates to Neck “Avatu Greevaya Paschimo Bhaga”. Asthi, Sandhi, sira, peshi, dhamani, marma are the morphological structure present in Neck. Greeva included under Shadanga Sharir which is a specific region extending above Shira resembles a stem (shirodhara) and provides a structural continuity. In relation to Kantha, Acharya Sushruta and Madhava Nidana described 17 Kanthagata Roga, whereas Vagbhata mentions 18. Acharya Sushruta has mentioned Rohini, Kanthashaluk, Balaya, Balasa, Vrunda, Shataghni, Galaudha, Swaraghna, Vidari and Mansatan as Asadhya rogas whereas Adhijivya, Ekarunda and Gilayu as Sadhya. Gala is stressed mostly by Sharangadhara and Bhavprakasha enumerated 18 disorders. In present research work therapeutic improvement of morbidity of Neck in terms of Greeva Stambha has observed with application of Greeva Basti and Marma therapy.

2. Journal: Journal of Ayurveda and integrative medicine 4(1), 40–44.

Title: Shirodhara: A psycho-physiological profile in healthy volunteers
Authors: Dhuri, K. D., Bodhe, P. V., & Vaidya, A. B. (2013).. ,

Background:

Shirodhara is a classical and a well-established ayurvedic procedure of slowly and steadily dripping medicated oil or other liquids on the forehead. This procedure induces a relaxed state of awareness that results in a dynamic psycho-somatic balance. Objectives: The objective of the study is to evaluate the psychological and physiological effects of Shirodhara in healthy volunteers by monitoring the rating of mood and levels of stress, electrocardiogram (ECG), electroencephalogram (EEG), and selected biochemical markers of stress. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted in the human pharmacology laboratory. The study design was open labeled, comparing the baseline variables with values after Shirodhara. The subjects (n = 16) chosen were healthy human volunteers who gave an informed consent. Shirodhara was preceded by Abhyanga – whole body massage. The Shirodhara method was standardized for rate of dripping with peristaltic pump and temperature was controlled with a thermostat. Mood and stress levels were assessed by validated rating scales. The pre- and post-Shirodhara ECG and EEG records were evaluated. Results: Student’s paired “t” test was applied to the means + SE of the variables to calculate statistical significance at P <0.05. There was a significant improvement in mood scores and the level of stress (P <0.001). These changes were accompanied by a significant decrease in rate of breathing and reduction in diastolic blood pressure along with a reduction in heart rate. The relaxed alert state, after Shirodhara, was correlated with an increase in alpha rhythm in EEG. Conclusion: A standardized Shirodhara leads to a state of alert calmness similar to the relaxation response observed in meditation. The clinical benefits observed with Shirodhara in anxiety neurosis, hypertension, and stress aggravation due to chronic degenerative diseases could be mediated through these adaptive physiological effects. Key words: Ayurveda, Shirodhara, stress

3. Journal: Journal of Ayurveda Case Reports 7(3):p 159-163, Jul–Sep 2024.

Authors: Sindhu, Bommidi; Madikonda, Praveen Kumar; Bura, Johar
Title: Efficacy of Shirodhara and Nasya karma in the management of post-stroke dystonia.

Abstract:

Dystonia is the second most common movement disorder after stroke. Occurrences of involuntary movements have been reported in 1%–4% of patients with ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes affecting the basal ganglia, thalamus, and/or their connections. The time course for the development of movement disorders varies considerably from the day of the onset of stroke to several years later and it also depends on the type of movement disorder. At the moment, for many of these disorders, the knowledge of pharmacological treatment is still inadequate. Deep brain stimulation is the surgical treatment option for dystonia; however, its therapeutic mechanism is poorly understood. A 50-year-old male patient with complaints of uncontrolled involuntary movements of the right upper limb associated with pain and fatigue for more than a month, with a history of cerebrovascular accident three months back, was admitted at Government Ayurvedic Hospital. The case was diagnosed as dystonia and correlated with Akshepaka (~clonic convulsions) explained in Ayurveda. This case of poststroke dystonia is managed with Shirodhara (~therapeutic oilstreaming over the head) and Nasya (~medication through nasal route) for a period of 21 days. The patient was assessed based on the Fahn–Marsden Rating Scale, with a score of “12” before and “0” after the management. The patient got complete relief within a span of 21 days, which is worth reporting. This case study demonstrates that dystonia (~Akshepaka) in acute phase can be managed by Ayurvedic Panchakarma (~five internal bio-cleansing therapies) procedures. This protocol may be utilized in various other movement disorders with an extended period for efficient results.

4. Journal: Annals Ayurvedic Med. 2013 : 2(3) P. 114-117

Authors: Divya, K., Tripathi, J. S., & Tiwari, S. K.
Title: An appraisal of the mechanism of action of shirodhara.

Abstract:

Shirodhara is an important therapeutic measure in Ayurvedic system of medicine, which has got worldwide popularity because of its simple administration and efficacy in variety of life style disorders. Shirodhara is a purifying and rejuvenating therapy designed to eliminate toxins and mental exhaustion as well as relieve stress and any ill effects on the central nervous system. Shirodhara is a unique form of ancient therapy of pouring oil on the forehead from a specific height and for a specific period continuously and rythmatically allowing the oil to run through the scalp and into the hair. This is a subtype of Murdha taila which means keeping the medicated oil on the head region. The types of Murdha taila other than Shirodhara are Shiro Abhyanga, Pichu and Shiro Basti. In this article we are trying to analyse the various mechanism of action of this Panchakarma technique and search the scientific explanation for its therapeutic utility.

5. Journal: International Journal of Research in Ayurveda and Pharmacy, 2014;5 (1):1-2

Author: G.V. Ramana
Title: Ayurvedic management of Cervical Dystonia: A case study

Dystonia is a neurological disorder wherein sustained involuntary muscle contractions occur. Cervical dystonia is one variety among various types of dystonia where neck muscles are affected causing stiffness, rigidity and abnormal posture of neck. The aim of treatment is restricted to minimize the symptoms as there is no permanent cure in contemporary medicine. Ayurvedic texts in the context of Vatavyadhi explained that aggravated vata lodges at different sites in the body and causes various types of vatic disorders. For the treatment of vata vikara vamana, Nasya, sthanika abhyanga and sveda are indicated as a general line of treatment. A case of 35 years old male presented with features of Cervical Dystonia who was treated with Ayurvedic treatment is discussed here.