Shirodhara in Denver
A continuous stream of warm herbal oil. A mind that finally rests.
Shirodhara is among the most luxurious and restorative therapies in all of Ayurveda. At the Soma Spa, Denver’s Ayurvedic spa inside Karma Yoga Center on South Broadway, a continuous, unbroken stream of warm, herb-infused oil flows over the third-eye center and across the forehead while you receive a gentle marma-point massage of the hands, feet, arms, scalp, and face.
What Is Shirodhara?
The name comes from two Sanskrit words: shiro, the head, and dhara, a steady flow. In the Ayurvedic tradition, this gentle, rhythmic stream of warm oil is offered to settle the mind and soothe the nervous system.
The effect is profound: the mind grows quiet, the nervous system surrenders, and you sink into a depth of stillness that is difficult to describe and impossible to forget.
What to Expect
- Arrive & settleArrive 10–15 minutes early to check in at the front desk and let the day fall away.
- Rest on the tableYou remain comfortably wrapped in a towel throughout, keeping your lower undergarments on.
- The warm streamWarm herbal oil flows over the forehead and third-eye center as your practitioner offers marma-point massage of the hands, feet, arms, scalp, and face.
- Return slowlyYou leave in a cozy head wrap, with richly nourished hair and a jar of the oil for your own self-massage (abhyanga) at home.
Inside the Soma Spa
The Oil
Our oils are medicated with Ayurvedic and Western herbs, chosen to deepen the treatment with scent and plant medicine, in a base of organic sunflower and sesame oil.
Please note: because the oil base contains sesame and sunflower, Shirodhara is not suitable for anyone with allergies to either. If you have questions, we are happy to talk them through before you book.
How to Prepare for Shirodhara
To receive the full gift of this treatment, a little preparation goes a long way:
- Arrive with clean hair, free of any product other than shampoo and conditioner.
- Allow yourself a couple of unhurried hours afterward to let the treatment settle and integrate.
- If you have long hair, you may wish to bring a towel for your car’s headrest.
- Afterward, drink plenty of warm water, stay warm and out of drafts, and avoid cold food or drink for at least an hour.
Tended by Trained Hands
Beth Sanchez
Beth is the heart of the Soma Spa: our Lead Shirodhara Practitioner, Ayurvedic consultant, and the loving “Spa-Ma” who guides and trains our circle of healers. A devoted student of Ayurveda through Alandi Ashram under the revered Ayurvedic doctor and teacher Alakananda Ma, she brings decades of study and practice to her work, grounded in the marma therapy and herbal-oil traditions at the heart of Shirodhara.
Our Shirodhara Circle
Shirodhara is also offered by our circle of Soma Spa practitioners, each trained in the treatment:
Kate BaumgartnerShirodhara & Reiki
Lisa TheisShirodhara Practitioner
Heather LindemannShirodhara, Yoga & Ayurveda
Lea McKibbenMassage, Reiki & Shirodhara
Maria Gabriela GuevaraAyurvedic Consultant, Shirodhara & Yoga
Andrea PrinceBodywork & Shirodhara
Stephanie StoetzerShirodhara & Meditative Creatives
Katrina GustafsonFounder & Creator | Spiritual Counseling, Energy Work & Shirodhara
Shirodhara Pricing
60-minute Shirodhara
Shirodhara FAQ
What is Shirodhara?
Shirodhara is an Ayurvedic treatment in which a continuous, unbroken stream of warm, herb-infused oil flows over the third-eye center and across the forehead, paired with a gentle marma-point massage of the hands, feet, arms, scalp, and face.
How long is a session, and how much does it cost?
A Shirodhara session is 60 minutes. It is $180, or $162 for Karma Yoga Center members.
How do I book Shirodhara in Denver?
Use the request form on this page, call 303-284-8617, or email love@karmayogacenter.com, and we will find a time that works for you.
How should I prepare?
Arrive with clean hair, free of any product other than shampoo and conditioner, and allow a couple of unhurried hours afterward. Drink plenty of warm water, stay warm and out of drafts, and avoid cold food or drink for at least an hour after your treatment.
Is Shirodhara safe if I have allergies?
Because the oil base contains sesame and sunflower, Shirodhara is not suitable for anyone with allergies to either. We are happy to talk through any questions before you book.
What is your cancellation policy?
We kindly ask for at least 24 hours’ notice to cancel or reschedule any spa appointment.
Where is the Soma Spa?
The Soma Spa is inside Karma Yoga Center at 1760 S. Broadway, Denver, CO 80210. Free street parking is available right in front of the studio on Broadway. Our entrance is the arched wooden front door beneath the Karma sign.
Come Home to Yourself
Give your nervous system a true rest. Request your Shirodhara and we’ll reach out to confirm a time with the right practitioner.
Request an AppointmentCall 303-284-8617Request an Appointment
Let us find a time for you
Tell us which treatment you'd love and when you're free. We'll reach out to confirm your appointment with the right practitioner.
- Share your details and preferred times.
- We'll contact you by call, text, or email to confirm.
- Arrive 15 minutes early, settle in, and rest.
