Comparative Evaluation of Ksheera Dhara and Taila Dhara as Shirodhara in Depression: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Abstract

Shirodhara is a non-invasive Ayurvedic procedure traditionally used to promote relaxation and psychological balance. The present study was undertaken to compare the therapeutic effects of Brahmi-Jatamanshi Sadhita Godugdha Shirodhara and Ksheerabala Taila Shirodhara in patients of Vishada with reference to depression. Materials and Methods: A randomised comparative clinical study was conducted in the Department of Panchakarma, I.P.G.A.E. & R. at S.V.S.P., Kolkata. Sixty patients fulfilling the predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria were included and allocated into two groups of 30 patients each. Group A received Shirodhara with Brahmi-Jatamanshi Sadhita Godugdha, while Group B received Shirodhara with Ksheerabala Taila for 14 consecutive days. The therapeutic response was assessed before and after treatment using Modified Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D) and Sattva Pariksha. Data were analysed using Student’s paired t-test. Results: Both groups demonstrated statistically highly significant improvement in the assessed subjective parameters (p<0.001). In Group A, the mean HAM-D score decreased from 17.13 to 8.53, corresponding to 50.19% relief, while the Sattva Pariksha score increased from 25.53 to 34.57, showing 35.38% improvement. In Group B, the mean HAM-D score decreased from 15.57 to 9.40, with 39.61% relief, whereas the Sattva Pariksha score increased from 25.40 to 32.80, showing 29.13% improvement. Overall, among the 60 patients, 38 (63.33%) showed mild improvement, 21 (35%) showed moderate improvement and 1 (1.67%) showed marked improvement, with no patient achieving complete remission or falling into the insignificant-improvement category. Conclusion: Both Shirodhara interventions were associated with improvement in depressive symptoms and psychological status. The greater numerical improvement observed in Group A in both HAM-D and Sattva Pariksha suggests a potentially more pronounced therapeutic response with Brahmi-Jatamanshi Sadhita Godugdha Shirodhara in the studied population.