Shirovasti or therapeutic enema on head is one of the major external oil therapies for vata related ailments of the head. A leather cap open at both ends is worn on the head. The prescribed medicated oil is then warmed, poured into the cap and allowed to stand for a specified time. The duration of the treatment varies from five to fifty minutes, in accordance with the seriousness of the illness. It can be performed either as part of the Purvakarma therapy or independently.