In Dhara therapy, medicated oil is steadily poured on the affected body part of the patient at a prescribed rate. There are different types of Dharas, each of which cures a different health issue. The herbal oil mixture used in each is also different. The method of treatment is chosen based on the nature of the illness. Dhara is generally administered over a period of seven to fourteen days, in sessions that last 30 to 90 minutes each.

The three major forms of Dhara are Shirodhara (Dhara on the forehead), Sarvangadhara (Dhara on the entire body) and Pizhichil (Dhara by squeezing an oil-soaked cloth). These are further sub-divided based on the composition of oil used. Dhara is a highly effective form of sudation therapy that aids in the treatment of a wide range of ailments including headache, depression, muscle spasm and joint pain.