What happens in an Abhyanga session
- A short check. For your first session, a quick consultation so the oil and pressure suit your body. Regular patients go straight to the therapy room.
- Warm oil massage. Medicated oil is warmed and applied with long, rhythmic strokes, in a set sequence over the whole body.
- Herbal steam (Swedana). Usually 10 to 15 minutes of gentle steam with herbs, which Ayurveda uses to help the oil work and to ease stiffness.
- Rest. A few minutes to settle, then a warm shower or a wipe-down, as you prefer.
Oils matched to your body
Ayurveda chooses the oil by constitution and season. Warm, heavier oils such as sesame-based preparations are classically used for Vata; cooling oils such as coconut-based preparations for Pitta; and lighter oils, or less oil, for Kapha. Our therapists use the oil your doctor recommends.
Who often books it
- People who want deep relaxation and better sleep after a stressful week
- Anyone with dry skin and stiffness in the cold or monsoon months
- People preparing for Panchakarma, where Abhyanga is part of the preparation
Cost
Abhyanga starts at ₹ TBC for about 60 minutes. A course of sessions, if advised, is priced as a package.
Questions people ask
How often should I have Abhyanga?
For relaxation, once a week or a few times a month suits many people. If the doctor advises a course for a specific concern, it may be daily for several days.
Will the oil stain my clothes?
Some oil stays on the skin. We provide towels and a shower, and recommend loose, dark clothes for the journey home.
Can I choose a female therapist?
Tell us your preference when you book and we will arrange it where possible (availability TBC).
Is Abhyanga the same as a spa massage?
No. The oil, strokes and sequence follow Ayurvedic practice and are chosen for your constitution, and it is part of a doctor-led clinic.
This page is general information, not medical advice. Your doctor decides whether a therapy is right for you. Results vary from person to person.