THE CLASSICAL OIL THERAPY

Abhyanga — Ayurvedic Massage in Bangalore for Everyday Healing

The warm-oil therapy at the centre of daily Ayurvedic practice. A full-body massage using herbal oils matched to your constitution and the season, given by trained therapists. Practised regularly, it steadies circulation, settles the nervous system, and slows the visible signs of ageing.

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125+

YEARS OF LEGACY

16+

CLINICS IN BANGALORE

1.2M+

PATIENTS TREATED

50+

AYURVEDIC DOCTORS

What Is Abhyanga

Abhyanga is one of Ayurveda’s oldest and most widely practised therapies — a full-body massage using warm herbal oils chosen specifically for your constitution and the season you’re in. It’s built on the principle of external oleation: oil applied with long, deliberate strokes that nourish the deeper tissues, not just the skin’s surface.

The oils themselves vary by need. Everyday sessions typically use sesame, coconut, sunflower, mustard, or almond oil. For a specific health concern, the oil is swapped for a medicated herbal formulation designed to address that condition directly, which is what separates a proper Abhyanga session from a generic spa massage.

Used consistently, Abhyanga does more than relax — it supports circulation, calms an overactive nervous system, and is one of the standard preparatory therapies before more intensive Panchakarma procedures begin.

THE FOUR VARIANTS

One Root Therapy, Four Expressions

Abhyanga with Sweda

A full-body warm-oil massage followed immediately by medicated herbal steam. The heat opens the skin’s pores so the oils can travel deeper into the tissue, and it’s the combination — not the oil alone — that drives out accumulated toxins through the skin. Duration: 90 minutes.

Vishesha Abhyanga with Sweda

The same therapy performed by two therapists working in matched, mirrored strokes. The synchronised four-hand technique reaches deeper muscle layers and moves lymph faster than a single-therapist session, which is why it’s usually recommended for advanced stress or fatigue. Duration: 90 minutes.

Abhyanga with Patra Pinda Swedana

Classical massage followed by fomentation using warmed boluses of medicinal leaves, powders, or jambira fruit pressed rhythmically into affected areas. This is the variant most often prescribed for stiff joints, muscular knots, and long-standing pain rather than general relaxation. Duration: 90 minutes.

Abhyanga with Pariseka

The massage closes with a steady stream of warm medicated decoction poured over the body in a continuous flow. Deeply calming and intensely moisturising, it’s particularly suited to Vata-driven complaints — dryness, anxiety, disturbed sleep. Duration: 90 minutes.

BETWEEN THERAPY AND RITUAL

Why It Actually Works

The oil isn’t simply a lubricant for the strokes — classical medicated oils carry active herbal compounds into the deeper tissue layers, and the rhythmic stroke pattern settles the nervous system in a way an ordinary massage doesn’t attempt to. That combination is why Abhyanga sits somewhere between therapy and ritual, not purely relaxation.

  • Eases joint pain and everyday stiffness
  • Deeper, more consistent sleep
  • Visibly nourished, more supple skin
  • Better circulation and improved muscle tone
  • A calmer nervous system and noticeably sharper focus
  • Stronger hair and scalp health when extended to a head massage
  • A gentler, more grounded emotional baseline over repeated sessions

SYMPTOM CHECK

Is Abhyanga Right For You

Abhyanga is worth booking if any of the following sound familiar:

Chronic muscle or joint stiffness

Long hours at a desk, lower back tightness, post-workout soreness.

Stress, anxiety or a racing mind

Burnout, disturbed sleep, general overstimulation.

Dry, dull, or ageing skin

Low natural moisture, early fine lines, low glow.

Poor circulation or persistent fatigue

Cold hands and feet, low energy through the day.

Recovery support

As preparation before Panchakarma, or gentle recovery after a demanding travel schedule.

No specific complaint at all

Just a regular practice for long-term prevention, the way Ayurveda originally intended it.

WHAT TO EXPECT

What to Expect in Your Session

1

A short consultation

Your therapist or doctor notes your dosha, current concerns, and any areas that need extra attention before the oil is even warmed.

2

Oil selection and warming

Sesame, coconut, or a medicated herbal oil is chosen for your constitution and gently heated to a comfortable working temperature.

3

The massage itself

Long, rhythmic strokes follow the direction of the limbs and lymphatic flow, with focused attention on marma (energy) points along the way.

4

Steam or fomentation, where the variant calls for it

This is what pushes the oil’s benefits deeper rather than leaving them sitting on the skin’s surface.

5

A short rest period

You’re left to lie still for several minutes so the oil is properly absorbed before you shower, not washed off immediately.

TRANSPARENT PRICING

Abhyanga Massage Cost in Bangalore

What you pay for an Abhyanga session depends mainly on the variant (a standard Abhyanga with Sweda costs less than the four-handed Vishesha version or a condition-specific Patra Pinda Swedana session) and whether a medicated herbal oil is prescribed instead of a base oil. Your clinic confirms the exact cost before your session is booked, not after.

Not sure if this is right for you? A Shathayu doctor will assess your condition before anything is booked — book a free consultation or ask us on WhatsApp.

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WHY CHOOSE US

Why We're the Right Choice

Thousands of patients across Bangalore trust Shathayu for authentic Ayurvedic care here’s why.

Government Recognised

AYUSH Ministry listed. Licensed Ayurvedic medical institution operating since 1901.

Qualified and MD Doctors

Every consultation is with an MD or BAMS-qualified vaidya. 50+ specialists, 16 clinics.

No Side Effects

100% classical formulations. No steroids, no chemical fillers. Pure Ayurveda safe and lasting.

In-house Medicines

All herbal formulations prepared in Shathayu’s own facility. Strict quality control no third-party fillers, no shortcuts.

OUR PHYSICIANS

Meet the Vaidyas

Dr. Shadiya Kishore Shathayu Ayurveda Clinic RT Nagar

Dr. Shadiya Kishore K

BAMS, Senior Ayurveda Consultant | 17 Years | Shathayu RT Nagar

Clinical focus spans musculoskeletal and joint disorders, skin diseases, women’s health, hair and scalp treatments, and stress and mental wellness — a near-exact match for Abhyanga’s real-world uses, from joint stiffness relief to scalp and skin nourishment. Trained at Vaidyaratnam Ayurveda College, Thrissur, and builds every treatment plan around each patient’s Prakriti and Vikriti rather than a fixed protocol.

Dr. Bhavana V Sholapur, Ayurvedic doctor at Shathayu Ayurveda RR Nagar

Dr. Bhavana V Sholapur

BAMS | 10 Years | Shathayu RR Nagar (Rajarajeshwari Nagar)

Specialises in Panchakarma, women’s health, lifestyle disorders, and chronic skin conditions, with particular expertise in stress-linked and hormonal complaints — the same profile of patients who respond well to Abhyanga and Pariseka. Combines classical Panchakarma planning with practical diet and lifestyle counselling.

Dr. Anusha Shathayu Ayurveda Clinic Koramangala

Dr. Anusha RT

BAMS, DANFS&D | 3.7 Years | Shathayu Koramangala

Specialises in Panchakarma and detox, with a strong interest in metabolic and lifestyle-based care — Diabetes, PCOD, thyroid disorders, and joint pain among her focus areas. Named directly by a patient in a real Shathayu review for recommending Abhyanga and Sweda therapy.

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REAL REVIEWS

What Our Patients Say

★★★★★

“Had a wonderful experience at Shathayu Ayurveda Clinic. Beautiful green surroundings. Took consultation with Dr. Anusha, she suggested Abhyanga and Sweda therapy, and Shino — therapist — did an excellent job. Full body massage, steam, and shower, perfect for stress relief. Felt completely relaxed and rejuvenated. Highly recommended!”

Vignesh Sudhir

★★★★★

“Had an Abhyanga massage. It was very relaxing and the aches that I had post a very hectic trip are all but gone. Thanks to the skillful hands of Sheena and Gayatri. Wonderful experience. A quick word about Shathayu Koramangala — it’s very professionally run. Extremely personalised service and I must say I love the excellent response to customers.”

Sangi Nambi

★★★★★

“Have been taking regular Abhyanga service since last 7 months for chronic spasms. Warm oil used is comforting and oil is regularly warmed throughout the session. Massage therapist Gayatri is simply the best and very understanding. Liked the idea of providing green gram powder along with body wash for clean-up after. Staff have been accommodative. Would definitely recommend this place, worth a try.”

Shilpa Bhumannavar

BEFORE YOU BOOK

Abhyanga — FAQs

Abhyanga is Ayurveda’s classical full-body warm-oil massage — herbal oils matched to your constitution, applied with long rhythmic strokes that follow the body’s natural channels rather than random kneading.
A spa massage is built around muscle relaxation alone. Abhyanga uses dosha-specific medicated oils and a stroke pattern designed to work the deeper tissue channels, not just the surface muscles — it’s therapy first, relaxation second.
Base oils like sesame, coconut, mustard, or almond are common starting points. Where a specific condition needs addressing, your doctor prescribes a medicated herbal oil formulated for that concern instead of a generic one.
Vishesha Abhyanga is performed by two therapists moving in matched, synchronised strokes rather than one — it reaches deeper and moves faster through the lymphatic system, so it’s usually reserved for more advanced fatigue or stress.
Warm herbal boluses — bundles of medicinal leaves or powders, sometimes jambira fruit — are pressed into the body after the massage. It’s specifically suited to stiff joints and chronic muscular pain, more targeted than a general session.
The session closes with a continuous, gentle stream of warm medicated liquid poured over the body. It’s the most calming of the four variants and works particularly well for dryness, anxiety, and Vata-related sleep issues.
Yes — the warm oil lubricates and softens tissue around the joint while improving local circulation, and when it’s paired with steam or Patra Pinda Swedana specifically, stiffness and range-of-motion issues respond noticeably faster than with oil alone.
This is one of the better-evidenced benefits. The rhythmic strokes calm the parasympathetic nervous system directly, and most people report deeper, less interrupted sleep within a handful of sessions, not months.
Once a week is a reasonable baseline for general wellbeing. If you’re addressing a specific complaint — stiffness, insomnia, high stress — your doctor may recommend two to three sessions a week for a short initial period, then taper down.
Most people feel nothing beyond deep relaxation. In sensitive skin, mild breakouts can occasionally occur from the oil itself, and very occasionally there’s short-lived heaviness after a first session — both settle quickly and your therapist adjusts the oil if either happens again.
Skip it during active fever or infection, immediately after surgery, during a bad flare of skin disease, or without checking with your doctor first if you have a vascular condition. Outside of those situations, it’s broadly safe for most adults.
Generally yes, with adjustments — the oils, pressure, and positioning are all modified by trimester, so this is one instance where you should always start with a doctor’s consultation rather than booking directly.
Loose, comfortable clothing you don’t mind getting a little oily, or the disposable garments provided at the clinic. The oil is designed to absorb into skin, not sit on top of it, so a small amount of residue on clothing afterward is normal.
Not immediately. Letting the oil sit for a short while after your session gives it time to actually absorb rather than just being washed straight off — your therapist will tell you the right window before you head out.
It’s usually the gentlest possible entry point — safe, comfortable, and not clinically intense the way some Panchakarma procedures are, which makes it a common first therapy for people testing out Ayurveda for the first time.
Pricing depends on the variant (a standard Abhyanga with Sweda costs less than the four-handed Vishesha version or a targeted Patra Pinda Swedana session) and whether medicated oils are prescribed for a specific condition. Your clinic will confirm exact pricing before you book, not after.
Yes — in fact it usually is. Abhyanga is one of the standard preparatory steps (Purvakarma) before the main Panchakarma procedures begin, loosening toxins and readying the tissues for deeper detoxification.
Yes. Every Abhyanga session at Shathayu starts with your doctor’s assessment of your dosha and current condition — the variant, oil, and pressure are chosen for you specifically, not applied as a fixed package.

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125 years of healing wisdom, available to you across 16 clinics in Bangalore. Book your free 15-minute consultation today no pressure, just a conversation.

16 CLINICS ACROSS BANGALORE

Find a Shathayu Clinic Near You

Authentic Ayurveda is never far away. Walk in at any of our 16 Bangalore centres or book a free consultation and we’ll guide you to the one nearest you.

JP Nagar

#1300, 9th Cross Rd, Phase 1, JP Nagar, Bengaluru 560078

Whitefield

620, 1st Main Rd, AECS Layout C Block, Marathahalli, Bengaluru 560037

Chandra Layout

#115, 4th Cross Rd, Near Police Station, Chandra Layout, Bengaluru 560040

RT Nagar

#578, 4th G Cross, HMT Layout, CBI Main Rd, RT Nagar, Bengaluru 560032

Banashankari

No.525, 31st Main Rd, Banagirinagara, Banashankari 3rd Stage, Bengaluru 560085

HSR Layout

1017, 27th Main Rd, 1st Sector, HSR Layout, Bengaluru 560102

Indiranagar

NO.163, 2nd Stage, 2nd A Cross, Domlur, Indiranagar, Bengaluru 560071

Kalyan Nagar

6M-309, HRBR Layout, 2nd Block Ext., Kalyan Nagar, Bengaluru 560043

Rajajinagar

#347, 3rd Main Rd, Mahalakshmipuram, West of Chord Rd 2nd Stage, Bengaluru 560086

Koramangala

“Grace” 1st Floor, C-18, Kudremukh Colony, Koramangala Block 2, Bengaluru 560034

RR Nagar

#810, 3rd Stage, 4th Main Rd, BEML Layout, RR Nagar, Bengaluru 560098

Sahakar Nagar

No.46, G Block, Sahakar Nagar, Byatarayanapura, Bengaluru 560092

Nagarbhavi

148, 6th Main Rd, D-Group Layout, Srigandhada Kaval, Nagarbhavi, Bengaluru 560091

Sadashivanagar

1st Floor, 13, 2nd Main Rd, Vyalikaval, Sadashiva Nagar, Malleshwaram, Bengaluru 560003

Kothanur

3rd Floor, SGM Complex, 27, K.Narayanapura, Kothanur, Bengaluru 560077

Yelahanka

1st Floor, 2022, 3rd B Cross Rd, KHB Colony, Yelahanka Satellite Town, Bengaluru 560064