Abhyanga (No steam)
Warm full-body oil massage. Promotes relaxation and restores inner balance.
Duration
60 min
Price
$150
Locations
Fremont & Sunnyvale
Over view
Abhyanga: Warm Herbal Oil Massage for Whole-Body Wellness
Ayurvedic oil massage, or Abhyanga, at Ayurhitam is a 60-minute classical full-body massage using warm oil, available at our Fremont and Sunnyvale locations. Priced at $150 per session, this therapy is one of the most requested standalone services at our clinic. Unlike a spa massage, Abhyanga is a personalised Ayurvedic bodywork practice designed around your dosha, your current concerns, and the season. The warm medicated oil is chosen to work with your constitution, and the rhythmic strokes are applied in the direction of energy flow through the body.
This version of Abhyanga is offered without Swedana (herbal steam), which makes it a beautiful fit for clients who want the calming and nourishing benefits of the oil massage without the added heat of steam. It is often chosen by clients with heat sensitivity, certain skin concerns, mild Pitta imbalance, or simply on a schedule where a shorter, gentler session works better.
What is Abhyanga?
Abhyanga is a classical Ayurvedic full-body massage using warm medicated herbal oils. The word Abhyanga comes from the Sanskrit roots ‘abhi’ (into) and ‘anga’ (limb), and describes the practice of working warmth and medicine into every part of the body. Abhyanga has been part of daily Ayurvedic self-care for over 3,000 years, and is traditionally used to support Vata balance, healthy circulation, deep relaxation, and radiant skin.
Every Abhyanga session at Ayurhitam is preceded by a short assessment, so the therapist can choose the oil that best matches your dosha. Warm sesame oil is often chosen for Vata (warming, grounding), Chandanadi or Ksheerabala for Pitta (cooling, calming), and light herbal oils for Kapha. Medicated oils like Mahanarayan, Ksheerabala, Dhanwantharam, or Bala oil are selected when specific concerns are being addressed.
How is Abhyanga Done at Ayurhitam?
Ayurhitam is one of the best places to receive abhyanga because we have massage therapists trained in classical Ayurvedic bodywork, not just the typical spa massage. A suitable Ayurvedic oil is chosen during the intake process and warmed so that it can be well absorbed into your skin. The entire body is massaged, front and back, head to toe.
The Abhyanga session begins with gentle effleurage strokes on the entire back and arms to evenly spread the warm oil. The bodywork therapist checks in with pressure and increases or decreases based off of your preference, prioritizing these areas, as well as adding more oil as the minutes proggress. Once the back is complete, the back of the legs, front of the legs, arms, shoulders, neck, face and scalp are given the same attention.
After a grounded and soothing abhyanga, we then ask you to take a few deep breaths and guide you to our sit down steam tent.
Benefits of Abhyanga
Deep Relaxation: Traditionally used to calm the nervous system and ease tension
Improved Circulation: Supports healthy blood and lymph flow throughout the body.
Vata Balance: The warm oil is traditionally used to soothe the dryness and stiffness of Vata imbalance.
Muscle and Joint Comfort: Often chosen for whole-body stiffness and end-of-day tension.
Skin Nourishment: Regular sessions leave the skin softer, more hydrated, and naturally glowing.
Better Sleep: Many clients report deeper sleep on the night of the session.
Mental Calm: The rhythmic strokes and warm oil settle a busy mind.
Gentle Detox: The oil is traditionally used to mobilise ama toward elimination channels.
Concerns Abhyanga Can Support
- Chronic stress and tension
- Poor sleep linked to Vata imbalance
- Post-travel or post-flight recovery
- Sluggish circulation
- Screen-related mental fatigue
- Whole-body muscle stiffness
- Dry skin and dull complexion
- General fatigue and low vitality
- Age-related joint dryness
Why Choose Ayurhitam for Abhyanga in the Bay Area
- Available at two Bay Area locations: Offered at both our Fremont clinic (43255 Mission Blvd, Suite 100) and our Sunnyvale clinic (170 N Wolfe Rd) for your convenience.
- Authentic classical protocol: Delivered as per classical Ayurvedic texts, not modified for a spa setting.
- Personalised oil selection: The oil is chosen based on your dosha and current concerns, not from a fixed menu.
- Certified practitioners and therapists: Every session supervised by qualified Ayurvedic practitioners.
- Clean, private therapy space: Dedicated therapy rooms at both Fremont and Sunnyvale.
- Trusted across the Bay Area: Clients come to us from Fremont, San Jose, Palo Alto, Sunnyvale, Milpitas, Union City, Hayward, and Newark.
Featured Questions
Abhyanga is a classical Ayurvedic warm oil massage that is traditionally used to support deep relaxation, healthy circulation, Vata balance, better sleep, skin nourishment, and gentle release of toxins. It is often chosen by Bay Area clients working through chronic stress, whole-body stiffness, poor sleep, and general fatigue.
Abhyanga is the warm oil massage alone (60 minutes, $150). Abhyanga with Swedana adds a 10 to 30 minute of steam session immediately after the massage (90 minutes, $175 total). The steam is traditionally used to open the pores and channels so the oil and heat can work together for deeper cleansing. Abhyanga without steam is often chosen by clients who prefer a gentler, cooler session or have heat sensitivity.
And change the answer to ‘a full abhyanga and Swedana session is 60 minutes of abhyanga and 10-30 minutes of Swedana. Restroom usage, hydration, and intake may take an extra 5 minutes.’
Self abhyanga is very beneficial especially if done daily. We are happy to teach you how to give yourself abhyanga at our clinic. However, receiving abhyanga from an Ayurvedic body worker can feel much more relaxing and also can target tension areas you may not be able to reach!
Abhyanga is generally safe when supervised by a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner. It is not typically recommended during acute fever, active infection, immediately after a heavy meal, or during the first trimester of pregnancy. Modifications are made for clients with certain skin concerns or oil sensitivities. A consultation confirms your eligibility.
We recommend 1 abhyanga per month. However, if you experience chronic stress or are experiencing more tension or pain than usual, sometimes 1 abhyanga every 2 weeks or even once every week may help to alleviate these discomforts. Our Ayurvedic bodyworkers who are also Certified Massage Therapists are well trained on working with the changes that your body makes after each session.
We typically use plain sesame oil, however we also use Mahanarayan, Balaguluchyadi, dhanwantharam, Ksheerabala, and a few other Ayurvedic oils. If you are working with an Ayurvedic practitioner and have a specific oil they are recommending for you to use, feel free to let us know and we will be happy to use it!
Abhyanga in the Bay Area is offered at both Ayurhitam locations: 43255 Mission Blvd, Suite 100, Fremont, CA 94539, and 170 N Wolfe Rd, Sunnyvale, CA 94086. Call 510-556-3738 to book at your preferred location.
Book your Abhyanga session at Ayurhitam today. Call 510-556-3738. Available at both Fremont and Sunnyvale.
Disclaimer: Ayurhitam is an Ayurvedic wellness center. The services offered are traditional Ayurvedic practices for wellness support and are not a substitute for medical care, diagnosis, or advice from a licensed physician. Statements on this page have not been evaluated by the FDA. Please consult your medical doctor before beginning any Ayurvedic wellness program, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or managing a medical condition.
