Ayurvedic Massage (Abhyanga) in Sydney
Experience a traditional Ayurvedic full-body massage using warm herbal oils, tailored to your needs to promote deep relaxation, ease muscle tension and support wellbeing. 50 minutes, $139, at our Gordon clinic on Sydney’s Upper North Shore.
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Abhyanga is a traditional full-body Ayurvedic massage using warm herbal oils selected according to your individual constitution and needs. At Yatan Holistic Ayurvedic Centre in Gordon, on Sydney’s Upper North Shore, the treatment takes 50 minutes and costs $139, including a brief Ayurvedic constitution assessment. Massage techniques and pressure are tailored to help release muscular tension, improve circulation and promote deep relaxation and overall wellbeing.
- 50 minutes · $139 · allow 70 minutes at the clinic
- Suite 28, 924 Pacific Highway, Gordon NSW 2072, a 10-minute walk from Gordon station
- Monday to Friday 9.00am to 5.30pm, Saturday 9.00am to 1.00pm
Book your free 10-minute call
1300 552 260
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Buy a gift certificate ($139)What is Abhyanga?
Abhyanga (said “ab-YAN-ga”) is the traditional full-body oil massage of Ayurveda, the traditional medicine system of India. The word means “oil applied to the limbs”. Warm, herb-infused oil is worked into the skin with long, rhythmic strokes along the arms and legs and slow circles over the joints, abdomen and scalp.
In Ayurveda, Abhyanga is part of the daily routine and the usual preparation for deeper programs such as Panchakarma. It is used to settle Vata, the dosha associated with dryness, restlessness, light sleep and tension. That is why your oil and the pace of the massage are matched to you, not picked from a menu. Some people know it simply as Indian massage.
What Happens During Your Ayurvedic Massage?
Every Abhyanga massage at Yatan is personalised to your individual constitution, physical condition and needs.
1. Arrival and preparation
Arrive approximately 10 minutes early for your first appointment to complete a short health questionnaire. Please let us know about any allergies, injuries, medical conditions or pregnancy.
2. Brief Ayurvedic assessment
Raman Das will discuss your health, lifestyle and any areas of discomfort or tension. Your Ayurvedic constitution (Prakriti) and current imbalances may also inform the selection of suitable oils and massage techniques.
3. Warm herbal oil selection
Warm Ayurvedic herbal oils are selected according to your individual needs. Different oils may be used depending on your constitution, skin condition and any sensitivities.
4. Your full-body massage
Relax on a comfortable massage table while Raman Das applies warm herbal oils using rhythmic, flowing strokes and traditional Ayurvedic techniques. The massage typically covers the back, arms, legs, shoulders, neck, and feet, with other areas such as scalp included based on your preferences.
Pressure and techniques are adjusted to help ease muscular tension, encourage circulation and promote deep relaxation. Your comfort and privacy are maintained throughout the treatment.
5. Relaxation and rest
Following your massage, you may take a few moments to relax before getting dressed, allowing your body to settle after the treatment.
6. After your massage
Where practical, you may leave the herbal oil on your skin for a little while before showering with warm water. Raman Das can provide individual aftercare advice, including whether to wash your hair if scalp massage was included.
How Does Abhyanga Feel, and What Are the Benefits?
Abhyanga is a deeply relaxing experience, combining the comforting warmth of herbal oils with rhythmic, flowing massage techniques. During and after treatment, you may notice reduced muscular tension, a sense of calm, softer skin and an overall feeling of physical and mental relaxation.
Some people also find that they feel more settled and sleep more comfortably following their massage, although individual experiences vary.
Abhyanga is a complementary wellbeing therapy and is not intended to replace medical treatment for an existing health condition.
Abhyanga vs Swedish and Remedial Massage: What’s the Difference?
While all three approaches can help ease tension and promote relaxation, they differ in their techniques, use of oils and underlying philosophy.
Ayurvedic Massage (Abhyanga)
- Approach: Traditional Ayurvedic massage tailored to your constitution and individual needs.
- Oils: Warm herbal oils selected according to Ayurvedic principles.
- Techniques: Rhythmic, flowing strokes with pressure adapted to your comfort and areas of tension.
- Focus: Generally a whole-body approach, including areas requiring particular attention.
- Best suited for: Deep relaxation, muscular tension, stiffness, dry skin and supporting overall wellbeing.
Relaxation (Swedish) massage
- Approach: Western massage techniques designed to encourage physical and mental relaxation.
- Oils: Massage oils or lotions to assist smooth movements.
- Techniques: Long, flowing strokes, kneading and circular movements, usually with light to moderate pressure.
- Focus: Full-body massage or selected areas, depending on preference.
- Best suited for: General relaxation, everyday muscle tension and stress relief.
Remedial or deep-tissue massage
- Approach: More targeted massage focused on specific muscular concerns or movement restrictions.
- Oils: Massage oils or lotions may be used, depending on the technique.
- Techniques: Targeted pressure, kneading and other soft-tissue techniques, with intensity adjusted to the individual.
- Focus: Specific muscles or areas of discomfort, although treatment may include surrounding regions.
- Best suited for: Localised muscular tension, stiffness and movement-related discomfort.
Who should wait, or check first
Please postpone your Abhyanga if you have:
- a fever, cold, flu or any active infection
- a skin rash, broken skin, a recent burn or bad sunburn
- a fresh injury, or a joint that is hot and swollen
- had surgery in the last six weeks (check with your surgeon first)
- a history of blood clots (check with your GP first).
Pregnancy
Please tell us when you book. We don’t offer full-body Abhyanga in the first trimester. Later in pregnancy we can offer a modified massage with written clearance from your GP or midwife
Periods
Ayurveda traditionally skips oil massage on the first heavy days of a period. It is your choice, and we are happy to move your booking.
Allergies
Tell us about any sesame, nut or fragrance allergy and we will use a suitable oil.
Prices
Treatment: Abhyanga (Ayurvedic full-body oil massage)
Length: 50 minutes
$139 AUD
Treatment: Shirodhara with Indian head and face massage
Length: 50 minutes
$189 AUD
Abhyanga gift certificate
One treatment
$139 AUD
Panchakarma (Abhyanga is part of each session)
Program
From $450 AUD per session
Free introductory phone or video call
Length: 10 minutes
FREE
Ayurvedic treatments are not currently claimable on Medicare or private health insurance in Australia.
Give Abhyanga as a gift
An Abhyanga gift certificate is $139 and covers one 50-minute massage. Add the recipient’s name and an optional message, and we’ll email the certificate to you or straight to them. Certificates are valid for three years from purchase.
Telehealth available Australia wide
Where we are
Yatan Holistic Ayurvedic Centre, Suite 28, 924 Pacific Highway, Gordon NSW 2072, on the corner of the Pacific Highway and Ryde Road.
By Train
A 10-minute walk from Gordon station along the Pacific Highway.
By Car
There is 1-hour parking in the laneway at the front entrance (turn in from the left lane before Ryde Road), street parking in Fitzsimmons Lane with stairs up to the building, and a few spaces in the building car park.
Hours
Monday to Friday: 9.00am to 5.30pm
Saturday: 9.00am to 1.00pm.
Book your Abhyanga
Not sure whether Abhyanga or Shirodhara is the better fit? Book a free 10-minute call and Raman Das will talk it through with you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. How much is an Ayurvedic massage in Sydney?
A. At Yatan Holistic Ayurvedic Centre in Gordon, a 50-minute Abhyanga Ayurvedic massage is $139, including a short constitution check before the massage.
Q. What is Abhyanga?
A. Abhyanga is the traditional full-body warm oil massage of Ayurveda. Herb-infused oil chosen for your body type is applied with long, rhythmic strokes on the limbs and circular strokes over the joints, abdomen and scalp. It is used in Ayurveda to settle Vata, the dosha associated with dryness, restlessness and tension.
Q. What happens during an Ayurvedic massage?
A. You fill in a short health form, then your therapist asks a few questions, takes a traditional pulse reading and checks your body type to choose the oil and pressure. You lie on a warm table covered with towels while the whole body is massaged, including scalp and feet as desired, for 50 minutes. You then rest for a few minutes so the oil can soak in.
Q. What is the difference between Abhyanga and a regular massage?
A. Abhyanga uses warm herbal oil chosen for your constitution, gentle to medium rhythmic pressure and covers the whole body including scalp and feet, with the oil left on afterwards. A relaxation massage uses plain oil and focuses on back, neck and legs, and a remedial massage uses firm pressure on a specific problem area.
Q. What should I wear to an Abhyanga massage?
A. Wear comfortable clothes you do not mind getting a little oil on. You undress to your level of comfort for the massage and are covered with towels throughout. Bring a hat or hair tie if your scalp is being massaged, or ask us to skip the scalp.
Q. Should I shower after Abhyanga?
A. Leave the oil on for at least 30 minutes if you can, then shower at home with warm water and a mild soap. The oil softens the skin, so there is no need to wash it off straight away.
Q. Who should not have Abhyanga?
A. Postpone Abhyanga if you have a fever, cold, flu or active infection, a skin rash, broken skin or bad sunburn, a fresh injury or a hot swollen joint, or surgery in the last six weeks. If you have a history of blood clots, are pregnant, or are under medical care, check with your GP first and tell us when you book.
Q. Can I have an Ayurvedic massage while pregnant?
A. Please tell us when you book. We don’t offer full-body Abhyanga in the first trimester. Later in pregnancy, a modified massage may be possible with written clearance from your GP or midwife.
Q. How often should I have Abhyanga?
A. As a one-off massage, it is a deeply relaxing treatment. Many regular clients book every two to four weeks, and Ayurveda also recommends a short daily self-massage at home with a suitable oil. Your therapist can suggest an Ayurvedic oil for home use.
Q. Is Ayurvedic massage covered by private health insurance?
A. Ayurvedic treatments are not currently claimable on Medicare or private health insurance in Australia, so Abhyanga is paid directly to the clinic.
Q. Can I buy an Abhyanga massage as a gift?
A. Yes. An Abhyanga gift certificate is $139 and covers one 50-minute massage. We email it to you or send it directly to the recipient with your message, and it is valid for 12 months.
Q. Where can I get an Ayurvedic massage on Sydney’s North Shore?
A. Yatan Holistic Ayurvedic Centre is at Suite 28, 924 Pacific Highway, Gordon NSW 2072, a 10-minute walk from Gordon station, with laneway and street parking nearby. The clinic is open Monday to Friday, 9.00 am to 5.30 pm, and Saturday, 9.00 am to 1.00 pm. Call 1300 552 260 to book.
Reviewed and updated by Raman Das Mahatyagi, Principal Ayurvedic Practitioner (ATMS Fellow, 2026-27) | Last updated: 22 October 2026