Traditional massage

Ayurvedic massage

นวดอายุรเวท

Oil-based therapies from India's Ayurveda: Abhyanga, a full-body massage with warm oil, and Shirodhara, a steady stream of warm oil poured onto the forehead.

IntensityGentle

Origin

India

History

Ayurveda has a documented history of about 3,500 years (WHO)

A session

Abhyanga about 60 min; Shirodhara 30–45 min after a short head massage

Licence in Thailand

Not required

Where it comes from

Ayurveda, meaning ‘knowledge of life’, is one of India's traditional systems of health care. According to the World Health Organization, its documented history on the Indian subcontinent goes back about 3,500 years, and its oral tradition is likely older. Classical texts such as the Caraka saṃhitā and Suśruta saṃhitā remain references for practice.

Among Ayurveda's many external therapies, WHO lists abhyaṅga, massage using Ayurvedic techniques and oil, and śirodhārā, the pouring of liquid, usually medicated oil, onto the head. In 2022 the WHO published benchmarks for the practice of Ayurveda, developed with support from India's Ministry of AYUSH, which oversees traditional systems in India.

These therapies have spread well beyond India. In Malaysia, for example, the Ministry of Health offers Shirodhara at selected hospital traditional and complementary medicine units and has published a practice guideline for it.

The principle

Ayurveda describes three doṣa, vāta, pitta and kapha, which are said to maintain the body's functional balance; disturbance of this balance is seen as the basis of illness. Each person is considered to have an individual constitution (prakṛti), so treatments, including the choice of oil, are meant to be tailored.

These are Ayurveda's own concepts. Modern research on the massages themselves is small: a 2011 pilot study of 20 healthy adults found lower self-reported stress after one hour of Abhyanga, and reviews of Shirodhara describe few, small studies with limited evidence for anxiety, sleep or stress.

What people come for

To relax deeply
To ease a feeling of stress, as reported in small studies
To support rest and sleep (evidence remains limited)
To experience a traditional Indian therapy
As part of a broader programme prescribed by an Ayurvedic practitioner

How it works on the body

Ayurvedic massage relies on generous amounts of warm oil, rhythmic strokes and, for Shirodhara, a continuous flow of oil over the forehead.

A session, step by step

01
Consultation
A practitioner asks about your health and considers conditions such as pregnancy before choosing a therapy and oil.
02
Oil massage
For Abhyanga, you lie on a special cushioned table that collects excess oil while warm oil is massaged into the body.
03
Shirodhara set-up
For Shirodhara, you lie on your back with your neck supported and your eyes covered to protect them from oil.
04
The oil stream
Warm oil flows onto the forehead for about 30 to 45 minutes, at a controlled temperature.
05
Rest
You rest 5 to 10 minutes on the table afterwards.
06
Aftercare
The Malaysian guideline advises a lukewarm shower about two hours later and covering the head against sun, cold or wind for one to two hours.

Precautions

Shirodhara is listed as contraindicated in pregnancy, low blood pressure, brain tumour, and nerve damage with loss of sensation in the head or neck.
Avoid Shirodhara with a recent neck injury, open wounds or inflammation on the head or neck, acute sinusitis or a flu-like illness.
Possible side effects include headache, neck pain, dizziness from lying on the back for a long time, burns if the oil is too hot, and allergy to the oil.
Ayurvedic herbal products taken by mouth are a separate matter: some have been found to contain lead, mercury or arsenic. Check with your doctor before taking any.
Acute mental-health crises, alcohol or drug dependence are also listed as reasons not to have Shirodhara.

Complementary practice: does not replace medical advice.

In Thailand

When Ayurvedic massage is offered as a business in Thailand, it falls under the Health Establishment Act B.E. 2559 (2016), in force since 27 September 2016 and administered by the Department of Health Service Support of the Ministry of Public Health. Spa and health-massage establishments must hold a licence and service providers must be registered after a recognised course. We found no Thai qualification specific to Ayurvedic massage, so ask about the therapist's training and check that the venue displays its licence.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between Abhyanga and Shirodhara?

Abhyanga is a full-body oil massage. Shirodhara is a still therapy in which warm oil is poured steadily onto the forehead, usually after a short head and neck massage.

Is Shirodhara safe?

It is generally described as safe when done by trained staff with controlled oil temperature, but it is not advised in pregnancy, low blood pressure or several other conditions.

Is there scientific evidence?

Only a little. Small studies suggest people feel less stressed, but there is not enough good-quality research to show effects on any illness.

Will I be offered herbal medicines?

Possibly, in a full Ayurvedic consultation. Be cautious: some Ayurvedic products have been found to contain toxic metals, so talk to your doctor first.

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