Palo Alto
Abhyanga Massage in Palo Alto
Warm herbal oil applied in long rhythmic strokes along the body — the foundational Ayurvedic treatment, in 75- and 90-minute sessions.
- From
- $228
- Duration
- 75–90 min
- Location
- Palo Alto
Pricing & booking
Choose the option that fits, then pick a time that works for you.
Abhyanga Body Treatment -75mins
Uses a flowing warm herbal oil massage that balances Doshas, improves lymph flow, detoxifies the body (removing Ama), and enhances life force (Ojas).
Abhyanga Body Treatment -90mins
Uses a flowing warm herbal oil massage that balances Doshas, improves lymph flow, detoxifies the body (removing Ama), and enhances life force (Ojas).
Abhyanga + Podikizhi Body Treatment - 75mins
This treatment combines the Abhyanga warm oil massage with Podikizhi herbal poultice therapy. Warm herbal bundles are gently pressed across the body to ease Vata-related muscle stiffness, joint discom
Abhyanga + Podikizhi Body Treatment - 90mins
This treatment combines the Abhyanga warm oil massage with Podikizhi herbal poultice therapy. Warm herbal bundles are gently pressed across the body to ease Vata-related muscle stiffness, joint discom
Abhyanga + Kati-Vasti Body Treatment - 75mins
This lower back therapy combines Abhyanga massage with Kati Vasti, where warm herbal oil pools over the lumbar area to deeply nourish bones, nerves, and tissues. It relieves Vata-related tension and j
Abhyanga + Kati-Vasti Body Treatment - 90mins
This lower back therapy combines Abhyanga massage with Kati Vasti, where warm herbal oil pools over the lumbar area to deeply nourish bones, nerves, and tissues. It relieves Vata-related tension and j
What Abhyanga is
Abhyanga is warm herbal oil massage, applied in long rhythmic strokes that follow the direction of the body's tissue and circulation. In Ayurveda it is the foundational body therapy — the one most other treatments build on — and it is traditionally used for grounding rather than for working out muscle knots.
It is a different experience from a deep tissue massage. The pressure is steady and flowing rather than targeted, and a generous quantity of warmed oil is used throughout. Clients often describe the after-effect as heavy, calm and unusually well-slept.
The combinations
- Abhyanga on its own. The full-body oil treatment, in 75 or 90 minutes.
- Abhyanga + Podikizhi. Adds warm herbal poultices — small cloth bundles of powdered herbs — pressed along the body after the oil. Chosen when there is stiffness or heaviness.
- Abhyanga + Kati Vasti. Adds a warm oil pool held over the lower back within a dough ring. Chosen specifically for the lower back.
Before and after your treatment
Come without lotion on the skin and avoid a heavy meal in the two hours beforehand. Afterward, leave the oil on as long as you comfortably can — it continues to absorb — and plan a quiet rest of the day rather than a workout or a late night. Wear clothes you do not mind getting oil on.
Where to find us
Shanti Dhara Wellness is at 2875 Middlefield Rd, Suite 8 (2nd floor) in Palo Alto. Serving Palo Alto, Menlo Park, Mountain View and the mid-Peninsula. Abhyanga is booked in 75- and 90-minute lengths, and in combination with Podikizhi or Kati Vasti when a specific area needs more attention. It is often paired with Shirodhara in a single visit.
Frequently asked questions
- How much does Abhyanga massage cost in Palo Alto?
- At Shanti Dhara Wellness in Palo Alto, Abhyanga is $228 for 75 minutes and $268 for 90 minutes. The Podikizhi and Kati Vasti combinations are $258 for 75 minutes and $298 for 90 minutes. Current pricing is listed above.
- How is Abhyanga different from a regular massage?
- A Swedish or deep tissue massage works muscles with targeted pressure. Abhyanga uses long, flowing strokes with a generous amount of warm herbal oil, and the aim is deep relaxation and grounding rather than releasing specific knots. It is a wellness therapy rather than treatment for a diagnosed condition.
- Should I choose 75 or 90 minutes?
- Seventy-five minutes covers the full body comfortably. Ninety gives a slower pace with more time on each area, and is the better choice for a first visit or if you are specifically after deep rest.
- What should I know about the oil?
- A lot of warm oil is used, and it is meant to stay on the skin afterward to keep absorbing. Wear clothes you do not mind oiling, and expect to want a shower later rather than immediately.
- Is there anyone who should not have Abhyanga?
- Skip it if you have a fever, an acute infection, or an open skin wound, and check with your doctor first if you are pregnant or being treated for a circulatory condition. Mention any medical condition when you book so the treatment can be adjusted.
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