Complete Head & Body Abhyanga
Ayurvedic Full Body & Indian Head Massage
Full Body & Indian Head Massage in York · 90 min · £100
Warm Oil. Calm Pace. Head to Toe.
"Experience a full body and head massage using warm personalised herbal oils, offered as an unhurried Ayurvedic ritual for relaxation and general wellbeing."
Overview
What is Full Head & Body Abhyanga?
The Complete Head & Body Abhyanga Ritual is an unhurried Ayurvedic ritual combining full-body Abhyanga with a beautifully relaxing head, neck and shoulder massage. Also known as Sarvanga Abhyanga with Shiro Abhyanga, this treatment offers a full-length Ayurvedic experience — warm herbal oils are massaged rhythmically across the body and gently worked through the scalp, focusing on the places where modern life tends to hold everyday tension.
At The Ayur Chikitsa in York, every ritual is personalised following an Ayurvedic consultation, with oils and techniques thoughtfully chosen to suit your constitution (Prakriti) and current wellbeing priorities. Ideal for anyone seeking to slow down, unwind and step away from busy days, this ninety-minute treatment offers warmth, rhythm and a profound sense of calm. A luxurious yet grounded Ayurvedic experience, this ritual is one of our most requested treatments in York.
Why choose this therapy
Why this treatment
Many people carry everyday tension not only in the body, but also in the scalp, temples, jaw and neck. Hours at a computer, driving and busy days can leave us feeling ready for a pause. Full Head & Body Abhyanga extends beyond a traditional massage by including the head and scalp, creating a profoundly relaxing experience from head to toe.
Benefits
What this therapy supports
Suitable for
Who this therapy is for
Who this suits
Who this ritual is offered to
- you would like the scalp and head included as part of a full-body ritual
- your week involves a lot of screen time, driving or mental activity
- you want a longer session with warm oil from head to toe
- you prefer a deeply relaxing ritual rather than a quick appointment
Session frequency is optional and personal. Any suggestions are discussed individually during your consultation; no fixed course is required.
Please note
Who should avoid
- Have a fever or acute illness
- Have contagious skin conditions
- Have open wounds or recent injuries
- Have severe scalp infections
- Are pregnant unless a suitable pregnancy massage is available
A consultation is completed before every treatment.
Ayurvedic perspective
The classical view
According to Ayurveda, Vata Dosha is associated with movement, rhythm and grounding. When everyday life feels busy or unsettled, warm oil massage is traditionally valued as a slow, steady practice.
Warm herbal oils, rhythmic massage and gentle scalp work are traditionally valued for grounding, warmth and stability. The addition of Shiro Abhyanga (head massage) brings quiet attention to the scalp, neck and shoulders.
The Ayur Chikitsa Difference
How we personalise this treatment
- Unlike many spa massages, your treatment begins with an Ayurvedic consultation.
- We assess your Ayurvedic constitution (Prakriti) and current imbalance (Vikriti).
- Lifestyle, sleep, stress levels and daily routine are all considered.
- Your herbal oil is selected specifically for your individual needs.
Your treatment journey
What to expect, step by step
- 1
Personal Ayurvedic consultation
A brief check-in about your constitution, lifestyle and current needs.
- 2
Selection of personalised herbal oil
Oils are chosen to suit your dosha.
- 3
Warm oil applied to the entire body
Gently warmed to nourish the skin and tissues.
- 4
Traditional Full Body Abhyanga massage
Long, flowing strokes across the entire body.
- 5
Relaxing scalp, head, neck and shoulder massage
The classical Shiro Abhyanga finish.
- 6
Quiet relaxation period
Time to let the treatment settle.
- 7
Personal aftercare recommendations
Simple guidance to carry the calm of the session forward.
Frequently asked questions
Good to know
Will oil be applied to my hair?
Will I need to wash my hair afterwards?
Is the massage firm?
What should I wear?
Investment
Your session
90 minutes
£100
Aftercare
Caring for yourself afterwards
- Drink plenty of warm water after your massage
- Avoid strenuous exercise for the rest of the day
- Leave the herbal oils on the skin and scalp for 1–2 hours before showering
- Eat a light, nourishing meal
- Allow yourself time to rest and relax
Ready when you are
Book Your Full Head & Body Abhyanga
Experience one of Ayurveda's most cherished therapies and enjoy the warmth and rhythm of personalised herbal oil massage from head to toe.
Before you book — Complete Head & Body Abhyanga — Ayurvedic Full Body & Indian Head Massage
- Total appointment time
90 minutes
The advertised duration is the total appointment time and may include a short pre-session discussion, preparation and changing time, the session itself, rest time and brief aftercare information. Hands-on treatment time may therefore be shorter than the total appointment duration.
- Preparation, changing & rest
- Included within the total appointment time shown above.
- Total price
- £100 · includes VAT where applicable · no booking fee
- What the appointment includes
- Short pre-session Ayurvedic consultation and time to change
- Warm herbal oil selected to suit your constitution and the season
- Traditional full body massage covering back, legs, arms, hands, feet, neck and shoulders
- Indian head massage with warm oil applied to the scalp and hair, plus face and ear marma work if welcomed
- Abdomen, chest and gluteal area are not included; each area is optional and can be declined at any time
- Short rest and aftercare guidance at the end of the session
- Body areas involved
- Back, legs, arms, hands, feet, neck, shoulders, scalp, hair and — if welcomed — the face and ears. Abdomen, chest and the gluteal area are not treated in this ritual. Any area, including the head and face, can be declined at any time; please share your preferences during the pre-session conversation. Clients remain modestly draped with warm towels throughout; only the area being worked on is uncovered. Disposable underwear is offered and you are welcome to wear your own; please choose items you don't mind coming into contact with warm herbal oil.
- Hair & clothing
- Yes — warm oil is applied generously to the scalp and hair during the Indian head massage portion, so hair will be visibly oily after the session. Please arrive with hair you're happy to wash later and bring a hat, headscarf or hair tie for the journey home if preferred. A small amount of oil may transfer to clothing, so wear items that can come into contact with herbal oil. Shower facilities are not available on site: many clients like to allow the oil to absorb for two to three hours before shampooing at home, but you may towel off and shower whenever suits you. On days with cold weather, cold-and-flu symptoms, a heavy meal beforehand, active menstruation, scalp irritation, planned travel straight after the session or another appointment to attend, showering sooner or skipping the oil-on period is entirely fine.
- Oils & allergen information
- Base oils are typically organic sesame or coconut, sometimes blended with traditional Ayurvedic herbal oils. Please share any known allergies, sensitivities, nut/seed allergies or reactions to essential oils, hair products or scalp treatments at booking and again on arrival — an alternative oil or a plain, unmedicated oil can be used, and the head massage can be adapted or omitted. A small patch test is available on request. The studio is not a nut-free environment; sesame is used routinely.
- Important contraindications
- Fever, acute infection or feeling generally unwell on the day
- Active skin or scalp infection, open wounds, recent surgery or unhealed scars in the area to be treated
- First trimester of pregnancy, and any pregnancy without prior GP or midwife clearance
- Active cancer treatment without written clearance from your medical team
- Deep vein thrombosis, uncontrolled high blood pressure or a recent cardiac event
- Immediately after a heavy meal or under the influence of alcohol or recreational substances
- Client safety information
- Read our Client Safety & Treatment Information
This service is offered for relaxation and general wellbeing. It does not diagnose or treat medical conditions and is not a substitute for medical care. Suitability is discussed before the session.