Abhyanga Ayurvedic Massage Course

Lesson 1 • Agni and Ojas in Bodywork

Explains digestive fire and vital essence as outcomes of effective massage. Students connect oil therapy to building Ojas and supporting Agni.

Lesson 2 • Origins and Core Principles

Traces Ayurveda's Vedic roots and its five-element theory. Grounds students in the worldview that informs every massage decision.

Lesson 3 • Prakriti and Vikriti Assessment

Distinguishes constitutional type from current imbalance. Students apply this distinction to tailor massage intent before touching a client.

Lesson 4 • Dhatus, Malas, and Srotas

Introduces the seven tissues, waste products, and channel systems. Students understand what Abhyanga targets at a physiological level.

Lesson 1 • Musculoskeletal System Overview

Maps major muscle groups, fascia, and joints addressed in Abhyanga. Students identify anatomical landmarks guiding stroke direction and pressure.

Lesson 2 • Skin Structure and Function

Covers epidermis, dermis, and subcutaneous layers relevant to oil absorption. Students understand why skin is the primary therapeutic interface in Abhyanga.

Lesson 3 • Contraindications and Safety Screening

Identifies conditions requiring modification or avoidance of Abhyanga. Students conduct intake screening to protect client safety before every session.

Lesson 4 • Nervous and Lymphatic Systems

Explains autonomic nervous system responses and lymph flow relevant to massage. Students predict client relaxation and detox responses.

Lesson 1 • Oil Preparation and Warming

Teaches safe heating methods and temperature testing for oil readiness. Students prepare oils to therapeutic temperature without degrading active compounds.

Lesson 2 • Dosha-Specific Oil Protocols

Assigns oil formulas to Vata, Pitta, and Kapha presentations. Students build a decision matrix linking client assessment to oil prescription.

Lesson 3 • Base Oils and Their Properties

Profiles sesame, coconut, sunflower, and other carrier oils by dosha affinity. Students match base oil to client constitution and season.

Lesson 4 • Medicated Herbal Oils

Introduces classical formulations like Mahanarayan and Dhanwantharam oils. Students identify indications and contraindications for each preparation.

Lesson 1 • Tapotement and Stimulating Strokes

Introduces percussive techniques for Kapha-dominant clients. Students calibrate stimulation intensity to avoid overstimulation of Vata or Pitta.

Lesson 2 • Effleurage and Long Strokes

Teaches Shiroabhyanga-style long gliding strokes for limbs and back. Students apply oil evenly and initiate parasympathetic response.

Lesson 3 • Full-Body Stroke Sequence Overview

Assembles individual strokes into a coherent head-to-toe sequence. Students perform a timed, uninterrupted practise run of the complete protocol.

Lesson 4 • Circular and Joint Strokes

Covers circular friction over joints and muscle bellies. Students mobilise synovial fluid and address Kapha accumulation at joint sites.

Lesson 5 • Principles of Stroke Application

Establishes direction, speed, and pressure rules governing Abhyanga strokes. Students understand why strokes follow hair growth and move towards the heart.

Lesson 1 • Scalp Massage Techniques

Teaches oil application and friction strokes for the scalp. Students stimulate hair follicles, reduce tension, and support Majja dhatu nourishment.

Lesson 2 • Facial Abhyanga Protocol

Delivers a structured facial massage sequence using gentle, upward strokes. Students address sinus congestion, jaw tension, and facial marma points.

Lesson 3 • Anatomy of the Head and Scalp

Maps scalp layers, cranial sutures, and facial musculature relevant to massage. Students identify structures to address and avoid during head work.

Lesson 4 • Ear and Neck Integration

Extends head massage to ears (Karna Purana principles) and cervical region. Students complete the upper-body sequence with safe neck mobilisation.

Lesson 1 • Foot Anatomy and Reflex Zones

Maps plantar surface, arches, and Ayurvedic reflex zones of the foot. Students connect foot zones to organ systems and dosha accumulation sites.

Lesson 2 • Lower Leg and Calf Technique

Addresses gastrocnemius, soleus, and tibial regions with targeted strokes. Students support lymphatic return and Vata grounding through lower leg work.

Lesson 3 • Thigh and Hip Protocol

Covers quadriceps, hamstrings, IT band, and gluteal regions. Students apply deep and superficial strokes appropriate to tissue density.

Lesson 4 • Padabhyanga Stroke Sequence

Teaches the classical foot massage sequence using a kansa wand and hands. Students perform sole, toe, and dorsal strokes in correct order.

Lesson 1 • Session Flow and Sequencing

Delivers the full anterior and posterior body sequence in logical order. Students maintain uninterrupted contact and therapeutic rhythm throughout.

Lesson 2 • Post-Session Protocols

Guides client through rest, hydration, and Swedana recommendations. Students deliver aftercare instructions that extend the session's therapeutic benefit.

Lesson 3 • Treatment Room Setup and Draping

Establishes professional environment standards for warmth, privacy, and hygiene. Students prepare the table, oils, and linens to Ayurvedic clinical standards.

Lesson 4 • Pressure and Pace Adaptation

Adjusts stroke depth and speed in real time based on client feedback. Students develop tactile sensitivity to tissue response and dosha signals.

Lesson 1 • Designing Dosha-Specific Protocols

Builds customised session blueprints varying oil, pressure, duration, and sequence. Students produce written treatment plans for three distinct client profiles.

Lesson 2 • Outcome Tracking and Reassessment

Implements session-to-session progress tracking using Ayurvedic and functional markers. Students adjust protocols based on documented client response over time.

Lesson 3 • Advanced Dosha Imbalance Recognition

Trains pattern recognition for multi-dosha and chronic imbalance presentations. Students move beyond basic Prakriti to nuanced Vikriti analysis.

Lesson 4 • Special Populations Protocols

Addresses pregnancy, elderly, and paediatric clients with modified Abhyanga. Students apply safe adaptations without compromising therapeutic intent.