Abhyanga Recipe

Room setup

Preheat the treatment room to a comfortable 24–28°C (75–82°F). Lay the heated massage table or mat with clean linens and position bolsters at the knees and under the ankles. Ensure soft, dim lighting and soothing background music or aromatherapy if desired. Place towels, oils and a bowl of warm water within reach of both therapists.

Client intake

Confirm the client's medical history, allergies (especially to sesame, coconut, or essential oils), and areas of discomfort or injury to avoid. Explain the synchronized nature of the treatment and obtain consent. Ask the client to void bladder and remove jewelry; provide a robe for modesty until the massage begins.

Oil warming

Gently warm the chosen oil(s) to a pleasantly warm temperature (body temperature, approx. 37–40°C / 98–104°F). Use a bain-marie or an approved electric oil heater. If using herbalized infusion, mix into the base oil. Add up to 6 drops of calming essential oil if there are no allergies. Test oil temperature on the inside of your wrist before applying to the client.

Initial application

Have the client lie prone (face down) on the table with head turned to one side and a bolster under the ankles. Each therapist pours a small amount of warm oil into their palms, rubbing to spread and slightly warm further. Begin with gentle long strokes along the spine and back of legs to introduce the oil and warmth. Continuously communicate with the client about pressure and comfort.

Synchronized strokes — posterior

Therapists work in mirrored, synchronized movements: using palm and forearm strokes, apply even, rhythmic long effleurage from shoulders down to heels across the back and posterior legs. Follow with circular kneading over paraspinal muscles, gluteal kneading, and alternating palm compression along hamstrings and calves. Maintain steady pressure, working from distal (extremities) toward the heart to support circulation. Spend approximately 20–25 minutes on the posterior body.

Arms, hands and back of neck

With the client still prone, switch to arms and hands: long strokes from shoulders to fingertips, gentle thumb circulation over palms, and fingertip work between metacarpals. For the posterior neck, use light finger and palm kneading, avoiding direct pressure on the spine. Apply additional oil as needed to ensure smooth gliding.

Facial and scalp posterior prep

Wipe excess oil from the face if necessary with a warm towel, reserving a small amount of coconut oil for the scalp and face. For the scalp, therapists alternate synchronized circular strokes across the scalp using fingertips to promote relaxation and circulation.

Turn and modesty

Ask the client to turn supine (face up), covering modest areas with towels as appropriate. Replace bolsters for comfort under knees and neck. Rewarm oil if necessary and ensure the client's face and chest are at a comfortable temperature.

Synchronized strokes — anterior legs and torso

Begin with the legs: long effleurage from hips to feet, followed by gentle kneading of quadriceps and calves, finishing with ankle and foot mobilizations and toe stretches. Move to the abdomen with light, clockwise, non-invasive circular strokes to support digestion—apply only gentle pressure and avoid any deep or abrupt kneading in this area. Continue with the chest and sternum area using gentle outward strokes and palms along ribcage, avoiding direct pressure on the heart.

Arms, hands and chest

Perform mirrored long strokes from shoulders to fingertips, thumb circles on the palms, and gentle mobilization of fingers. On the chest and shoulder girdle, use alternating palm compressions and gentle kneading to release upper chest and pectoral tension.

Face, scalp and eye care

Using a small amount of coconut oil, therapists perform synchronized light strokes on the face—forehead smoothing, cheek sweeping, gentle circular motions around the temples and jawline. For the eyes: apply sterile warm compresses over the closed eyes for 1–2 minutes to soothe; do not apply oil directly into the eyes. Finish scalp work with slow, alternating fingertip circulations from forehead to crown and down the nape, spending 5–7 minutes total on the head region.

Closing sequence

Conclude treatment with synchronized long effleurage strokes from head to toe to integrate the work and calm the nervous system, gradually decreasing pressure and speed. Perform a final light tapping or gentle percussion across major muscle groups for 30–60 seconds if appropriate. Cover the client with a warm towel and allow them to rest quietly for 5–10 minutes.

Post-treatment protocol

Assist the client to a seated position slowly. Offer water and advise them to rest, avoid heavy activity, and stay hydrated for the remainder of the day. Recommend waiting at least 30–60 minutes before showering to allow oils to continue nourishing the skin. Document any significant findings or client feedback for future sessions.

Sanitation

Clean and launder used linens. Dispose or sanitize towels used for face and eyes. Clean oil warmers and refill oils as needed. Therapists should wash hands thoroughly.