Abhyangam, elakizhi and shirodhara: how they differ

Many people who come to Thanal for the first time have heard of shirodhara and want to book it at once. In practice, the doctor chooses the therapy after the consultation, and it helps to understand how the main ones differ.

Abhyangam is a full-body oil massage, about 60 minutes, done with long strokes and gentle pressure. It is the most general of the therapies and is often the starting point in a programme, because it prepares the body for others. The oil is chosen for you, and the massage is followed by a herbal bath. It costs ₹1,800 at our clinic.

Elakizhi uses poultices of fresh leaves, such as castor, tamarind, drumstick and neem, chopped and fried with grated coconut, lemon and rock salt, then tied into cotton bundles. The bundles are warmed in oil and pressed and rubbed rhythmically over the body, especially around the joints and back. The session lasts about an hour and feels warmer and firmer than abhyangam. It costs ₹2,400. The leaves are gathered from our garden and nearby farms on the morning of the therapy.

Shirodhara is quite different. You lie on your back while a thin, steady stream of warm oil, or sometimes buttermilk, flows from a hanging vessel onto the forehead and swings slowly from side to side for about 45 minutes. It is usually done after a short head and shoulder massage, and it costs ₹2,200. It is often planned for the middle or end of a programme, not on the first day. The doctor will tell you which therapy fits your plan, and why.