hindustan times features abhyanga therapy at maharishi ayurveda retreat, rishikesh
Hindustan Times marked World Ayurveda Day 2026 with a first-person feature on Abhyanga, the Ayurvedic oil massage, written after a stay at Maharishi Ayurveda Retreat in Rishikesh. The writer describes how the treatment changed their view of self-care. We're glad to be part of that story, and below we cover what the feature says and what to expect if you want to try Abhyanga yourself.
What did Hindustan Times say about Maharishi Ayurveda Retreat?
The writer travelled to Rishikesh to learn about Abhyanga and chose Maharishi Ayurveda Boutique Wellness Retreat for the experience. They describe a calm setting, with each day beginning with a personalised Ayurvedic consultation.
Practitioners assessed their dosha and recommended oils and treatments to suit it.
- First-person account tied to World Ayurveda Day 2026
- Centred on Abhyanga at our retreat in Rishikesh
- Consultation, treatment, meals, yoga and meditation described as one routine
What is Abhyanga?
Abhyanga is a traditional Ayurvedic massage using warm herbal oils applied with steady, gentle strokes. The feature describes it as a treatment for body, mind and spirit, rather than one aimed at specific knots or tight muscles.
Source: https://tinyurl.com/6r9etb9n
Ayurveda connects it with relaxation and a sense of calm. It is also associated with circulation and easing muscle tension, though the article presents these as part of the tradition rather than clinical outcomes.
- Warm herbal oil, applied with steady strokes
- Treats the whole body instead of one problem area
- Part of Ayurvedic practice for a very long time
What does an Abhyanga session feel like at the retreat?
The writer describes lying on the treatment table feeling warm and comfortable. The therapist used a warm blend of oils mixed with herbs, with firm but gentle pressure. The strokes followed their breathing, which made the session feel meditative.
They received a sesame oil massage, chosen after their dosha assessment. Afterwards they felt clear and calm.
- Consultation first, treatment second
- Pressure firm but gentle
- Strokes paced to the breath
Which oils are used in Abhyanga?
The oil depends on your dosha and your needs. The feature lists several that are commonly used, and we've summarised how each is traditionally described.
| Oil | How the article describes it |
|---|---|
| Sesame | Warming and nourishing, widely used in Ayurvedic practice |
| Coconut | Cooling, often used in warm climates and linked with Pitta balance |
| Castor | Heavier, used in therapeutic treatments, linked with grounding for Vata |
| Moringa | Rich in vitamins and minerals, used to nourish the skin |
| Herbal infusions | Turmeric, neem and ashwagandha added to base oils |
These are traditional associations, not medical claims. Your practitioner chooses the oil after your consultation, so it's better not to pick one on your own if you have a skin condition or allergy.
Why does Abhyanga work better as part of a wider routine?
This is the feature's main point. The writer says the treatment is more than a massage because it sits inside a broader Ayurvedic approach to wellness.
Ayurvedic meals became part of their daily routine. Yoga sessions and guided meditation sat alongside the massage. Diet, movement and mindfulness supported each other.
- Meals, yoga and meditation sit alongside the treatment
- The routine matters as much as the session
- The aim is balance, not a quick fix
Can you practise Abhyanga at home?
The writer suggests two options on World Ayurveda Day: visit a retreat in Rishikesh, or start the practice at home. Home practice can be a gentle way to build the habit.
If you want guidance on oil and technique first, a stay lets you learn from practitioners who assess your dosha. Check with your doctor if you have a health condition or sensitive skin.
Why choose Rishikesh for Abhyanga?
The feature calls Rishikesh the "Yoga Capital of the World," set in the Himalayan foothills along the Ganges. The writer says the city combines spirituality with wellness practice, which made it suited to rest and rejuvenation.
For guests looking for a resort in Tapovan, Rishikesh, that setting supports a slower pace, which is what a treatment like Abhyanga asks for.
FAQs
1. What is Abhyanga?
Abhyanga is a traditional Ayurvedic massage using warm herbal oils applied with gentle, steady strokes.
2. How is Abhyanga different from a regular massage?
A regular massage often targets tight muscles or specific knots. Abhyanga treats the body as a whole and is part of a wider Ayurvedic routine.
3. Which oil is used in Abhyanga?
It depends on your dosha. The writer received a sesame oil massage after their consultation. Other options include coconut, castor and moringa oils or herbal infusions.
4. Does Maharishi Ayurveda Retreat offer Abhyanga?
Yes. Abhyanga is among the therapies offered at our retreat in Tapovan, Rishikesh, alongside Shirodhara and Panchakarma.
5. Is Abhyanga suitable for everyone?
Not always. If you have a health condition, skin sensitivity or allergy, speak to your doctor before starting.
6. When is World Ayurveda Day?
World Ayurveda Day is observed on 23 September.
7. Where is Maharishi Ayurveda Retreat?
We're in Tapovan, Rishikesh, in Uttarakhand.
Want to Experience Abhyanga in Rishikesh? Book a Stay at Maharishi Ayurveda Retreat
If you've been meaning to slow down but your routine never makes room, a guided stay can give you that space. Explore our Ayurveda and Panchakarma packages, then reach out through our website to plan your dates at Maharishi Ayurveda Retreat.
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