Traditional Ayurvedic Bodywork Therapies
Ābhyaṅga — Full-Body Warm Oil Therapy (60 min)
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A foundational pillar of Ayurvedic wellness, Ābhyaṅga is a rhythmic and deeply nourishing full-body treatment using generous amounts of herb-infused oils. Unlike a standard massage, this "snehana" (a Sanskrit word meaning both "oiling" and "love") therapy is designed to saturate the skin and tissues, allowing the medicinal properties of the herbs to reach deep into the body. The rhythmic strokes help to move lymph, stimulate the internal organs, and coat the nervous system in a protective layer of comfort, leaving you feeling entirely held and rejuvenated.
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Best for Doṣas: Highly beneficial for All Doṣas (Tridoshic). The treatment is easily customized based on your unique constitution by selecting specific oils and pacing. It profoundly grounds and warms Vāta (वात) to soothe the nervous system; it calms and releases heat from Pitta (पित्त) when cooling oils are used; and it can be applied with more vigorous, stimulating strokes to break up stagnation for Kapha (कफ).
Best for Ailments: Chronic fatigue, dry or aging skin, poor circulation, immune system support, joint stiffness, and recovery from physical or emotional exhaustion.
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$200/ 60 min
Pādābhyaṅga — Ayurvedic Foot & Lower Leg Massage (30 min)
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A powerfully grounding therapy that recognizes the feet as the foundation of the body's energy network. Because the feet contain numerous nerve endings and crucial Marma (मर्म) points that connect to all major organs, this massage has a systemic healing effect. Using rich, warm oils or specialized herbal ghee, the practitioner massages the soles, heels, ankles, and calves. This process draws excess heat and chaotic, upward-moving energy down from the head, anchoring the nervous system.
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Best for Doṣas: The ultimate treatment for balancing Vāta (वात), which is characterized by ungroundedness, anxiety, and irregular sleep. This treatment is beneficial for anyone, especially those with some stress or eye disorders.
Best for Ailments: Insomnia, cataract, eye dryness, restless leg syndrome, high anxiety, systemic fatigue, localized foot or calf pain, and poor circulation in the lower extremities.
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$108/ 30 min
Śirobhyaṅga — Head, Neck & Shoulder Massage (30 min)
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A targeted, deeply nourishing massage focusing on the areas where we hold the most day-to-day stress. Using warm, specially formulated herbal oils, this treatment works to release built-up tension in the upper back, shoulders, neck, and scalp. By stimulating vital Marma (मर्म) points on the head, it not only physically breaks down muscular knots but also increases oxygen and blood flow to the brain, clearing mental fog and deeply conditioning the hair roots.
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Best for Doṣas: Balances Vāta (वात) by calming a racing mind, and Pitta (पित्त) by relieving heat-induced headaches when cooling oils are applied.
Best for Ailments: Migraines, tension headaches, neck and shoulder stiffness, eye strain, TMJ discomfort, mental fatigue, and dry scalp or hair loss.
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$108/ 30 min
Poṭalī — Herbal Poultice Massage (60 min)
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A highly therapeutic and deeply penetrating treatment using heated muslin bags tightly packed with specific medicinal herbs, leaves, and powders. These warm poultices are soaked in medicated oils and rhythmically massaged or stamped over the entire body or targeted areas. The heat opens the pores and relaxes the tissues, allowing the potent healing properties of the herbs to absorb deep into the muscles and joints, stimulating circulation and drawing out toxins.
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Best for Doṣas: Excellent for pacifying Vāta (वात), associated with pain and stiffness, and Kapha (कफ), associated with sluggishness and stagnation, due to its warming, stimulating nature.
Best for Ailments: Osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, frozen shoulder, chronic muscle spasms, joint inflammation, sports injuries, and heavy, aching limbs.
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$275/ 60 min
Śirodhārā — Warm Oil Stream on Third Eye (75 mins)
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A profoundly transformative and deeply soothing therapy designed to quiet the mind and harmonize the central nervous system. In this treatment, a continuous, rhythmic stream of warm, carefully selected herb-infused oil is poured gently over the forehead, specifically targeting the Ājñā (आज्ञा) chakra (the third eye). This steady flow creates a trance-like state of relaxation, helping to synchronize brain waves, melt away mental chatter, and restore inner tranquility.
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Best for Doṣas: Highly effective for balancing Vāta (वात), which causes anxiety and restlessness, and Pitta (पित्त), which causes frustration, heat, and burnout.
Best for Ailments: Chronic stress, severe anxiety, insomnia, tension headaches, mental fatigue, hypertension, and difficulty focusing.
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$300/ 75 min
Kaṭi Vasti — Lower Back Warm Oil Therapy
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A deeply targeted and incredibly soothing therapy specifically designed to heal and strengthen the lumbar region. In this traditional treatment, a circular dam made of organic black gram dough is placed over the lower back and sacrum. Warm, deeply penetrating medicated oils are then carefully poured and retained inside this ring. The steady, therapeutic heat softens stiff muscles, lubricates the connective tissues, and deeply nourishes the spinal nerves, offering profound relief from localized pain and structural tension.
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Best for Doṣas: This is a premier treatment for pacifying Vāta (वात), which naturally governs the pelvic and lower back region and is the primary dosha responsible for stiffness, pain, and nerve discomfort.
Best for Ailments: Chronic lower back pain, sciatica, slipped or compressed discs, lumbar spondylosis, muscle spasms, and general stiffness in the sacral area.
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$250/ 60 min
To book home visit Ayurvedic therapies, please contact info@laniayurveda.com or visit our contact page
What to Expect
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Avoid heavy or raw meals 2-3 hours prior
Wear comfortable, loose clothing that you don't mind getting some oil on
Hydrate well with warm water. Herbal tea will be served before hand
Arrive on time
Do not book if you are feverish, sick, congested or menstruating
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During Fever or Acute Illness
You are menstruating
After eating or if nauseous
Pregnancy
Heart disease, blood clots, recent surgery, fractures
Open wounds, rashes, infections, or skin diseases
After Intense Exercise or Heat Exposure
If lying still for extended periods is stressful
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Avoid any exposure to cold including A/C or wind.
Eat warm and liquidy foods such as broth, kitchari, or soup. Avoid any raw or cold foods.
Take a hot bath or shower immediately post-treatment to remove excess oil.
Make sure you shower before you eat your next meal.
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Your body’s needs are unique—and so is our approach. We tailor each session and recommend the right frequency to support lasting results.
Book a consult to create a personalized wellness plan that aligns with your goals.
FAQ
Note from Leilani
These services are rooted in ancient, traditional healing methods of Ayurveda intended to promote relaxation and energetic balance. Please note that I am not a licensed medical physician or a licensed masseuse; these therapies are considered complementary and alternative healing arts. All sessions at Lani Ayurveda in Santa Monica are conducted with the highest respect for these timeless traditions and your personal well-being.
