Questions & Answers

Abhyanga is the traditional full-body oil massage of Ayurveda, India's ancient system of natural healing. Warm herbal oil chosen for your dosha is applied with long, rhythmic strokes to nourish the skin and calm the nervous system.

A little — the oil keeps working after your session. We remove the excess with warm towels. Wear comfortable clothes and, if you can, leave the rest of the oil on for a few hours.

Two therapists work in perfect synchrony, mirroring each other's strokes. Because the mind cannot follow both pairs of hands, it lets go more quickly — many guests call it the most relaxing massage they have ever had.

Yes, if you would love something special. If you are new to oil massage, the two-hand Abhyanga is a gentler introduction.

Gentle to medium. Your therapist checks in at the start, and you can ask for lighter or firmer pressure at any time.

Choose relaxation to unwind and de-stress. Choose deep tissue if you have specific knots or long-standing tightness you want worked on.

It can feel intense on tight areas, but it should never be painful. Tell your therapist and they will adjust. Some tenderness for a day or two afterwards is normal.

For chronic tension, every two to four weeks works well at first, then less often once the muscles stay released.

Anyone with a specific problem area — a stiff neck from desk work, a sore lower back, an old sports injury or postural strain.

Your therapist starts with a short assessment, works on the areas that need it most, and may suggest simple stretches to continue at home.

Loose, comfortable clothing you can stretch in, such as yoga wear. Thai massage is done fully clothed on a padded mat, without oil.

Yes — it is the same traditional practice. The gentle assisted stretches are why it is sometimes called Thai yoga massage.

It feels wonderful like one, but reflexology applies precise pressure to specific points on the feet that traditional practice maps to organs and systems throughout the body.

Please tell us when you book. Some points are avoided during pregnancy, and we recommend checking with your healthcare provider first.

Shirodhara is one of the classic therapies of Ayurveda from India. Its name joins shiro (head) and dhara (flow) — a steady stream of warm oil across the forehead.

Yes, your hair will be oily afterwards. Many guests leave the oil in for a few hours to extend the benefits — bring a hat or scarf for the way home.

A traditional Indian head massage with warm herbal oil, focusing on the head, scalp, neck and shoulders — where most of us carry our stress.

Yes, it is a focused one-hour session. Your hair will be oily afterwards, so plan the rest of your day accordingly.

Ayurveda describes 107 marma points — junctions where muscles, vessels, joints and energy meet. Gentle, sustained pressure on these points is traditionally used to release blockages and restore the flow of prana, or life force.

It is gentler and more precise than a massage. Much of the session is still, focused pressure, and many guests drift into a deeply meditative state.

Meru means spine and chikitsa means treatment. It is a specialised Ayurvedic therapy using gentle pressure and movement along the spine to rebalance the nervous system and ease back tension.

One session often feels noticeably calming. For long-standing back tension a short course is recommended — your practitioner will suggest a plan.

You rest fully clothed while singing bowls and other instruments are played around you. The layered tones and vibrations help the nervous system settle into deep rest.

Most people, yes. Please tell us if you have a pacemaker, epilepsy, severe sound sensitivity or metal implants, or if you are in early pregnancy.

Not at all. Each session is adapted to your body, fitness and goals, whether you are a beginner or recovering from an injury.

Comfortable clothing you can move in. We provide mats and props.

A traditional Ayurvedic treatment for the lower back. A ring of herbal dough is placed over the lumbar area and filled with warm medicated oil, which is kept at a soothing temperature.

Around 20 to 30 minutes, followed by a gentle massage of the area.

Anyone with a stiff or sore neck — especially from desk work, screens or an awkward sleeping position.

Yes, it pairs beautifully with a back and shoulder massage. Ask us when you book.

Hrid means heart. Warm medicated oil is held over the heart area in a ring of dough — a deeply nurturing treatment traditionally used for emotional calm and openness.

No. It is a relaxation and wellbeing therapy, not a medical treatment. Please follow your doctor's advice for any heart condition and tell us about it before your session.

In Ayurveda the navel (nabhi) is the body's energetic centre and the seat of digestive fire (agni). Warm oil over this area is traditionally used to support digestion and grounding.

Have only a light meal, at least two hours beforehand.

People with stiff or achy knees — from arthritis, an old injury, running, or simply years of wear and tear.

Yes. Let us know when you book and we will allow time for both knees.

Often, yes — round, painless marks that fade within a few days to a week. They show where circulation has been drawn into the tissue.

Yes. Cupping is designed as an enhancement to any massage.

They are heated to a comfortable, soothing warmth and your therapist always tests them first. Tell us if you would like them cooler.

Yes — add it to any massage for deeper warmth and relaxation.

Ayurveda describes three energies — Vata, Pitta and Kapha — that combine in everyone in a unique way. Your consultation identifies your natural balance (prakriti) and any current imbalance (vikriti).

Personalised guidance on food, daily routine, sleep and herbs, plus the SOMA treatments that suit you best.

Using your full birth name and date of birth, your reader calculates your core numbers and explains what they reveal about your personality, strengths, challenges and life path.

Your full name as given at birth and your date of birth — plus any questions about work, relationships or life changes you would like to explore.