Ayurvedic Massage in Scarborough

Looking for a Kerala massage, Indian oil massage or Ayurvedic body massage near you? Our Ayurvedic massage uses warm herbal oils in traditional Kerala-style technique. See what to expect from a Kerala Ayurvedic massage.

Searching for Ayurvedic massage near you? Aara is on Markham Road at Steeles in Scarborough. We offer Kerala-style (South Indian) warm herbal-oil massage, Abhyanga and Shirodhara, and our clinic also has CMTO-registered massage therapists, so you can combine Ayurvedic and Registered Massage Therapy care in one place. See our Kerala massage page.

Ayurvedic massage at Aara Holistic Wellness Clinic in Scarborough is authentic Abhyanga — a full-body treatment with warm, herb-infused oil, performed by a trained Ayurvedic practitioner to calm the nervous system, ease tension, and restore balance. We're on Markham Road, open Wednesday to Sunday, 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM.

Honest note on insurance: Ayurvedic massage is a traditional wellness service and is not eligible for insurance reimbursement in Ontario. If you need insurance-eligible treatment with direct billing, our Registered Massage Therapy (RMT) is delivered by CMTO-registered therapists. We'll always tell you upfront what you can and can't claim.

What is Abhyanga (Ayurvedic massage)?

Abhyanga is the classical Ayurvedic full-body oil massage. Warm, medicated oil is worked into the skin with long, rhythmic strokes that follow the natural direction of the body's channels. In Ayurveda it is considered daily medicine, not a luxury — it is traditionally used to relieve dryness and stiffness, settle a restless mind, support better sleep, ease everyday fatigue, and leave the body feeling grounded and nourished. The oil itself is central: it carries warmth and herbs into the tissues, which is why the treatment is unhurried and generous with oil rather than fast and firm.

Abhyanga is the warm-oil Ayurvedic massage most associated with the Kerala tradition of South India, which is why many people search for it as a Kerala oil massage. If that is what you have been looking for near you in Scarborough, this is the authentic version, performed by a trained practitioner.

Our Ayurvedic massage treatments

• Abhyanga — a full-body warm-oil massage with long, flowing strokes; deeply grounding and restorative.
• Ayurvedic hot oil therapy — therapeutic warm oils to melt away tension and support relaxation.
• Shirodhara — a steady stream of warm oil over the forehead to quiet the mind (often paired with massage).
• Herbal poultice (Podly) & herbal steam (Swedanam) — warm herbal treatments to soothe muscles and support circulation.

What happens in a session, and what to expect your first time

Your visit begins with a short conversation about how you're feeling, your sleep and stress, and anything we should work around. You'll be given privacy to undress to your comfort level, and draping is respected throughout. In a warm, quiet room, your practitioner applies warm oil with steady, flowing strokes, usually for around 45 to 60 minutes. Many people find the rhythm almost meditative and drift close to sleep.

Afterward, the oil keeps working, so you may feel deeply relaxed and a little oily — that's intended. Plan a gentle rest of the day rather than a workout or a big night out, and let the oil absorb before showering if you can.

How to prepare and what to wear

Wear or bring older, comfortable clothing, since Abhyanga uses generous amounts of oil. Arrive hydrated, avoid a heavy meal right before your session, and tell your practitioner about any allergies, skin sensitivities, recent injuries, or if you are pregnant, so the treatment can be adjusted safely.

Abhyanga vs. Swedish or Registered Massage Therapy

They are different tools for different jobs. A Swedish or deep-tissue session with a Registered Massage Therapist targets specific muscle tension and injuries, and is eligible for insurance coverage with direct billing. Abhyanga is slower, warmer, and oil-centred, working on the nervous system and whole-body balance rather than a single problem area. Many clients alternate the two — RMT for a sore shoulder, Abhyanga for stress, sleep, and reset.

How often should you get Ayurvedic massage?

It depends on your goals. During stressful stretches, some people come weekly; many book monthly for maintenance. Abhyanga is also a central part of a full Panchakarma course, where it's done over several consecutive days as part of a guided detox. If you're not sure what's right for you, book once and we'll suggest a realistic rhythm — not the most expensive option on the menu.

Related guides

• How Much Does Ayurvedic Massage Cost in Ontario — and Is It Covered?
• Kerala Ayurvedic Massage (Abhyanga): What It Is and What to Expect
• Abhyanga: The Foundation of Ayurvedic Oil Therapy
• Ayurveda Explained: Abhyanga, Shirodhara, and Kati Basti Therapies
• Ayurvedic Massage vs. Swedish Massage: Which Is Right for You?
• The Benefits of Abhyanga: Ayurvedic Warm Oil Massage

Frequently asked questions

Is Ayurvedic massage covered by insurance in Ontario?

No. Ayurvedic massage (Abhyanga) is a traditional wellness service and is not eligible for insurance reimbursement in Ontario. If you need insurance-eligible treatment with direct billing, our Registered Massage Therapy (RMT) is provided by CMTO-registered therapists and most extended health plans cover it.

What is the difference between Abhyanga and Swedish massage?

A Swedish or deep-tissue massage focuses on releasing muscle tension and is often insurance-eligible when done by an RMT. Abhyanga is slower and warmer, uses generous amounts of medicated oil, and follows Ayurvedic principles aimed at calming the nervous system and balancing the whole body rather than treating one specific injury.

How often should I get an Ayurvedic massage?

It depends on your goals. During stressful periods some clients come weekly; many book monthly for maintenance. Abhyanga is also a core part of a Panchakarma course, where it is done over several consecutive days. Your practitioner will suggest a rhythm that fits you.

What happens during a Shirodhara session?

In Shirodhara, a steady, warm stream of oil is poured slowly over the forehead for a sustained period while you rest. It is deeply calming for the mind and nervous system and is often paired with Abhyanga for a full treatment.

What should I wear, and how will I feel afterward?

Wear or bring older, comfortable clothing, since Abhyanga uses a lot of oil. You will be given privacy to change and draping is always respected. Afterward you may feel deeply relaxed and a little oily, which is intended, so plan a gentle rest of the day rather than heavy activity.

Where can I get authentic Ayurvedic massage in Scarborough?

Aara Holistic Wellness Clinic offers authentic Abhyanga and related Ayurvedic treatments with a trained practitioner at #B10, 2761 Markham Road, Scarborough. Open Wednesday to Sunday, 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM. Call or text 647-622-4114 to book.

Is Abhyanga the same as a Kerala oil massage?

Yes. Abhyanga is the classical warm-oil Ayurvedic massage rooted in the Kerala tradition of South India, so a Kerala oil massage and authentic Abhyanga are the same treatment. At Aara in Scarborough it is performed by a trained Ayurvedic practitioner using warm, herb-infused oils.

Explore our massage therapy, acupuncture, chiropractic and Ayurveda pages, or read our wellness resource library.