The Art of Abhyanga & Shirodhara is an immersive 60-hour professional training designed for bodyworkers, healers, and devoted students who feel called to learn these classical Ayurvedic oil therapies in their most authentic and refined form. More than techniques, Abhyanga massage and Shirodhara are living rituals where herbal intelligence, pranic flow, marma therapy, rhythm, and presence merge into deep restoration.

Abhyanga nourishes and stabilizes the tissues, opens the srotas and nāḍis, reduces āma, and builds ojas — the essence of immunity and vitality. Shirodhara gently quiets the mind, regulates the nervous system, and brings deep mental and emotional coherence. Together, they form the foundation of Ayurvedic bodywork and are central to PanchaKarma preparation, rejuvenation therapy, and long-term healing care. They are two of Ayurveda’s most revered healing rituals. When practiced together, they form a complete therapeutic language — one that speaks simultaneously to the body, the nervous system, and the subtle mind.

What you will learn:
You will be guided step by step through complete Abhyanga massage and Shirodhara protocols as taught in classical Ayurvedic practice and SVA lineage. This includes oil selection by Dosha and condition, marma-based sequencing, pressure and rhythm, preparation and setup for Shirodhara, equipment purchase, proper treatment techniques, advanced nervous-system regulation techniques, indications and contraindications for both therapies, and unique and sacred opening and closing rituals. Emphasis is placed on developing refined touch, grounded presence, and therapeutic precision.

Cost: $1,750

Training format:
This 60-hour certification training includes 20 hours of live and online instruction covering theory, treatment logic, oils, marma principles, Shirodhara indications, and clinical context. Plus a live-held 5-day in-person practicum with daily hands-on practice, mentorship, and integration.

The practicum takes place in Santa Barbara, California, from May 27–31, 2026, daily from 9:30am-4pm, in a small, intimate group setting that allows for deep embodiment and individualized guidance. Lodging and travel are not included.

Who this training is for:
This program has not prerequisite, though it is ideal for massage therapists, bodyworkers, yoga teachers, Ayurvedic students, healthcare professionals, and dedicated self-healers who wish to offer Abhyanga and Shirodhara professionally or integrate them into Ayurvedic spas, retreats, and clinical settings.

Upon completion, you will be able to confidently offer Abhyanga and Shirodhara as professional Ayurvedic services, grounded in lineage, safety, and therapeutic clarity.

Please note: This training does not allow students to diagnose or treat disease, as that is always reserved to a medically trained professional. You will not be trained or licensed to touch or massage clients after graduating, as this may require additional licensing and needs to be verified on a state to state basis.

Abhyanga restores the body.
Shirodhara steadies the mind.
Together, they remind us how healing happens through rhythm, warmth, and presence.

If you feel called to learn these foundational therapies in depth, we warmly invite you to join us. You can also set up a free orientation call by contacting Corinna Maharani directly here: (805) 452-2526 / Ayurvdeda@maharani.us

Preceptor Training for YVI Students

We are also a provider of YogaVeda Preceptor experiences. Are you a YVI student? You can fulfill your Preceptor hours with us! Attend this 5-day intensive training and learn all about client work and how to best manage them in your practice, with a special focus on hands-on healing.