Śiro Abhyanga (Head Oil Massage) in Burnaby, BC
Ayurvedic Head Massage (Śiro Abhyanga) at Harbour Counselling & Wellness is an in-person treatment in Burnaby, BC involving warm oil massage on the head, scalp, face, neck, and upper chest to help the nervous system settle. Rooted in ancestral Ayurvedic practice, sessions can stand alone or complement therapy and somatic work.
We carry more than we realize
Your mind rarely slows down. You might be moving through the day at a speed that doesn’t leave time to pause, catch your breath, or relish in a simple pleasure.
Ayurvedic Head Massage is an ancient Ayurvedic practice of massaging warm oil on the head, scalp, face, neck and upper chest. Rhythmic and repetitive movement provides a soothing entry point for the nervous system to settle.
The massage focuses on marma points, understood in Ayurveda as the junction of prana-life force energy. In receiving this massage, there is an opportunity for stillness and surrender to being cared for. Ayurvedic massage is one of many traditional holistic practices calling us back to our divine, aligned, and most grounded selves.
What a Śiro Abhyanga Session Looks Like
We will start with a brief conversation about the treatment and your preferences around touch, choosing the oils and discussing areas of the body that will be included, from the upper chest to the scalp. Consent is at the centre of this practice. What we agree upon in conversation may shift at any time during the treatment.
Warm oil is applied to each area mindfully, slowly and through the head with slow, and with rhythmic movements. While conversation is welcomed, the invitation is to allow silence and stillness to hold space for this beautiful treatment.
Becuase oil will be applied to the head and scalp, your hair will be somewhat saturated with oil. It is advised to bring something to tie up your hair after treatment and let the oils sink in for a few hours if possible before washing.
Some time will be spent at the end of the treatment to share your experience, ask questions, or simply sit together and gently re-enter the present moment so you can be on your way for the day.
A reclamation of ancestral healing practices
Ancestral healing practices offer more than relaxation. For many of us, particularly those of the Global Majority, these practices remind us that care, touch, ritual, and connection have always supported healing and wellbeing.
Offering this practice is one of many ways I honour my relationship with ancestral wisdom while continuing to learn from various traditions, including Ayurveda.
I approach this work from a place of humility, curiosity, and ongoing study; learning and evolving as I deepen my knowledge.
Ayurvedic Head Massage is a stand-alone treatment; however, it may also serve as a complement to therapy or somatic work.
Before Your Session
There is not much to prepare for. Choose to wear clothing that allows comfortable and easy access to the upper body and that you do not mind oil being near. You may also have the body fully exposed, as blankets and sheets are available for coverage.
During Your Session
This is a sensorial experience. You may feel and appreciate the warmth and smell of the oil, the steady rhythm of touch, pressure, and sound. If I sense an area of tension, I may invite you to acknowledge this through micro-movements, breath, facial stretches, or simply bear witness to what your body is holding with care.
After Your Session
Give yourself some time if possible before launching back into life. Folks experience the treatment differently. You may feel rested, sleepy, you may feel a bit emotional, or dreamy afterwards. There is no right way or wrong way to feel afterwards. We are working with and from energy. And we have stirred things in the body. It’s natural for that to continue stirring for hours or days after the treatment. The invitation is to be gentle with yourself.
Please note that Ayurvedic Head Massage is not eligible for insurance coverage as it is not an RMT massage, nor does the treatment focus on physical pain conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Still have questions? Take a look at the FAQ or reach out anytime.
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Ayurvedic head massage is a traditional therapeutic practice designed to restore balance, peace, stabilty and mind, body, spirit coherence.
The areas of massage include the head, scalp, neck, shoulders, and upper body using a blend of warmed oils.
Adopted more widely as a relaxation or beautification treatment, Ayurvedic head massage is an ancient practice stemming from India. It is a practice that invites deep intuitive listening and presence to work with and from prana; life force energy or breath of life as it’s commonly known.
We are more than just a body. We are energy. When we slow down, tend to that energy with care, skill, curiosity and reverence, our bodies metabolize what is no longer needed and may invite in what fuels us.
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We have a brief check-in to see if the body needs anything in particular. We discuss potential sensitivities, preferences around touch, pressure and oil.
The upper chest, décolleté, neck, face, scalp, and hair are part of the treatment, and this skin will be exposed. You may keep undergarments on, and the clothing on your lower body will remain on. A sheet will be provided to remain covered for the duration of the treatment.
Warm oil is applied to the treatment areas. Various massage techniques will be practiced with check-ins and an invitation to communicate your needs as we move through.
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Many oils can be used for Ayurvedic head massage. All of the oils are organic, unrefined and cold-pressed. If you have allergies, sensitivities, fragrance sensitivities, or a history of skin reactions, we will decide how to move forward with the treatment.
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Yes, your hair and scalp will be oily afterwards. We can remove most of the oil from the skin; however, you may leave with some oil residue.
Please be mindful of the fabrics and clothing you choose to wear if you would like to protect against oil staining.
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Choose comfy clothing that you don't mind having a little oil near. Loose fabrics are most comfortable. You may also bring a hair tie or clip with you for post-treatment.
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No. This offering is not registered massage therapy. It is a body-based spiritual energy practice rooted in Ayurvedic tradition.