Ayurvedic Massage

Sure, massages are great. But let’s get a little more specific—which kind of massage really sends chills down your spine? There are lots of different techniques, and they’re all super different.

Are you looking for something a little bit painful (in a good way), like deep tissue massage? Or a more reparative, training-friendly massage like you might get at Equinox? Maybe it’s a classic Swedish massage, which is what most spas offer because it’s kind of the best of both worlds. Or perhaps it’s something you’ve never tried before, like abhyanga.

The Ayurvedic practice of abhyanga, or oil massage, touts physical benefits like released muscle tension, lymphatic drainage, and more nourished skin from head to toe.

It stands out from other massages due to its focus on the skin, rather than just the underlying muscles—from the oils used to the circulation-stimulating movements, it’s more like a facial massage for your whole body. For someone used to massages that my body like the lump of pizza dough popular wisdom (you are what you eat!) says it is, abhyanga isn’t that.