Zeen Connect

Ayurveda: treatments, counseling and what you should know about it

Ayurveda, abhyanga massage and Ayurvedic consultation: how the treatment works, what the doshas mean and what to pay attention to when choosing a practitioner.

Ayurveda is a traditional Indian system, thousands of years old, that looks at a person as a whole body, digestion, sleep and daily rhythm. In Europe, it is most often found in two forms: as an Ayurvedic massage with warm oil, which for many is simply one of the most pleasant treatments ever, and as advice on nutrition and daily habits. Both can be valuable, but it is worth knowing in advance what constitutes wellness in the European context and what should be left to the doctor. Ayurveda in Europe most often means Ayurvedic massage and advice on diet and daily rhythm. On Zeen Connect, you can find providers of Ayurvedic treatments and their education. Abhyanga massage with warm oil and shirodhara. Advice on nutrition, daily rhythm and habits. You can compare contractors by education and type of treatment. How Ayurvedic treatment works. The most widespread is abhyanga — a full-body massage with warm vegetable oil, usually sesame or coconut, to which the practitioner sometimes adds herbal extracts. The oil is applied abundantly, the movements are long, rhythmic and even, and the treatment lasts 60 to 90 minutes. Many people describe it as the most relaxing massage they've ever tried, partly because of the warmth of the oil and partly because of the predictable rhythm. After it, the oil remains on the skin for some time; some salons offer a shower, others recommend that the oil works at home. Another common treatment is shirodhara, in which a warm jet of oil flows over the forehead in a steady stream, usually for 20 to 40 minutes; the effect is distinctly soporific. Some providers also offer counseling, which starts with a longer conversation about digestion, sleep, energy during the day and dietary habits, and ends with recommendations about the rhythm of the day and food. What are the Doshas and how to understand them. Ayurveda describes three basic types or doshas — vata, pitta and kapha — which are said to describe the dominant characteristics of an individual: vata as mobile and fast, pita as fiery and directed, kapha as stable and slow. Practitioners, based on conversation and observation, determine what is dominant in you and adapt recommendations regarding food, treatment temperature and daily rhythm to this. For practical use, it is useful to know two things. First: it is a traditional descriptive system, not a medical diagnosis, and determining dosha is not a test of anything. Second: the recommendations that come out of it are often quite reasonable — more hot meals, regular hours of sleep, less rush while eating — and it's this part that benefits many, regardless of how they view the theory behind it. Where is the limit and where is caution. Ayurvedic massage and advice on habits are wellness services and as such are completely appropriate. It is different with Ayurvedic herbal preparations. Investigations of imported preparations in several countries have shown impurities of heavy metals such as lead, mercury and arsenic, especially in products of unknown origin purchased online. If someone recommends you to take preparations, inquire about the origin and registration, and consult a doctor or pharmacist before use — especially if you are taking medication, are pregnant or breastfeeding. Ayurveda does not make diagnoses in the medical sense, does not cure diseases and does not replace medical treatment. A practitioner who advises you against the prescribed therapy or promises a cure is acting irresponsibly, and it makes sense to stop there. How to choose a contractor. Check where the contractor was trained and how long the training lasted; the range is large, from several-day massage courses to multi-year programs. Ask what he specifically offers — just massage, also counseling, or preparations — and how he describes the limits of his work. A good practitioner will tell you what they don't do without you asking, and refer you to a doctor if you have health problems. During the massage, ask about the type of oil, if you have allergies or sensitive skin, and whether a shower is available after the treatment. He appreciates the practicalities as well: abhyanga is an oil treatment, so come in clothes that won't be ruined by the oil. On Zeen Connect, profiles show education, treatment types, and location, so you can compare multiple providers before making a decision.

Informational content from the Zeen Connect editorial team; not a substitute for medical advice.

Last updated: 5 August 2026