Abhyanga: Ayurvedic Oil Massage

A Comprehensive Course for Aspiring Body Therapists

Dates TBA, 2025

Learn the profound techniques of Abhyanga: Ayurvedic Massage

Abhyanga is much more than a massage, it is an expansive and profound experience providing healing and bliss.

For years, my clients of all walks of life have asked me to learn the unique specialised techniques of Abhyanga that I use while treating them.

Through an intimate 7 day experience, you will learn this powerful knowledge and be guided step-by-step by myself and my colleagues, leaving you empowered and ready to practice this technique on yourself and others.

What To Expect

WHEN

TBA, 2025

WHERE

The Authentic Living Centre, Darlinghurst, Sydney, NSW

MORE DETAILS

During these 7 full days of deep learning, you will be introduced to the foundations of Ayurveda and to the intricacies of this powerful therapeutic massage.

A full Ayurvedic, organic & vegetarian lunch is included for each day.

This course will be the initial foundation towards continuing to learn other Ayurvedic body therapies such as Shirodhara, Back Bastis, other external basti treatments and more Ayurvedic body therapies.

This is not a Government certified course and does not provide you with a license to practice any type of body therapy.

WE HAVE A LIMITED AMOUNT OF SPOTS ON THE COURSE FOR A FEW REASONS:

Higher focused attention – we intend to monitor each of you as closely as possible in order to support your individual learning needs and refine. and enhance your unique treating style.
We train in pairs – By training in pairs, you practice exactly what you will be practicing as if you were treating someone in a clinical setting. A lot of massage schools team groups into 3 students to accomodate larger groups. A key value of this course is that we want you to leave equipped and ready to confidently practice on people.
Space limited – we can only fit a limited amount of massage tables into the space.

What each day will look like

Our approach to learning Abhyanga is diligent and precise. The purpose of this course is to fully empower you to leave confident to practice on others with tools to enliven the whole physiology (every single cell) of your clients.

The learning process will be segmented into different body parts to fully hone in and truly learn bit-by-bit each part of the abhyanga.

Fully understand and treat specific body parts in their entirety; from the gross, physical and structural levels, to the most microcellular & subtle parts of the body.

Dylan will demonstrate first while breaking down the intricacies of his technique, and students observe and take notes. Afterward, using your notes, you will practice on your peers as well as receive and experience abhyanga yourself.

The below daily schedule is approximate and will probably differ according to the group’s progress.

Day 1:

Morning Dhanvantari Yagya to welcome all students and initiate the learning journey.
Dhanvantari means having the capability to effectively heal and inspire others. This sacred fire ceremony (yagya) which will be performed by a Pundit (Vedic master in communing with the laws of nature) is ancient Vedic technology to initiate you into the role of a healer and potent therapist.
You can learn all the intellectual knowledge you want, having divine healing capabilities, especially as a body therapist, is when greater healing occurs.
Pulse therapy and diagnosis (Nāḍiparīkṣā) – introductory session to help you truly learn pulse.
Wisdom session (theory) on Abhyanga, body treatments and marma points (vital storehouses of prana in the physiology).
Beginning of practical teachings: head abhyanga / shiro abhyanga.

Day 2:

Morning: Face abhyanga / mukha abhyanga.
Afternoon: Full-body front.

Day 3:

Morning: Feet (pada abhyanga)
Afternoon: Back of the full-body.

Day 4:

Full abhyanga, practice and refine.

Day 5:

Abhyanga for fertility.
Abhyanga for pregnancy.
Abhyanga for post-partum mothers.

Day 6:

Full Abhyanga, practice and refine.
Theory: Medicated oils, abhyanga for specific pathologies and specific body types.

Day 7:

Integrating Abhyanga into Business: Explore business models, legalities, and insurance if offering Abhyanga as a service. How to go about obtaining appropriate insurance and ways you can integrate Abhyanga into various business offerings and collaborations with other wellness practitioners and advocates.

Abhyanga - Ayurvedic Massage

Abhyanga is a rejuvenating full-body massage that incorporates medicated oils specific to the unique constitution of the individual and the season.

It is particularly effective to stimulate and strengthen the lymphatic system, pacify the nervous system, optimise blood circulation, enhance the body’s innate detox mechanisms, internally lubricate, and much more.

Special consideration is given to the Marma Points which are the special storehouses of energy and concentrated life force. Learn how to enliven the Marmas are for vast harmonious effects.

Learn how to integrate Abhyanga with other body treatments, Ayurvedic or other modalities.

Both Dylan and his partner and colleague, Sole, have a reputation for providing exceptional Abhyanga treatments that provide a highly blissful experience that instills significant lasting effects.

Learn the techniques they have cultivated over years of experience.

There are three main components to a full Abhyanga which you will learn:

Shiro Abhyanga (Head Massage)
Mukha Abhyanga (Face Massage)
Abhyanga (Body Massage)

You will also learn which medicated oils and techniques to use in different scenarios and individuals, as well as when Abhyanga is indicated and contraindicated.

Pulse Diagnosis and Pulse-Therapy

Pulse diagnosis, a healing art and science, is a most refined, accurate and comprehensive diagnostic tool employed to figure out where any imbalance exists in the body, and what the nature of the imbalance is.

The Pulse Diagnosis method that I teach is one of the easiest and most effective methods out there.

This method was passed down by my teachers, internationally renowned masters of Ayurveda and pulse diagnosis, the Raju family of Vaidyas.

When properly initiated, every Ayurvedic body treatment starts with the practitioner feeling the client’s pulse. So I will initiate you into tools and practices for you to begin self-pulse, the pre-requisite to learning pulse diagnosis. Later, if charmed, you can dive deeper into the pulse.

Pricing and Signups

Course Fee:

TBA

(Includes vegetarian lunch catered each day).

10% cash discount available.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Who is the course for?

This course is for all new/aspiring body therapists and people who already have experience practicing any type of body therapy.

Do I need to be experienced in Ayurveda or other body therapies?

No, we welcome all different levels of experience both in all body therapies & Ayurveda.

What will the food be like?

The food will be all organic, vegetarian, ayurvedic sattvic (wholesome and pure) foods, catered to your specific requirements as best as we can.

Will I receive a certification after finishing the course?

Yes, upon completion of the course you will be eligible for a Vital Veda certificate of completion where we credit you as a skilled Abhyanga body therapist. Note this is NOT a government-certified accreditation, this is only recognised by Vital Veda and determines that you are capable of providing Abhyanga at a high level of efficacy, uniqueness & skill.

Can I get any job opportunities related to the course?

We are planning to expand our clinic with new therapists, so we can potentially hire you at the Vital Veda clinic. We would also be able to refer you to other respected Ayurvedic clinics & practitioners.

I have already learnt to give Abhyanga, is this course for me?

Absolutely, even if you are already an experienced Ayurvedic therapist you will be deepening your knowledge, learning new techniques and refining your offerings.

What Is The Refund Policy?

The deposit is non-refundable.

We strongly encourage the purchase of “trip cancellation insurance” for protection against any potential loss of fees.

Testimonials

What do they say

Vital Veda

5.0

Based on 127 reviews

01:49 18 Feb 24

04:47 27 Jan 24

03:16 26 Jan 24

08:02 25 Dec 23

My session with Dylan was great! He has so much knowledge and was generous with how much information he shared. I feel so excited to implement everything into my routine. I feel this was exactly what I needed.

Vaughn

03:39 20 Dec 23

Dylan Smith is a true gem and a seemingly bottomless wealth of wisdom. His podcast is my favorite podcast by far, so if you want to get a window into Dylan and his work I suggest you check it out. I have listened to almost every episode at this point and have learned so much from Dylan and the incredible people he invites onto the show. This ancient wisdom is priceless. Thank you, Dylan. You are such a gift to this world.

Sherril Taylor

01:27 26 Nov 23

I attended the clinic in Ocean Shores this week with Dylan. I am very excited to say I found a Practitioner that could assist me with my health problems. The products that were recommended are of high standard. The incredible massage treatment and advice given was what I needed to make the changes I have struggled with and enabled me to see deeply into the causes. I look forward to further treatments and will try the 7-day spinal treatment plan next.

Joanna Schuurman

06:19 28 Oct 23

Dylan is such a treasure trove of knowledge and compassion. I feel incredibly grateful to have been introduced to him several years ago during the post-natal period when I was feeling really depleted, which he was able to provide immense support with. Being introduced to Dylan andv ayurveda, the knowledge and wisdom, the diet and practices and precious herbs, at such a juncture has been life changing. I always recommend him far and wide for any health challenge that one might be facing.

Katy Phillips

08:42 11 Oct 23

In one month Dylans health advice and herbal formulations have been able to make me feel like a normal person again. Best I’ve felt in years. Modern medicine cannot compete .🙏

Jody D

02:01 06 Oct 23

Coming to Sydney and doing this training has been a real initiation for me. A rite of passage in many ways. There was so much healing that happened for me during my time on the training. So many emotions were processed and stuff buried deep in my body that I didn't even realise was still there was released. I returned home a very different person. I have had so many people comment that I seem different or wondering what it is that is different about me. It's been very interesting to observe this.It is really quite profound the depth of healing that can happen with abhyanga. I always knew it to be very special, and healing, but doing the training has been a complete uplevelling. I know I have had to work with more diligence to bring myself to a state of confidence, but believe I have got there and will continue to refine this practice into something very special.I have so much to thank you both for but at the same time words don't seem enough in a sense. The best way I know to honour the training, is to become very skilled and very practised. The imprint of what was transmitted in the training continues to deepen. I sit with so much gratitude for this practice, and for the knowledge and wisdom with which it was delivered.From the depths of my heart, again, I say thank you.

Jackie Vidor

03:11 03 Oct 23

Romy gave me the most beautiful abyunga massage. Her touch, the music, the smells, were all amazing. I was very moved by the experience and highly recommend taking the time to do this!

Alex Smith

00:35 03 Oct 23

Hadn't had a treatment for some time and forgot how mind blowingly amazing it is. From the moment I walked in, I felt welcomed and relaxed. Vital Veda is truly a hidden gem for anyone seeking an ayurvedic treatment. Highly recommend.

Ojas Ayurvedic

23:43 20 Sep 23

Knowledgeable and professional.Dylan is a very understanding person with lot of wisdomHighly recommended 👌

Janine Pasvolsky

01:54 09 Sep 23

That was my first Abhyanga treatment! Wow it was perfection. Thank you so much Romi 🙏🏼 I felt incredible peace and calm and even more so the day after. Thank you I loved it X Janine

Lucy Middleton

05:01 08 Sep 23

I had explored many options medically & naturally to try and manage my hormonal imbalances postpartum & some stress / anxiety that had resulted from it. Seeing Dylan from Vital Veda not only gave me the answers i was seeking but a program that was tailored to help restore my vitality. I am very grateful for the referral because i feel i'm on the right path to self restoration. Thank you

bryony Carter

09:52 07 Sep 23

Dylan has such a beautifully caring nature. In my session I received clarity in my health journey and herbs and practices to support my wellbeing. I felt very safe and held. I’m truly grateful. Dylan knows his stuff!

Penny Cooke

08:22 05 Sep 23

I had Abhyunga sessions with Prema. I found them deeply relaxing and calming to my nervous system. I noticed I was slower and less reactive in a challenging situation.Prema was professional, sweet and caring

Parnella Rayappan

03:52 31 Aug 23

My deepest thanks to Dylan for his insights during our consultation. I am working on becoming more consistent!

Harriet W

01:05 23 Aug 23

I received the Shirodhara treatment and it was outstanding. This beautiful treatment lead to some deep inner improvement. Thank you so much Vital Veda!

Narmada Smith

08:31 17 Aug 23

Recommend having a consult with Dylan to remedy any condition that ails the body.Dylan can advise the correct herbs after reading the pulse.He also advises life style changes to build immunity and strong digestion. He has corrected a chronic condition that I found challenging after years of regular treatment.The ayurvedic herbs available on the Vital Veda site are the best natural treatment available.They are made with love and care by the Raju family. Dylans mentors in India.

Katy Phillips

20:20 13 Aug 23

Dylan and Sole at Vital Veda present a wonderful and safe learning environment ,full of wisdom and practical experience for this unique course on Abyanga . An Authentic Ayurvedic tradition that is capable of teaching the novice to the more experienced practitioner. It was an amazing experience that nourishes to the very core of oneself.

Tarin Braganza

09:06 13 Aug 23

It was a very auspicious afternoon finding myself in the company of Dylan Smith for an Ayurvedic consultation in Melbourne.Dylans diagnosis left me completely impressed.I believe that only someone of his calibre and dedication to their craft would be able to carry out such a seamless and accurate consult.Moreover,you know you are in the best hands when the person attending to your health is a complete embodiment of WellBeing themselves.Thank you Dylan.

Annie Clifford

00:57 03 Aug 23

After completing the 7 day Abhyanga course with Dylan and Sole, I cannot recommend the program enough.Throughout the 7 days we practiced massage everyday by both giving and receiving on multiple bodies. I am super grateful for the knowledge and how thorough we were taught the technical aspects around massage and Ayurveda lineage. Abhyanga is such a beautiful and profound type of body work that I believe everyone needs to experience. From the physical to the mental benefits I received throughout the time, it has been a truly therapeutic experience on both sides.

Candice Goh

00:56 03 Aug 23

I truly enjoyed my time with Dylan, Sole, and the beautiful group of passionate and like-minded individuals. The Abhyanga Massage Course in Sydney was everything that I’d imagined and more. As an Ayurvedic Massage Therapist, the immersive learnings had helped me to refine my craft and appreciate this sophisticated art of healing even more. It is my great blessing to be learning this wisdom from Vital Veda and I’m grateful for the support, exchange and love. The consistent practice of self-Abhyanga, pulse reading, meditation (and eating Sattvic), was an integral aspect to my personal transformation. JGD.

Sinead Kane

00:54 03 Aug 23

I Recently completed the Abhyanga massage training with Dylan & Sole from Vital Veda. I am grateful for the teachings they have provided & for sharing their knowledge. If you’re looking for Ayurvedic consults, training or treatments from such devoted practitioners that really honour the science of Ayurveda, traditionally. I do and always will recommend Dylan, Sole & the Vital Veda team.Jai Guru Deva ❤️

Maddie Culican

00:49 03 Aug 23

Just completed Vital Veda’s Intensive Abhyanga Course. Highly recommend for those wanting to give a deeply nourishing treatment whether to friends, to the community or for themselves.Profound, deep Ancient knowledge was shared- the technical aspects and precision to detail is unmatched. Feeling extremely inspired and fortunate to have received this knowledge from Dylan, Sole and the team at Vital Veda. Jai Guru Deva

Raewyn Fernandez

00:42 03 Aug 23

The Abhyanga training was incredible! The pace of the course and the ‘stacking’ of knowledge has left me feeling confident and capable. Both Dylan and Sole were incredibly generous with sharing their wisdom. The group environment enhanced the experience and supported the deep dive into this ancient practice. I would highly recommend this course to anyone who is interested in Ayurveda or Abhyanga.

Jazz Lewis

03:29 08 May 23

I had the pleasure to experience Abahyanga massage with Dylan. This experience is like no other for the body but also for the mind, stress release and inner wellness. Dylan’s presence can be sensed all around you during the treatment, you can feel his connection to the divine flowing through his hands.He is truely remarkable. Highly recommend!

Louise Tiernan

04:17 12 Apr 23

My interactions with Vital Veda have been powerful and evolutionary. From pulse diagnosis that cut straight to the root cause to simple dietary tweaks that made a big difference, treatments that were incredibly nourishing and detoxifying.. and of course the abundance of knowledge offerings that help me manage and enliven my own natural health. Highly recommend!

Navratan sahu

09:19 16 Feb 23

The team at Vital Veda have educated me in such a practical yet powerful way to significantly improve my health. And in such a empowering way! I feel more independent in governing my health plus having Invaluable support from the VV team and community। Thank you !

Becke B.

01:15 20 Jan 23

I had an online consultation with Dylan for some specific digestive issues, as well as general health questions. His extensive knowledge of and love for Ayurveda is evident and inspiring. He suggested some herbs, oils, slight diet and routine changes, which have all been more than helpful. One can actually feel the love and honor to Nature that is put into the preparation of the Vital Veda products. Thank you!

Maria Kushnirov

12:12 10 Jan 23

It was a privilege to meet with Dylan. He was professional and made me feel at ease. He instantly tuned into my true needs and where I was out of balance. Dylan offered me advice from the small, everyday tweaks you can make straight away to the bigger, longer term changes. Thank you Dylan!

kristy jones

04:02 01 Aug 22

Sole was my Doula for my first baby this year. She supported me through the process beautifully, I felt supported mentally & physically through out and I would highly recommend her.I chose to use the supporting herbs recommended and postpartum diet, which also was a huge benefit. My milk supply came through really well and Phoenix is very calm and grounded.

Hilary Ellis

20:11 25 Jul 22

So very grateful to have the opportunity to work with the wonderful Sole through our birth and post partum planning. As I’m in another country our sessions are virtual, but feels very much like in person. Sole is wonderfully engaging, knowledgeable and thorough. Both Myself and my husband were asked to think about areas of both birth and postpartum that we’d never considered and that have now formed integral parts of the journey. We feel fully informed and empowered for this incredible next step in our lives. Thank you,

Andrew Ewing

07:45 14 Jul 22

Nourishing Abhyanga Ayurvedic oil massage with Dylan and his magic presence. Grateful for your medicine, was long overdue. Definitely will do again soon.

Jess Osie

11:37 04 Jul 22

I received a series of Abhyangas with Sole at VV. These are not a regular massages. What I love most about these treatments is the love and care from the practitioner. Along with the deeply relaxing massage strokes, my body dropped into deep states of healing, awakening harmony all throughout. After each treatment, I left feeling nourished, totally relaxed and radiantly vital. Thank you Vital Veda, you're the best!

Hannah Keogh

20:56 21 Jun 22

Learning Abhyanga Ayurvedic massage in Sydney with Dylan and Sole was so nourishing for the soul!! They are extremely knowledgable and so generous with their teachings. I left feeling inspired, alive and grateful. Highly recommend to everyone even if you are not planning on doing paid treatments, it will deepen your own self abhyanga practise and a beautiful gift for friends and family.

isa killoran

20:08 16 Jun 22

Ever so grateful for Dylan and the whole team, always willing to be supportive in any possible way. I’ve been taking in a lot of the knowledge generously spread by Dylan through podcast and social media for a long while , and finally had a consultation. The warm, confident and clear, straightforward approach in guiding me throughout my healing journey have brought a new sense of calm and surrender; a certainty that I am in the right path, and in good hands.Thank you VV for working so hard and sincerely, and dedicating yourselves with such passion, purity and devotion to that which you do. It is clear you want to give out nothing but the best . JGD.

Ben Chung

00:48 27 May 22

Woah what an incredible experience. I feel completely blissed out. My body and mind feel both a perfect mixture of calm yet energized. I feel I am radiating a bubbly joy as I move through the day. Sole is amazing. Jai Guru Deva

Trish

10:55 18 May 22

This was my first experience of Abhyanga. I felt so calm & nourished. I highly recommend receiving one. Dylan shares his gifts of knowledge from Ayurveda with such clarity. Thank you

Amanda Lambert

02:07 15 May 22

I really appreciated my session with Dylan this week lots of knowledge, intuitive wisdom and I feel empowered to enhance my holistic wellbeing 🙏

Glen Carlson

01:21 11 May 22

Dylan is the real deal. His pulse reading directly uncovered some private issues that I hadn't shared to anyone. Mind blowing accurate. After 3 days taking the herbs and treatments he recommended and I'm feeling happier and healthier than I have in years. He's reassuringly expensive, don't hesitate.

renee coombs

03:20 09 May 22

My family and I have received so much care from the vital Veda team and are really seeing the benefits of Ayurveda. Dylan’s extremely knowledgeable and passionate about what he does and the authenticity really shows. Abhyanga massage is highly recommend by either Dylan or Sole.

Marisa Robinson

04:13 04 Apr 22

I recently had an online consultation with Dylan and it was extremely helpful and informative. Not only did Dylan share his extensive knowledge and wisdom but he put together a realistic treatment plan which aligned to my health goals. He also provided additional references so I could expand on my learnings too. I am looking forward to my follow up appointment in a months time and continuing to improve my overall health.