Benefits
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Mental Calm
Warm oil and slow touches calm the mind
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Neck and Shoulder Ease
Tension in this area eases
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Restful Effect
In the Ayurvedic tradition it is said to balance Vata
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Hair Care
Warm oil nourishes the scalp and hair
About
Shiroabhyanga comes from the Sanskrit words shiro, meaning "head", and abhyanga, meaning "oil massage": it is an Ayurvedic head massage with warm oil. Rooted in the Indian Ayurvedic tradition, which dates back thousands of years, it focuses on the head, neck and shoulders and, despite its short length, leaves a deep sense of calm.
What happens during the session?
- Warm oil: Warm Ayurvedic oil — sesame, coconut or almond — is gently dripped onto the scalp.
- Scalp: Your therapist works the hair roots and scalp with small circular fingertip movements.
- Marma points: Gentle pressure is applied to the marma points, the pressure points of the Ayurvedic tradition.
- Neck and shoulders: The session ends with strokes focused on tension in the neck and shoulders, followed by herbal tea.
The session lasts 30 minutes with gentle pressure.
Who is it for?
It suits people who spend long hours in front of a screen, anyone feeling mentally tired or carrying tension in the head, neck and shoulders, and those looking for deep relaxation in a short break.
When to be careful
- An allergy to sesame, nuts such as almonds, or coconut
- Wounds, infection or a flare-up of psoriasis or eczema on the scalp
- A recent head or neck injury
- An ongoing migraine attack or a new, severe headache
- A recent chemical hair treatment such as colouring or keratin
Shiroabhyanga or another treatment?
- Spot Massage: with the neck and head option, a 30-minute session focused more on the neck and shoulder muscles than the scalp.
- Shiatsu Massage: 50 minutes of oil-free finger pressure that also covers the head, neck and shoulders.
- Harmony Massage: a 70-minute ritual that combines Ayurvedic head work with a full-body massage.
After your session
- You can leave the oil on your scalp for at least two hours; as your hair will be oily, plan around any meeting you have afterwards.
- When you wash your hair, applying shampoo to dry hair first makes the oil easier to remove.
- Sit quietly for a few minutes after the session and drink some water.
About Shiroabhyanga Massage
What is Shiroabhyanga?
Shiroabhyanga is a head massage with warm oil from the Ayurvedic tradition. Its name comes from the Sanskrit words for "head" (shiro) and "oil massage" (abhyanga). The scalp, neck and shoulders are worked, and it is also known as an Ayurvedic head massage.
Will my hair be oily afterwards?
Yes. Because warm oil is applied to the scalp, your hair will be oily. You can leave the oil on for at least two hours if you like. If you have an important meeting afterwards, we suggest booking your session at the end of the day.
Which oil is used in Shiroabhyanga?
In keeping with tradition, a warm Ayurvedic oil of sesame, coconut or almond is used. If you are allergic to any of these or to nuts, please let us know when you book.
Can I combine Shiroabhyanga with another treatment on the same day?
Yes. At just 30 minutes, it works well after a massage or a hammam ritual. If you would like two treatments back to back, you can plan your appointment with your branch.
How long does a Shiroabhyanga Massage session take?
A Shiroabhyanga Massage session takes 30 minutes. You can choose the duration that suits you when booking.
Who is Shiroabhyanga Massage suitable for?
Shiroabhyanga Massage is suitable for those with mental fatigue, those feeling tension in the head, neck and shoulders, guests seeking deep relaxation in a short break and long-screen-time professionals. Please let us know before your appointment if you are pregnant, have had recent surgery or have a chronic condition.
Which areas does Shiroabhyanga Massage focus on?
The treatment focuses on head, neck and shoulders. You can agree your priority areas with your therapist at the start of the session.
What is included in a Shiroabhyanga Massage session?
The session includes warm Ayurvedic oil, cotton towels and herbal tea.
Where in Istanbul can I book Shiroabhyanga Massage?
Shiroabhyanga Massage is available at the Aqua Plus branches in Bagcilar, Fatih, Sisli, Zeytinburnu and Pendik. All branches are open seven days a week (10:00 – 23:00); choose the branch nearest to you when booking.
What are the benefits of Shiroabhyanga Massage?
Key effects: mental calm, neck and shoulder ease, restful effect and hair care. How long the effect lasts varies by person and with regular treatment.
How do I book Shiroabhyanga Massage?
You can book online by selecting a branch, date and time slot, or contact the branch directly by phone or WhatsApp. We recommend booking ahead to avoid waiting at peak times.
Where to Get Shiroabhyanga Massage
Shiroabhyanga Massage is available at 5 Aqua Plus branches. Choose the one closest to you; the booking form opens with the branch and service already selected.
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ISTANBUL · BAğCıLAR
Shiroabhyanga Massage in Bağcılar
Near: Güneşli, Kirazlı, Yenibosna
M1B metro line (Bağcılar–Kirazlı), the Mahmutbey–Bağcılar axis and the Basın Ekspres connection; metrobus via Yenibosna/Şirinevler.
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ISTANBUL · FATIH
Shiroabhyanga Massage in Fatih
Near: Çapa, Aksaray, Vatan
Reachable via the T1 Kabataş–Bağcılar tram (Fındıkzade / Çapa–Şehremini stops) and the M1A metro line (Aksaray).
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ISTANBUL · ŞIşLI
Shiroabhyanga Massage in Şişli
Near: Mecidiyeköy, Gayrettepe, Esentepe
The M2 metro (Şişli–Mecidiyeköy), M7 metro (Mecidiyeköy–Mahmutbey) and the Mecidiyeköy metrobus stop are within walking distance.
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ISTANBUL · ZEYTINBURNU
Shiroabhyanga Massage in Zeytinburnu
Near: Cevizlibağ, Topkapı, Maltepe Mahallesi
Reachable via the Zeytinburnu M1A metro / T1 tram interchange, the Cevizlibağ metrobus stop and the E-5 highway.
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ISTANBUL · PENDIK
Shiroabhyanga Massage in Pendik
Near: Kaynarca, Sapanbağları, Kurtköy
Reachable via the M4 metro line (Kaynarca–Pendik), the Marmaray Pendik station and the D-100 / coastal road.
