World Ayurveda Day 2026, there is noticeable excitement, especially for those of us who have experienced the healing practices of this ancient system. There, I learned about Abhyanga, one of Ayurveda’s most valued practices. This experience changed how I view self-care and deepened my understanding of the mind-body connection we all share.
Last year, I traveled to Rishikesh, a popular place for wellness seekers.
Tavishi Dogra is a Deputy Chief Content Producer, Health & Wellness, at Hindustan Times. She joined Hindustan Times to simplify wellness subjects by cutting through jargon. She has over 9 years of experience writing about fitness, nutrition, and mental well-being, translating medical research and expert insights into practical advice readers can trust. Career journey and experience Tavishi began her health journalism journey in 2017, and has since reported for RSTV, Financial Express, Jagran, HT Media Labs and Zee.
Education and professional background Tavishi holds a Master’s degree in Journalism and Mass Communication and began her career reporting on public affairs for broadcast. Editorial Philosophy I write with one single goal: To simplify health in a world full of noise by finding what’s actually doable, safe, and evidence-based for my readers. I test claims against research and user experiences. Abhyanga is a traditional Ayurvedic oil massage. It involves gently rubbing warm herbal oils on the body using steady strokes. This practice helps with relaxation, detoxification, and overall rejuvenation. For thousands of years, Abhyanga has been part of Ayurvedic medicine, supporting the idea that our bodies can heal themselves when we balance nature and care. Abhyanga is a holistic massage that cares for your body, mind , and spirit. Unlike regular massages that target specific knots or tight muscles, Abhyanga offers a complete experience. It improves circulation and relieves muscle tension while also providing emotional release and a deep sense of peace. When I arrived in Rishikesh, I felt calm. This city sits in the foothills of the Himalayas, along the Ganges River. The city combines spirituality with wellness practices, making it a special place for relaxation and rejuvenation. I chose the Maharishi Ayurveda Boutique Wellness Retreat for my Abhyanga experience. The calm atmosphere and soft sounds of nature created a relaxing setting. Each day started with a personalized Ayurvedic consultation. Skilled practitioners evaluated my dosha, which is my unique body type , and recommended specific oils and treatments suited to my needs. As I lay on the treatment table for my first Abhyanga session, I felt warm and comfortable. The therapist used a warm blend of oils, each mixed with healing herbs. The pressure was firm but gentle, and every stroke matched my breathing, making the experience feel meditative. Massage can have powerful effects on the body. When these elements are out of balance, we can get sick. Abhyanga, a type of massage, helps restore this balance by nourishing the skin, supporting detoxification, and connecting us to our bodies. After my session, I felt energy flowing through me, bringing clarity and calm. The retreat focused on a lifestyle that balances physical, mental, and spiritual health. Preparing healthy Ayurvedic meals became an important part of my daily routine and boosted the effects of the massage. During my stay, I took part in yoga sessions and guided meditations that enhanced the benefits of Abhyanga. This overall approach of combining diet, exercise, and mindfulness created strong support for my well-being. In Ayurveda, different oils have special benefits that support health and wellness in various ways. The choice of oil in Abhyanga can significantly affect the overall experience and effectiveness of the treatment, as it aligns with individual constitutional differences and health goals. I was given a warm massage with sesame oil that not only promotes physical health but also supports emotional and mental balance, reflecting Ayurveda’s holistic approach. In our stressful lives, we often forget to take care of ourselves. The Abhyanga experience showed me how important it is to slow down and reconnect with myself. Ayurveda teaches us to listen to our bodies and meet our needs, creating a caring environment where we can thrive. My experience with Abhyanga therapy was truly life-changing. It made me rethink my understanding of wellness and how I practice self-care. Instead of quick, shallow routines, Ayurveda encourages meaningful rituals that consider our whole being. You can visit a retreat in Rishikesh or start this practice at home. Wellness is about finding balance and living intentionally, not just escaping daily life. ( Disclaimer: At Hindustan Times, we help you stay up to date with the latest trends and products. Hindustan Times has an affiliate partnership, so we may get a part of the revenue when you make a purchase. The products listed in this article are in no particular order of priority. They were provided to HT Shop Now by the brand for testing and evaluation. Our opinions remain independent and based on our personal experience with the items. Please patch test the products before use.)
When all else fails, I speak to the expert who sees 50 patients a day, not the one with the most followers. On World Ayurveda Day 2026, consider adding Abhyanga to your wellness routine. We shall not be liable for any claim under applicable laws, including but not limited to the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, with respect to the products.
Because it is more than a treatment; it is part of a broader Ayurvedic wellness approach, abhyanga is special.
Rishikesh is known as the “Yoga Capital of the World” and is an ideal place for a wellness retreat. Our bodies are made up of five elements: earth, water, fire, air, and ether, according to Ayurveda. Abhyanga massage uses warm herbal oils that are mixed according to a person’s needs and body type, known as doshas.
Those early years in policy and TV shaped how she writes today: fast, factual, and human-first.
Subject expertise With 9+ years tracking India’s health conversations, Tavishi knows the gap between clinical advice and daily life. She knows fads from fundamentals and curates science-backed, expert-recommended solutions. In fitness, she breaks down bodyweight training, recovery, and posture fixes for desk-bound readers. In nutrition, she translates guidelines into affordable, desi meal tweaks. In mental well-being, she focuses on stigma-free, actionable tools — all backed by research, expert input, and lived context.
From decoding health trends and interviewing doctors to testing fitness routines herself, Tavishi always approaches content with one filter: “Will this help someone make a better decision today?
