A relaxing foot massage with warm medicated oils, working the marma points of the feet and lower legs.
Paada Abhyangam is a massage of the feet and lower legs with warm medicated oil. Paada means foot and abhyangam means anointing with oil, so the name simply says oil massage of the feet. It belongs to the massage family alongside Shareera Abhyangam and is the most local of them: the therapist works the soles, toes, ankles and calves, pressing the marma points found there.
A session runs about 30–45 minutes. Paada Abhyangam is carried out at Sri Vinayaga Ayurvibe, a doctor-led Ayurveda hospital at Nookampalayam, Perumbakkam, Chennai 600131 — within reach of Medavakkam, Sholinganallur, OMR, Pallikaranai, Velachery and Tambaram.
What Paada Abhyangam is traditionally used for
Paada Abhyangam is traditionally used for tired, aching feet, poor sleep, circulation in the legs and nervous tension.
It is traditionally used to support tired, aching feet, dry or cracked heels, heavy legs after long hours standing or sitting, and difficulty winding down at night. Here it is used alongside head therapies for Insomnia & poor sleep and Stress, anxiety & burnout. Classical texts recommend oiling the feet as a daily habit and link it with sleep and with the eyes.
It is typically planned for people on their feet all day — teachers, shop and hospital staff — and for desk workers whose legs feel heavy by evening. It is also a gentle choice for older people, or anyone who finds a full-body massage too much.
What happens in a session
You lie on the treatment table with your legs supported, and your feet are cleaned with warm water first.
Warm oil, chosen for your constitution and complaint, is spread from the knees down to the toes.
The therapist works the soles with the thumbs and the heel of the hand, draws each toe gently, circles the ankles and strokes up the calves. Pressure on the marma points is firm but should never hurt.
The session is quiet and unhurried, and some people fall asleep before the end of the 30–45 minutes.
The oil is wiped from the soles so you can walk safely, and the feet are covered before you stand.
Who should not have Paada Abhyangam
An open cut, ulcer or blister on the foot, especially with diabetes — the foot needs to be seen by a doctor first.
A recent sprain, fracture or gout flare in the foot or ankle, or a fungal infection between the toes.
A calf that is suddenly swollen, warm and painful on one side: this can be a clot and must be checked at a hospital before any massage.
Varicose veins, which are never pressed firmly; the therapist works around them with light strokes.
Diabetes with numbness in the feet, which does not rule it out but means lighter pressure and careful checks of the oil’s warmth.
How many sessions?
Paada Abhyangam can be booked as a single session more easily than most therapies, since it is gentle and local. For sleep or stress, though, the doctor usually plans it as part of a course of 7 to 14 sessions alongside a head therapy.
The number depends on why you are coming: a short run for tired, aching feet, a longer one when it supports sleep.
Before you come
Trim your toenails a day or two before rather than on the day, so any small nicks have closed.
Wear loose trousers that roll up easily above the knee, and bring socks for afterwards.
Tell us about any numbness, swelling or wounds on the feet before you begin.
Afterwards
Your feet may feel warm and pleasantly heavy. Walk carefully at first, as oiled feet slip on smooth floors.
Wear socks for an hour or two to keep the oil off the floors at home.
Avoid washing the feet in cold water or walking barefoot on cold floors that day.
Call +91 81229 39197 if a rash or itching appears. A calf that becomes swollen, hot and painful on one side, or sudden breathlessness, needs urgent medical care.
Cost
Cost depends on the duration and whether the doctor plans a single session or a course. Call +91 81229 39197 and we will tell you before you book — there are no surprises at the counter.
No. Reflexology maps the whole body onto zones of the foot. Paada Abhyangam is an Ayurvedic oil massage that works on the marma points in the feet and legs, with an oil chosen for your constitution. They may feel alike, but the reasoning behind them differs.
Can I have it during pregnancy?
Tell us if you are pregnant; the doctor decides whether it suits your stage, and the pressure is kept light. Mention swollen ankles to your obstetrician as well, as in pregnancy they can sometimes be a sign of raised blood pressure.
Can I do it at home instead?
A simple version, warm oil rubbed into the soles before bed, can be done at home, and the doctor may suggest an oil for it. It does not replace having a foot problem checked by a doctor.
What does Paada Abhyangam cost in Chennai?
Cost depends on the duration and whether the doctor plans a single session or a course. Call +91 81229 39197 and we will tell you before you book — there are no surprises at the counter.
Sri Vinayaga Ayurvibe — 12/597, Main Road, Nethaji Nagar Main Rd,
Nookampalayam, Perumbakkam, Chennai 600131. Phone:
+91 81229 39197.
