Maiaveda

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Ayurvedic therapies

Shiroabhyanga

Indian head massage, done lying on the table for comfort. The head, neck and shoulders are worked gently, firmly and rhythmically through their marma points, with aromatic oils chosen for you.

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Rated ExcellentBased on 112 Google reviews
Rated Excellent5.0 from 43 TripAdvisor reviews

As featured onWatch the segment of Marye on Sunrise

Line drawing of a wide toothed wooden comb beside an oil bottle and a rolled napkin
How long
30 or 45 minutes
Price
45 min · $135
Dandelion clocks among tall golden grass

Ayurvedic therapies

What happens

The head, neck and shoulders hold marma points, the places where tension tends to gather. In shiroabhyanga they're massaged gently, firmly and rhythmically, with aromatic oils tailored to you, until the pressure begins to fade.

We do it lying down on the massage table, which is more comfortable. A shorter seated version is also available.

Shiroabhyanga is oil applied to the head with massage. The Sushruta Samhita puts head oiling in the daily regimen, and in India it has been a household and barber's practice for centuries; the Hindi champo, to press or knead the head, is where the English word shampoo comes from. The version taught in the West as Indian head massage was formalised by Narendra Mehta in the late 1970s and takes in the face, neck, shoulders and upper arms.

It's made for a head that has been carrying too much, and for shoulders that have crept up towards the ears.

Lengths

How long, and how much

Weekend rates apply Saturday and Sunday.

From here

Where this leads

  • Gift a treatment

    The one to give when you already know: they always talk about their back, or they have never had a proper facial.

    Gift vouchers
  • Why it opens with a foot bath

    What Ayurveda is, in Marye's words, and why bodywork opens with a foot bath and ends with chai.

    Ayurveda, explained
Before you come

Worth knowing before you book

The same four things people ask us most. All the questions

  • What to wear

    Loose, comfortable clothing, with minimal jewellery and makeup, especially for private yoga therapy and reflexology. If you're booking a facial and you shave, please arrive clean shaven.

  • Tell us about your health

    If you have allergies, high blood pressure, a heart condition or another medical condition, or you're pregnant, please check with your doctor before booking and tell your therapist. What we offer sits alongside your medical care, never in place of it. We also don't recommend alcohol before or straight after a treatment.

  • Weekends and public holidays

    Weekend prices are shown on the menu above. Public holidays carry a 20% surcharge on treatments and spa rituals.

  • Concessions

    Eligible health care and concession card holders get $30 off all our services.

What people say after they leave

4.9 from 112 Google reviews. 5.0 from 43 on TripAdvisor. Read more reviews

Marye has created a true sanctuary. From the moment I stepped through the doors, I felt completely enveloped in a sense of peace. Marye radiates a genuine, warm and nurturing energy that is incredibly rare to find. She took the time to listen to exactly what my body and mind needed, tailoring the experience with such profound care and kindness. During the treatment, I felt completely safe to let go and deeply rest. If you are looking for a place to heal, unwind, and feel genuinely nurtured from head to toe, this is it. I cannot wait to return.

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TM Beaucairewith Marye · Google

For my birthday I received a gift voucher from my son and daughter in law to a retreat in Kyneton. When I opened the envelope and gazed at the symbols and colors on the letterhead I felt a sense of innate knowing in my heart and a deep love and gratitude moved me to tears even though I had not heard of Maiaveda before. I was told it was my son that found the place and chose it for his mother. From my arrival at the train station until my departure I felt nurtured and looked after and it allowed me to feel safe and to let go. The doors into Maiaveda are like a mothers loving arms and inside the rooms I found the gentle, loving hands of Joanne and Gracie moving all the tension and stagnation in my body and the wisdom of Marye's presence and words that gently reset my mind into more stillness. Marye held space for me so I could safely find my way home to my heart. Thank you Marye, I promised myself I will 'polish' my heart daily 😄 and shine my light brightly!

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BiggiGoogle

Had the most amazing experience with Tara. From the onset the signature massage was so relaxing. Starting with a foot bath while Tara explaining the process. Being lead to the massage room that was dimly lit, with a calming scent, and beautiful sounds. The signature massage was just right with the warm oils, the wrapping of body to felt so nurturing, the placing of the heat packs on the body made me feel so secure and relaxed and ending of the sound bowl on each side of my head was grounding. The experience was divine I will make 1.5hr journey again to do it again. Highly recommend. My daughter also had the signature massage with Mary and she came out with the biggest smile on her face.

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Franca SavioGoogle

I happen on this place about a month back and had the best massage of my life (thanks Tara!). I headed back there for a couple nights stay just to have more treatments. I’ve now had an incredible facial, another massage and a hand and foot treatment. This little treasure is unique and fantastic and will probably make me a Kyneton regular!

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Victoria StrongGoogle

Yesterday I had the most amazing facial and massage with Claudia. From the moment I walked in I felt instantly nurtured, the whole experience made me feel taken care of. What an amazing place, the products used are beautiful and the ambience throughout was so relaxing. I would definitely book again the next time I am in Kyneton.

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Jan Lyallwith Claudia · Google

My husband Gary & I went to Maiaveda for a Panchakarma, an Ayurvedic cleanse. We had treatments that would help our bodies prepare for a very deep cleanse. It was an amazingly powerful and empowering life changing experience spiritually, emotionally physically and mentally. We were welcomed with a lot of warmth & reassurance. Each visit was filled a lot of genuine love, support and compassion. Nothing was ever too much trouble, you had Marye’s & her team 100% focus & attention. The treatment rooms were truely unique filled with loving calm energy. Both my husband & I could not recommend it more highly. A place well worth a visit.

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Jacqueline Waitewith Marye · Google

I had an absolutely incredible experience at Maiaveda!! The moment I walked in, the atmosphere was so calm and welcoming. The space is peaceful, and instantly puts you in relaxation mode. The massage itself was exactly what I needed, easily one of the best I’ve ever had. Claudia was highly skilled, attentive, and made sure to check in at the right moments. I felt completely rejuvenated and relaxed afterwards. You can tell that everyone who works there is truly passionate about what they do, wanting to make sure everyone has the best experience possible. I can’t wait to book my next appointment. Highly recommend. Xx

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Steph Leachwith Claudia · Google

We had a great time at Maiaveda health retreat and spa. It was my husband's birthday and we booked massages for my family. They even had option for our 7 years old daughter. Clean rooms, clean towels, great ambiance and very accomodating girls. Claudia made sure that i am comfortable throughout my massage as i have several back issues and it gets really hard for me sometimes to lie flat on bed. Pressure was perfect. Oils smelled great. My daughter and husband had great time as well. They also treated us with some goodies in the end for my husbands birthday and we loved the jesture. My new favorite spa in Melbourne.

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Javaria Attiqwith Claudia · Google

My previous experiences with massage & facials have been per functionary to address an injury or in the lead up to special event. How lovely then that my two hours experience was a purely selfish indulgence. I was kept warm the whole time and even drifted off to sleep! Can't recommend Pam or the service I experienced highly enough!

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Julie-Anne Gibneywith Pam · Google

From one tired and sore mum, the pregnancy massage was beyond incredible. From the moment I walked up the stairs to Maiaveda, I felt a sense of peace. Marye welcomed me with such warmth, and the beautiful aromas instantly made me feel relaxed. The oils smelled divine and felt so nourishing on my skin. Claudia’s massage was amazing — I actually walked out feeling like I was floating. I’ll definitely be back. It wasn’t just a massage; it was a whole mind and body reset. I’m so grateful to have experienced this

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Katelyn Vandenhurkwith Claudia · Google

An absolutely gorgeous atmosphere with gentle lighting and subtle aromas in the air. Marye is so in tune, and a truly brilliant practitioner. I felt completely nurtured and relaxed beyond words:)

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Jacqwith Marye · Google

I’ve been visiting Maiaveda for the past six years, and it continues to be my absolute sanctuary. Every experience is consistently nurturing, professional, and deeply restorative especially through my pregnancies. During my current pregnancy, I had massage with Claudia, and she was incredible. All the therapists knowledge, care, and intuition make me feel completely supported and safe each time. They all have a beautiful way of adapting the treatment to exactly what your body needs, and I always walk out feeling lighter, calmer, and genuinely cared for. The environment at Maiaveda is warm, peaceful, and truly holistic exactly what you want when looking to unwind or reconnect with yourself. I recommend it wholeheartedly, especially for pregnancy care. It’s a place where you can trust you’ll be looked after with kindness and expertise.

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Sam Mcdonaldwith Claudia · Google
Rated ExcellentBased on 112 Google reviews
Rated Excellent5.0 from 43 TripAdvisor reviews

As featured onWatch the segment of Marye on Sunrise

Low sun raking across dry grass tussocks on a slope, the tips gold against deep green

Reserve your place

Seven days, by appointment. Weekend rates apply Saturday and Sunday.

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