Maiaveda

Home  /  Treatments  /  Ayurvedic therapies

Ayurvedic therapies

Shirodhara

Warm herbalised oil poured in a slow, steady stream across the forehead, by a fully qualified Ayurvedic practitioner. We recommend three sessions in a row, and booked together they're $150 each.

Reserve your place
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 brass vessel on chains dripping into a catch bowl below
How long
30, 60 or 90 minutes
Price
from $150
A meadow of dandelion clocks and yellow flowers

Ayurvedic therapies

What happens

Shirodhara is one of the oldest therapies in Ayurveda. Warm, authentic Ayurvedic herbalised oil is poured in a continuous stream across the forehead while you lie still.

It's given by a fully qualified Ayurvedic practitioner. Traditionally it's associated with ajna, the point Ayurveda calls the third eye.

Three consecutive sessions are recommended, and booked as three they're $150 each. It also pairs with Indian head massage as a ninety minute session.

We use only authentic Ayurvedic herbalised oils. You should avoid having a shirodhara if you are suffering from a cold, fever, diarrhoea, menstruation, or any acute illness.

"The perfect weekend trip from Melbourne. I was completely burnt out from corporate life, and the 2-hour Shirodhara ritual completely reset my nervous system. Kyneton is beautiful, and Maiaveda is an absolute hidden gem." Sarah, Richmond.

The name is shira, head, and dhara, stream. The Charaka Samhita treats it under murdhni taila, oil applied to the head. The classical set up is a pot with a small opening suspended above the forehead, the liquid falling in a thin line that is moved slowly from temple to temple, with the eyes covered. Oil is the usual liquid; the tradition also uses ghee, milk and buttermilk.

In Ayurveda it is given for the head and for vata, the dosha of movement. It's designed for a mind that will not settle, which is why we recommend three in a row rather than one.

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
  • Part of the personalised retreat

    Beyond the massage you choose three more therapies from the menu: shirodhara, garshan or udvartana, swedana, reflexology, reiki, kati basti, ear candling, or pinda swedana.

    The personalised retreat
  • 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

It’s taken me almost a week to think of the words to describe my experience at Maiaveda. I was in a place I had never been before after a very challenging 18 month project. I was burnt out, riddled with stress and anxiety and wondering what next but with no confidence or energy to do much about it. Feeling this way, was a really tough pill to swallow as I am a resilient, strong woman and weathered a lot in my life. So I knew I needed to take action and I was sure it had to be focusing inward and spending time just on me. I had originally been seeking a group retreat that targeted mind, body and soul in their offerings but timing was never right or it was just a fancy resort with good food and spa treatments – I was looking for more. I came across Maiaveda and saw they offered personal 1:1 retreats, which was not quite what I wanted but everything else was perfect. I kept coming back to their page as I was really drawn to Mayre’s offerings. From the moment I called (and yes, there was a tear or three), Mayre was so accommodating finding me 3 nights within a week in a time where they were heavily booked and I was beyond grateful. I felt such a loving and genuine connection with Mayre immediately and I knew I had called the right place. When you enter Maiaveda, you literally feel like you are in a cocoon of love, warmth, care and acceptance. Every practitioner I worked with had a loving, warm energy about them and all genuinely there to care and look after you. Mayre put together a wonderful package for me – a mix of foot baths, facials, daily massage, shirodhara, reiki, sound healing, energy healing, yoga and meditation and I would not have changed a single element of it. The food was incredible and I also learnt more about Ayurveda and how I can better balance myself through food, movement and breath. I came away feeling like so much had shifted in me and that I was truly centered again, back in alignment, deeply relaxed and more focused than I have been in months. I have my mojo back and already embedding some of the learnings I took away with me so I can continue to keep myself in balance and to minimize fatigue and stress into the future. Thank you again Maiaveda for a truly wonderful experience. I will certainly return for a top up visit as I need it xx

Read on Google
Stacey VHGoogle

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.

Read on Google
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.

Read on Google
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

Read on Google
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.

Read on Google
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!

Read on Google
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

Read on Google
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:)

Read on Google
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.

Read on Google
Sam Mcdonaldwith Claudia · Google

Thank you Marye and Pam, 90 minute massage, scub and reflexology treatment. Gentle, warming and restorative. I felt relaxed and comfortable for the entire experience. We are very fortunate to have this business in Kyneton. You will be in very good hands. Namaste ❤️

Read on Google
Robyn Brentnallwith Pam · Google

Quite honestly the most wonderful massage experience I've ever had. Marye made me feel welcomed from the moment I stepped through the door. The massage was incredible leaving me feeling utterly nourished and relaxed. I can't recommend Maiaveda enough.

Read on Google
Juliawith Marye · Google

Yesterday I had the most amazing experience from the moment I walked through the door and met Pam The massage and environment the experience was nurturing for body and mind I would highly recommend and will I return.

Read on Google
Wendy Wallacewith Pam · 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.

Book a treatment