Ayurvedic Treatments / Therapies
More Than Massage — Bodywork Within an Integrative Healing Environment
Massage therapy at The Buddha's Medicine is not a cookie cutter spa experience. It's bodywork rooted in an integrative healing philosophy and part of a comprehensive care framework, available alongside medical care, mental health therapy, and lifestyle coaching — all under one roof.
Our Licensed Massage Therapists bring years of training and thousands of hours of hands-on experience across a wide range of Western therapeutic modalities to their clients. What makes their work here distinct is both their skill and expertise, and the additional dimension of informed Ayurvedic bodywork. Under Dr. Matt Van Auken's guidance, our LMTs include and incorporate traditional Ayurvedic treatments such as Shirodhara, Abhyanga, Kati Basti, and Garshana — therapies with thousands of years of healing tradition behind them.
This means that whether you come to us for relief from chronic pain, recovery from injury, support during pregnancy, deep relaxation, or the unique benefits of Ayurvedic bodywork, your care can be informed by and coordinated with the broader clinical picture. For patients who are working with Dr. Matt or Jamie, massage and bodywork become part of a unified approach to healing rather than an isolated service.
Our clinic is located in SE Portland's Laurelhurst neighborhood at 3310 SE Oak Street. Massage therapy appointments are available to everyone — you do not need to be an existing patient of Dr. Matt or a client of Jamie to book a session.
Ancient healing wisdom, modern therapeutic expertise.
At The Buddha's Medicine, our massage and bodywork therapies draw from the rich tradition of Ayurvedic medicine—where touch has been recognized for thousands of years as a powerful vehicle for healing. Each treatment is thoughtfully selected or customized to support your unique constitution and current health needs, creating an experience that goes far beyond relaxation to address imbalances at their root.
Questions about which treatment is right for you? Schedule a consultation with Dr. Matt Van Auken, MD or to discuss your needs.
Meet Our Massage Team
get scheduled
Ayurvedic Treatments / Therapies
All treatments are provided by Licensed Massage Therapists, working under the clinical guidance of Dr. Matt Van Auken, MD. Treatment recommendations may be adjusted based on your individual constitution, current health status, and treatment goals. Each service can be tailored to your needs, and our LMTs are skilled at integrating multiple modalities within a single session.
-
Abhyanga | The Classic Ayurvedic Oil Massage · 60 or 90 minutes
Abhyanga is the cornerstone of Ayurvedic bodywork—a warm, rhythmic oil massage of the entire body that has been practiced for millennia. Abhyanga nourishes the tissues, calms the nervous system, and supports the body's natural detoxification pathways. Using herbalized oils selected specifically for your constitution (prakriti) and current state of health and imbalance (vikriti), this treatment envelops you in comforting warmth while moving stagnant energy, improving circulation, and restoring a deep sense of grounding and ease.
Excellent for: Nervous system support, stress and anxiety, vata imbalances, dry skin, fatigue, seasonal transitions, anyone seeking deep nourishment and restoration, and more.
Vishesha Massage | (Ayurvedic Deep Tissue + Other Specialty Modalities) · 60 or 90 minutesOur team's multi-modal therapeutic deep tissue work blends Western massage technique with Ayurvedic principles to address chronic muscular tension, adhesions, and areas of persistent discomfort. This treatment uses thoughtful, deliberate pressure to release holding patterns in the deeper layers of muscle and connective tissue, restoring mobility, and relieving pain at its source.
Excellent for: Chronic pain, muscular tension, injury recovery, postural imbalances, those who prefer firmer therapeutic pressure, and more.
Udvartana | Invigorating Herbal Powder/Paste Massage · 45 minutesUdvartana is a uniquely energizing treatment that uses warm herbal powders and vigorous massage strokes to stimulate circulation, invigorate the lymphatic system, and help break down stagnation in the tissues. Unlike oil-based massage, this dry treatment creates warmth and movement through friction—leaving you feeling lighter, more awake, and deeply cleansed.
In the Ayurvedic tradition, Udvartana is particularly valued for its ability to support healthy metabolism, reduce excess Kapha, and restore a sense of lightness and vitality to both body and mind.
Excellent for: Sluggish circulation, fluid retention, Kapha imbalances and systemic blockages, extensive exfoliation, supporting healthy weight management, and anyone feeling heavy, congested at a whole-body level, or in need of a jump start to invigoration.
Do not seek if: Any active rashes or open skin wounds, osteoporosis, known or suspected connective tissue disorders, severe anxiety, insomnia, recent fractures or concussions.
-
These targeted therapies concentrate healing attention on specific regions of the body, offering profound relief and restoration where you need it most.
Shirodhara | The Bliss Treatment · 30 minutesShirodhara is perhaps the most iconic of all Ayurvedic treatments—a continuous stream of warm oil poured in a gentle, rhythmic pattern across the forehead and "third eye" region. This deeply meditative experience quiets the fluctuations of the mind, soothes the nervous system, and induces a state of profound calm that many describe as unlike anything they've experienced before.
The effects of Shirodhara extend well beyond the treatment itself—patients often report improved sleep, reduced anxiety, and a lingering sense of peace in the days that follow.
Best for: Anxiety, insomnia, mental agitation, headaches, stress-related conditions, and anyone seeking deep mental and emotional relief.
SAN - Sinus and Nasal Treatment (Shiro'bhyanga-Nasya) | Medicated Nasal Oil and So Much More · 45 minutesThe nose is considered the gateway to the head and brain in Ayurvedic medicine. Our SAN treatment (Shiro'bhyanga-Nasya therapy) delivers herbally-medicated oil directly through the nasal passages, where they can access the sinuses, support clear breathing, and nourish the delicate tissues that connect to the brain and nervous system.
A gentle abhyanga of the shoulders, neck, head, and face prepares the treatment area before essential oils and steam open the sinuses. The sinuses are then cleansed with warm herbal saline solution. The final step is to apply warm, medicated oil directly into the nose.
You'll leave breathing more clearly than you have in years!
Best for: Sinus congestion, allergies, headaches, mental fog, neck and shoulder stiffness, recurrent upper respiratory infections, and support during cold and flu season.
Garshana | Dry Silk Glove Massage / Ayurvedic Lymphatic Drainage· 30 minutes | Typically combined with other treatments.
Garshana uses raw silk gloves to create brisk, stimulating friction across the skin—invigorating the lymphatic system, exfoliating dead skin cells, and awakening circulation before oil treatments. This energizing preparation creates a sense of lightness and vitality while helping the skin better absorb the therapeutic oils that follow.
Best for: Lymphatic stimulation, skin rejuvenation, Kapha imbalances, and preparation before Abhyanga or other oil treatments.
Appointment Availability
Mondays to Fridays - 9am to 8pm
Saturdays & Sundays - 2pm to 8pm
Session Length Available
45, 60, 90, & 120 minutes depending on service
Cancellation Policy
24-hour notice required. A $50 fee applies for late cancellations, no-shows, and late arrivals resulting in cancellation.
Preparing for Your Treatment
To receive the full benefits of Ayurvedic bodywork, we recommend arriving well-hydrated, having eaten lightly (or not within 1-2 hours of your appointment), and allowing yourself time afterward to rest rather than rushing back into activity. Wear comfortable clothing and be prepared to leave oils in place for several hours if possible—the longer therapeutic oils remain on the skin, the deeper their benefits.
Questions about which treatment is right for you? Schedule a consultation with Dr. Matt Van Auken, MD or to discuss your needs.
FAQ
-
Ayurvedic massage is rooted in a 5,000-year-old medical tradition that views bodywork as therapeutic medicine rather than simply relaxation. Each treatment is selected based on your unique constitution (prakriti), current imbalances (vikriti), and specific health concerns. The oils, techniques, pressure, and even direction of strokes are all chosen intentionally to bring your body back toward balance. While you'll certainly leave feeling relaxed, the effects extend far beyond the treatment room—supporting detoxification, nourishment of the tissues, and restoration of your body's natural healing capacity.
-
No - anyone can come and enjoy! Our Ayurvedic massage and bodywork services are available to both new and established clients. New clients will complete an intake form that helps our licensed massage therapists understand your health history and treatment goals. However, if you have complex health concerns or are interested in more intensive therapies like Panchakarma, you will undergo a brief consultation with Dr. Matt (if you are not already a patient of his) to ensure that your treatments are appropriately tailored to you, and fully medically-informed.
-
Your treatment selection depends on your constitution, current state of balance/imbalance, and what you're hoping to address. Here are some general guidelines:
Feeling stressed, anxious, or ungrounded? Abhyanga, Shirodhara, Kaya Seka and other treatments addressing Vata imbalance may be most supportive.
Feeling sluggish, heavy, or weighted-down? Udvartana, Garshana, and other Kapha-reducing treatments might be appropriate to restore lightness and vitality.
Dealing with localized pain or joint issues? Local Basti treatments target specific areas with concentrated, sustained warmth and herbal medicine power.
Seeking deep detoxification? Panchakarma offers comprehensive cleansing under clinical guidance.
If you're unsure, let us know your primary concerns when booking and we can help guide your selection—or schedule a consultation with Dr. Matt to discuss your options.
-
Please share any relevant health information including current symptoms, recent injuries or surgeries, medications you're taking, allergies (especially to sesame oil, which is common in Ayurvedic therapies), and any conditions listed on your intake form. If anything has changed since you last visited, let us know. Open communication helps us provide safe, effective care.
-
Certain conditions may contraindicate or require modification of specific treatments. These include but are not limited to: pregnancy, fever or acute illness, recent surgery, active infections, bleeding disorders, uncontrolled high blood pressure, certain heart conditions, and specific conditions relevant to individual treatments (such as perforated eardrum for Karna Purana, or active eye infection for Netra Basti). Please disclose all relevant health information so we can advise you appropriately.
-
Absolutely. You are always welcome to schedule a consultation with Dr. Matt to discuss the appropriateness of any therapies for your individual situation. This is particularly recommended for those with complex health histories, multiple conditions, or interest in intensive protocols like Panchakarma.
learn more