Moksha – Abhyanga + Steam

$210 | 90 mins
Moksha means liberation - and that’s exactly what this treatment delivers when your body feels heavy, tense, or “stuck.” It combines the grounding depth of Abhyanga with the clarifying power of therapeutic herbal steam to help release congestion, soften stiffness, and restore flow. Warm medicated oils nourish tissues and calm the nervous system, then gentle heat opens the body’s channels so you absorb the benefits more deeply. You leave feeling lighter, clearer, and deeply revitalised - not just relaxed, but reset.
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Overview

Moksha means liberation — and that’s exactly what this treatment delivers when your body feels heavy, tense, or “stuck.” It combines the grounding depth of Abhyanga with the clarifying power of therapeutic herbal steam to help release congestion, soften stiffness, and restore flow. Warm medicated oils nourish tissues and calm the nervous system, then gentle heat opens the body’s channels so you absorb the benefits more deeply. You leave feeling lighter, clearer, and deeply revitalised — not just relaxed, but reset.

What This Treatment Does

When stress, fatigue, and stagnation accumulate, the body can feel dense, sluggish, and tight. Moksha helps shift that state. The oil massage settles the nervous system and softens tissues, while the herbal steam supports circulation, lymphatic movement, and the body’s natural detox pathways. Together, they help the body let go — so energy flows more freely and the mind feels clearer.

Why This Works

Moksha works on both Vata (nervous system overload) and Kapha (heaviness and stagnation). The oil calms internal stress and dryness; the steam gently mobilises what’s been stuck. This combination restores balance without overstimulation, leaving you calm, clear, and lightly energised.

One Moksha session offers a powerful reset. During times of stress, transition, or seasonal change, a short series allows each treatment to build upon the last — steadily restoring balance, resilience, and vitality.

Best For

• Persistent muscle aches or joint stiffness.
• Feeling heavy, sluggish, or “stuck.”
• Stress, fatigue, or restless sleep.
• Sluggish digestion or fluid retention.
• Seasonal transitions or cleansing support.
• Dull skin or poor circulation.

Key Benefits

• Relieves muscular tension and stiffness.
• Stimulates circulation and lymphatic flow.
• Supports natural detox and fluid balance.
• Deeply nourishes tissues and skin.
• Calms the nervous system and restores mental clarity.
• Leaves the body feeling lighter and more responsive.

Moksha Experience

Moksha unfolds in two carefully sequenced stages:

Abhyanga - Warm, medicated herbal oils are applied with slow, rhythmic strokes, working through marma points (vital energy centres) to release tension and restore internal flow.

Herbal Steam (Swedana) - The body is gently enveloped in herbal steam while the head remains cool. This traditional design protects vital energy centres, preserves prana, and prevents overheating. The warmth opens pores, deepens oil absorption, and supports the release of accumulated toxins.

You emerge feeling lighter, clearer, and deeply renewed.

How to Prepare

Abhyanga uses generous amounts of warm, medicated oil. Your body will feel oily afterward — this is intentional. - Leave the oils on for 1–2 hours after your session so they can continue nourishing your skin and tissues.

Note: Bring clothes you don’t mind getting oil on to change into afterwards.

Guest Selection Note

For full-body Ayurvedic treatments, guests are matched with therapists of the same guest type to honour Ayurvedic tradition and ensure comfort.

Male guests: please book Men’s Moksha.

What our clients are saying

"My experience at Spa Ayurda was relaxing and nurturing. I had recently had surgery and everyone I dealt with was concerned to make sure my treatment was pleasant and as gentle as possible. I felt pampered and rejuvenated when I left and will definitely return, I only wish I could say regularly! I continue to use the Shanti Oil and Oliana Body Oil with pleasure."

Alix Bachmann | Wellness Treatments

Perfect comfortable room, loved the oil... from the moment I arrived I felt welcome and relaxed which was I needed! Lovely staff.

Doreen D. | Wellness Treatments

"I was introduced to Planet Ayurveda by a friend in 2006 or so and have been going ever since. When I follow Dr Ajit's advice my health always hugely improves. Dr Ajit's recommendations work very well but you have to follow them if you want great results. The therapeutic treatments have been of great benefit to me. The ones I normally have are the Katibasti, massage and steam, and shirodhara.

As someone who drives a lot and plays violin the katibasti has been excellent in curing my back problems and preventing them from reocurring. The massage and Shirodhara help me release tension and feel relaxed. I find they have a calming affect, putting both body and mind into a well balanced state. Many thanks to Dr Ajit and the team for the great care I have received over the years, and am still receiving!"

*Ayurda Wellness was previously known as Planet Ayurveda

Emily, New Mum | Consultations

"This is such a great spa...I have referred already 4 friends who think exactly the same. It is pure luxury...I have personally been to a few places and this one tops it..you come out relaxed and ready to challenge the world. I have just this weekend recommended it to another 2 friends and said it is well worth the money and relaxation.... Can't wait for the next visit.

See you soon,

Florence

P.S. My husband went for the massage and he was in bliss!"

Florence and John Tole | Wellness Treatments

"Spa Ayurda offers the best of all worlds, with its stylish Ponsonby spa offering a unique eastern touch that goes beyond skin deep, tapping into Ayurvedic wisdoms in a way that leaves you feeling truly nurtured."

Janetta Mackay - Viva Beauty Editor | Wellness Treatments

I have been to spa treatments in eight different countries & this is by far the best treatment I’ve ever had. I’ll definitely be back!

Jennifer D. | Wellness Treatments

Loved the warm room and amount of oil. As a new mum it was lovely to have some time focused on myself, after the massage I felt refreshed, relaxed & revived!

Lwindie E. | Wellness Treatments

"I had the pleasure of experiencing a out of this world facial with Jane earlier this year. From the moment I entered into my room I felt like I was in another world. The room was beautifully lit with candles and smelt just divine. Jane's voice and personality matched the room's ambience equally. She had so much positive energy that I didn't want my experience to finish. The smell of all the products she had used on me left me in love with them and I have since been adding to my collection. My favourite is the Almond & Saffron moisturiser. A definite for all women, especially the mums who never take time out for themselves because they are so busy providing for the rest of the family. I can't wait for my next visit."

Mini Daud | Wellness Treatments

My treatment was great. I had a Moksha, a full body massage followed by a steam session. This was my first time receiving a massage from a male therapist and I felt energised and relaxed at the same time!

P. Kay | Wellness Treatments

"About six weeks ago I experienced a rewarding treatment at Spa Ayurda. I had an Ayurda Abhyanga massage and have been looking forward to my next visit. I was extremely pleased with my treatment, it was very relaxing and the perfect antidote to the weekday stress. Kay, who performed the treatment, was very experienced - I enjoyed having her tell me about the benefits of massaging each pressure point - I think this is very important, so you leave feeling like you know that the treatment has not only been worthwhile at the time, but that the benefits are also long lasting. Similarly, I enjoyed hearing about the intrinsic benefits of the treatment (useful for stress, anxiety, emotional contentedness), as much as the physical benefits. 

 

The only things I would have liked to be different is to have been asked if I wanted the room warmer, as while it was at a tepid temperature I normally enjoy massages in a more heated room. Also, in certain areas, I would have preferred a firmer massage. Kay was very good, but in areas such as the shoulder/back I feel more pressure could have been applied. 

 

The ambience and environment at Spa Ayurda is great, it definitely puts you at peace the moment you walk in. The staff who work there are also very courteous and warm which is so important in a spa environment. 

Thanks again. 


Warm regards"

Parveen | Wellness Treatments

"I was recently was in for a massage in your spa..... and I have to say it was the best I have had in some time. The environment at Spa Ayurda is wonderful, very relaxing and of a great standard. Your staff are well trained and provide a very professional service. I have returned several times since to enjoy your wonderful services."

Tanya Mackisack | Wellness Treatments
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Not sure where to begin?

Have you tried everything and still don’t feel like yourself? A consultation with Dr. Ajit may be your best next step. With 45+ years’ clinical experience, he’s helped thousands of people uncover the “why” behind their symptoms and build a personalised plan that creates lasting change.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Ayurveda is the ancient healthcare system of India. It is a Sanskrit word - Ayur means 'life' or 'daily living' and Veda means 'science'. Ayurveda then is the name given to the scientific study of life, based on the eternal principle that everyone should live in a healthy & balanced state.

Ayurveda believes that a properly nourished body, that is free from toxins, is the abode of a creative mind and indomitable spirit.

Ayurveda can treat diseases of all systems of the body. There are special treatment for the diseases of the elderly, women and children. Disorders of the nervous, respiratory, digestive, circulatory and reproductive systems as well as infectious diseases, mental disorders and many more illnesses can be successfully treated with Ayurvedic herbal preparations & procedures.

Many diseases for which modern medicine has no effective cure are successfully treated by Ayurveda. 

Research institutes & Ayurvedic medical colleges in India are engaged in constant research and development which has resulted in bringing to light the efficacy of many age old formulations.

Well-documented studies confirm the breakthroughs in this field, including the successful treatment of diabetes, arthritis & cancer.

Modern medicine treats symptomatically rather than looking to the root cause of the problem. This stems from the view that all people are more or less the same. Ayurveda’s special contribution is healing the cause of the symptoms by considering the uniqueness of each patient and by helping each body to heal itself. 

Ayurveda has perfected healing treatments and herbal preparations to keep the physical, mental and emotional health of a person in its prime throughout life. It is contrary to the current practice of waiting until symptoms appear before getting medical help or only seeking treatment when a disease manifests.

Ayurveda has a simple treatment plan:

• Stop the further accumulation of toxins in the body by improving digestion. Food is then “cooked” properly, preventing the build up of toxins.
• Remove accumulated toxins from the body through herbal preparations and specific Ayurvedic treatments like massage.
• Nourish the depleted tissues through diet, herbal preparations & lifestyle changes.

• Ayurveda is based on the subjective understanding of the body.

• Ayurveda aims to improve the wellbeing of everybody and does not belong to a particular country or religion.

• Treatment is based on the individual as a whole.

• It is a much more systematic & holistic approach to achieve perfect balance between mind, body & soul.

• Whatever is present in the universe, Ayurveda recognises as also being present in the human body.

• The Universe according to Ayurveda is composed of the five great elements - Ether, Air, Fire, Water and Earth (Known as Panchmahabhuta).

• These elements are responsible for all the living and nonliving substances in this universe.

• The human body is also composed of the five great elements

• Man is said to be the microcosm of this macrocosm

• These elements are recognised in the form of three Doshas or biological humours - Vata, Pitta and Kapha.

• The three Doshas are the intelligences behind each and every function that occurs in the body:


Air & Ether = Vata


Fire & Water = Pitta


Earth & Water = Kapha



• The Doshas govern the psycho-biological and physio-pathological changes in the body.

• Vata, Pitta and Kapha can be found in every body cell, tissue and organ.

• The level of each Dosha varies from person to person which ultimately determines an individual’s body type (Prakriti).

• It is the most eco-friendly system of medicine as it only uses materials that are natural and compatible to the body.

• Each individual has a unique bodily intelligence that has the power to keep the body in perfect health as long as this intelligence stays in balance.

• Ayurveda gives us a detailed & logical explanation of way the body, mind & soul interact.

Ayurveda recognises three primary energies or Doshas in the body, Vata, Pitta & Kapha. Together they regulate every physiological and psychological characteristic from basic cellular processes to the most complex biological functions.

When these forces are in a state of natural balance the defence mechanism of the body works at peak efficiency. But when this balance is disturbed due to an incompatible diet, lifestyle, lack or excess of exercise or mental stress, then the body's immunity can be affected. This encourages the growth of bacteria and viruses which will cause sickness and disease.



VATA

Vata – represents momentum. It is responsible for all the bodily activities and sensations. It controls the movement of blood through the circulatory system, breathing, the delivery of nutrients to the cells and the removal & excretion of waste products.

Location – Colon, bladder, thighs, hips, legs & kidneys.

Qualities – Rough, dry, cold, mobile, light, quick, clear, astringent and expansive


PITTA

Pitta – represents metabolism. It governs digestion and metabolic transformation of nutrients into biologically usable forms. It also imparts the capacity to absorb ideas and impressions and bestows intelligence and an enthusiasm for life.

Location - Small intestines, liver, gallbladder lower part of the stomach, spleen and pancreas

Qualities - Hot, Sharp, Penetrating, Light, Liquid, Sour, Oily and Fleshy


KAPHA

Kapha – provides substance and support. It gives strength and stability, both physically and psychologically. It enhances resistance to disease and promotes the healing process.

Location - Lungs, upper part of the stomach, heart, tongue and oesophagus

Qualities - Cold, Damp, Dense, Heavy, Oily, Slow, Sweet, Stable and Moist

Some people feel clearer and more confident immediately because they finally understand what’s going on. Results vary based on the chronicity and depth of the imbalance. You can often feel a shift in energy, digestion, and sleep within the first 2–4 weeks of consistently applying the recommendations. Deeper, long-term conditions may require a commitment of several months.

No. Ayurveda is a root-cause approach. Results depend on consistency, and the most meaningful changes come from steady daily practice.

An Ayurvedic practitioner will carry out a through body assessment & case history to determine which of the three bodily intelligences are affected, whether Vata, Pitta or Kapha. The practitioner will then assess how deep this imbalance has gone and which tissues have been affected.

The practitioner will then assess whether the imbalance is in its preliminary stages or has gone deeper into the body to manifest as a particular ailment and will then structure a specific program for the client to bring the body intelligence back into balance.

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