Question 1

What is Ayurveda?

Accepted Answer

Ayurveda originated in India thousands of years ago. Its name combines the Sanskrit words ayu, meaning life, and veda, meaning knowledge. It is often called “the science of life.”

Central to Ayurveda is the understanding that each person has a distinct constitution. It considers the relationship between body, mind, and environment, with an individual approach to food, sleep, and body care.

Within this tradition, five elements—space, air, fire, water, and earth—are understood to make up the natural world, including the human body. These elements combine into three doshas: Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. Everyone has all three in different proportions. Together, they offer a framework for understanding a person’s constitution and current state.

Question 2

What is Abhyanga?

Accepted Answer

Abhyanga is a traditional Ayurvedic warm oil massage. It can be offered as a full-body session by a spa practitioner or incorporated into body care at home through self-massage.

Question 3

How does Abhyanga differ from other forms of massage?

Accepted Answer

In Abhyanga, the oil is as important as the massage itself. Herbal formulations are selected with the individual’s constitution and current needs in mind.

Warm herbal oil is applied generously and worked over the body with long, flowing, repeated strokes. The emphasis is on full-body care, allowing the oil to remain in close contact with the skin throughout the massage.

Question 4

Which oils do you use?

Accepted Answer

We use herbal massage oils from Kerala Ayurveda, a brand with more than 80 years of history in Kerala, India.

Each formula has its own herbal composition and characteristics. We select an oil based on your daily habits and how you’re feeling at the time of your visit.

Please let us know before booking if you have any known ingredient allergies or sensitivities to scent.

Question 5

Do I need to know my dosha before booking?

Accepted Answer

No. You don’t need to know your dosha or have any previous experience with Ayurveda.

Before your session, we’ll talk about your daily habits and how you’ve been feeling, then choose an oil suited to you.

Question 6

Is Abhyanga suitable for everyone?

Accepted Answer

Abhyanga is not recommended during acute illness, high fever, active injury, or the first trimester of pregnancy. If in doubt, please contact us before booking.

Question 7

Who can book an Abhyanga session?

Accepted Answer

Abhyanga sessions at TOA are currently available to women only. All visits are by appointment.

Question 8

What can I expect at my first appointment?

Accepted Answer

We’ll start with a conversation about your daily habits and how you’ve been feeling, then select an oil for your session. After you change, you’ll receive a full-body warm oil massage, with time afterward to rest, shower, and enjoy tea.

Question 9

How much time should I allow?

Accepted Answer

Allow approximately 2 hours for your first visit and 1–1.5 hours for subsequent appointments.

Question 10

What should I wear or bring?

Accepted Answer

Please arrive without makeup and wear comfortable clothing that’s easy to change out of and that you don’t mind getting oil on. Bring a hat for afterward.

Question 11

What will I wear during the massage?

Accepted Answer

We provide disposable underwear. Your body will remain covered throughout the session, with only the area being massaged uncovered.

Question 12

Does the massage include my scalp and face?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Oil is applied to both your scalp and face as part of the massage, so your hair will get oily. Keep this in mind when planning the rest of your day.

Question 13

Can I shower and wash my hair afterward?

Accepted Answer

Yes. A shower, shampoo, and a hair dryer are available at the studio.

Question 14

Should I eat before my appointment?

Accepted Answer

Have a light meal 1–2 hours before your appointment. Avoid arriving overly full or on an empty stomach.

Question 15

Is there anything I should avoid before or after my visit?

Accepted Answer

Please avoid alcohol and intense exercise on the day of your session. Drink warm water and take time to rest afterward.

Question 16

How do I book an appointment?

Accepted Answer

For your first visit, go to First-Time Booking, choose an available date and time, and follow the steps to enter your details and complete payment.

Returning guests can use Regular Booking. If you have a session package, sign in to your account and book using your package.

Question 17

When is my appointment confirmed?

Accepted Answer

You’ll receive a confirmation email once your payment has been verified. Submitting your booking details alone does not confirm your appointment; payment must be completed.

Question 18

I’ve paid but haven’t received a confirmation email. What should I do?

Accepted Answer

Check your spam or junk folder first. If you still can’t find it, email hello@tasteofayurveda.co with the name and email address used for your booking, along with your payment reference. We’ll help confirm your booking.

Question 19

Where can I view my appointments?

Accepted Answer

Sign in to your account to view the date, time, and status of your appointments.

Question 20

How do I cancel or reschedule?

Accepted Answer

You can cancel or reschedule through your account at no charge more than 48 hours before your appointment. Advance notice gives us time to offer the appointment to someone on our waitlist.

If your appointment is 48 hours away or less, please email hello@tasteofayurveda.co or send us a message on Instagram at @tasteofayurveda. Include the name on your booking and your appointment date.

Question 21

Will last-minute changes or missed appointments affect future bookings?

Accepted Answer

If you cancel or reschedule on the day of your appointment, or miss an appointment, twice within a two-month period, online booking will be paused for one month from the second occurrence. During that time, please contact TOA directly so we can confirm an available appointment for you.

Payments already made and remaining package sessions will not be forfeited. If this arrangement affects your ability to use your package within its validity period, we’ll extend it accordingly.

If an unexpected illness, accident, or circumstances beyond your control prevent you from attending, please let us know so we can review your situation individually.

Question 22

What if I’m running late?

Accepted Answer

Please let us know as soon as possible. If another appointment follows yours, we’ll need to finish at your original scheduled time out of consideration for the next guest. This may mean a shorter massage, so please plan to arrive on time.

Question 23

What session packages are available?

Accepted Answer

An individual Abhyanga session is NT$3,500.

A three-session package is NT$9,600, with a recommended completion period of nine months from purchase. A five-session package is NT$15,000, with a recommended period of fifteen months.

Question 24

How do I book and keep track of my sessions?

Accepted Answer

Sign in to your account and book using your package, choosing from the dates and times currently open for appointments. Your account also shows your remaining sessions and booking history.

Question 25

Where can I find more information about session packages?

Accepted Answer

For full package terms, see “Bookings and Packages” in our Terms & Conditions. For help, email hello@tasteofayurveda.co.

Question 26

When will my order ship, and how will it be delivered?

Accepted Answer

In-stock orders ship within 3–5 business days after payment is completed. Home delivery and 7-Eleven pickup are available.

Question 27

How do I find the right oil for me?

Accepted Answer

Start with Find Your Oil, our guide to choosing an oil. If you have questions about ingredients, texture, or how to use a product, email hello@tasteofayurveda.co. We’re happy to help you compare the options.

Question 28

How do I request a return or exchange?

Accepted Answer

To request a return, or if something is wrong with your order or a product arrives leaking or damaged, email hello@tasteofayurveda.co with your order number and the details. See Returns & Refunds for eligibility and instructions.

FAQS