What is Indian Head Massage?
Indian Head Massage is an ancient Ayurvedic scalp and facial massage which has been practiced for over a thousand years. The word ayurveda is made up of two words. Ayur means ‘life’ and veda means ‘knowledge’.
A treatment incorporates the use of different types of Massage, Shiatsu and Acupressure techniques on the upper back, shoulders, arms/hands, neck, scalp and face, using both firm and gentle pressure.
Indian Head Massage is incredibly relaxing (many argue the most relaxing therapy) and helps to rebalance the bodies energy.
The History of Indian Head Massage
This form of Ayurvedic head massage is is also known as ‘Champissage’, from ‘Champi’, the Hindu word for head massage. In India ‘Head Massage’ is a regular part of family life on a daily basis helping families to relax and heal; children learn from elders and the whole family massages each other regularly. Indian Head Massage also plays an important part in rituals such as birth and marriage.
Indian Head Massage encourages the restoration of balance and harmony to the body and mind. The therapeutic benefits of Indian Head Massage go way beyond boosting hair health, helping to alleviate anxiety and stress by promoting a deep state of relaxation.
Indian Head Massage helps to bring about a general feeling of wellbeing, calmness and relaxation. It stimulates improvement in the circulatory and lymphatic systems, enhances joint mobility and boosts levels of alertness and concentration.
Indian Head Massage can be very beneficial for the following symptoms:
Physical Benefits:
• Dispersal of toxins and freeing of knots from the muscles
• Relief from chronic neck and shoulder pain and stiffness
• Improved lymphatic flow and circulation of blood in the muscles, increasing oxygen to the brain
• Promotion of hair growth
• Helps relax connective tissue
• Promotion of hair growth
• Aids detoxification as the body eliminates toxins and waste materials after a treatment
Relief from:
• Eyestrain and tension headaches
• Tinitus and other ear problems
• Sinusitis
• Migraine and Headaches
• Nightmares
• Insomnia and disturbed sleep
Mental benefits:
• Promoting a sense of calmness, peace and tranquillity
• Release of anxiety and stress
• Relief from depression
• Increased concentration
• Clear thinking
• Mental Tiredness
What Happens?
As with all treatments, a health questionnaire is completed to discover any reason why the treatment should be adapted or avoided.
During the treatment the client is usually sat in a chair to enable firm pressure to be applied and the whole head and scalp to be massaged. However the treatment can be performed lying down on the treatment couch. Clothing from the upper body is usually removed but modesty is always paramount and you will be covered with towels. However the treatment can be performed with loose clothing (vest tops etc) so you stay full clothed.
A variety of different massage movements including deep kneading and compression movements over the neck, shoulder and scalp areas will be used. In addition key pressure points on the face are massaged with lymphatic techniques and gently stimulated.
Oil is often used. Traditional Indian Sesame Oil is available as are a range of aromatherapy oils or plain plant extract oils. If oily hair is a concern, you can request an oil-free massage.
Some clients experience dizziness and tiredness initially after a treatment – it is not a good idea to have a busy, physical day ahead. Most clients have a generally increased energy levels and alertness after a treatment.
Treatments last for 30 minutes £25 or 45 minutes £32 – please see the holistic treatments pages for more information on prices.