What is Indian Head Massage?
Contemporary Indian Head Massage has been adapted from two sources. First it has roots in the traditional head massage that was performed by women in India to help nourish their long lustrous hair. The technique was handed down from one generation to the next using different oils depending on the season.
Secondly it comes from the “champi”, a Hindi word meaning head massage which was performed by barbers which was more stimulating and invigorating. This is where the word shampoo comes from!
Indian Head Massage has physical, mental and other more subtle benefits. On the physical level
- It is relaxing and can provide immediate pain relief
- Increases oxygen uptake in the muscles
- Improved circulation of the blood provides extra oxygen to the brain
- Promotes hair growth, breaks down knots and tension spots
- Disperses toxins
- Helps in relieving tension headaches, eye-strain, jaw ache, sinusitis.
The mental benefits include
- A sense of calmness
- Clearer thinking
- Helps in dissipating mental tiredness, stress, depression etc.
- A release of anxiety
What is the treatment like?
The treatment can be performed in different ways, either with or without oil and with the client either seated in a chair or lying on a treatment couch. The oils are beneficial to the scalp and hair and can intensify the benefits by their aroma and physical properties. But sometimes it is just not practical for a person to have oils in the hair and so the treatment can still be highly beneficial without using them.
If the treatment is done with the client seated and without oils then the client can remain fully clothed during the treatment. This is the more usual method as it allows for the treatment to be done in many settings including workplaces!!!
Most of the techniques are performed using the fingertips and the pressure is firm but not deep.
The treatment begins with the shoulders and upper back being worked on. This helps to immediately relieve tension and relax the client. It includes a brief manipulation of the upper arms and then moves up onto the neck, after which the scalp and head are massaged. During the treatment, the therapist will gently support the client’s head with their hands. To finish the therapist will gently tilt the client’s head slightly back to rest on the therapist and then perform gentle pressure points over the face.
During the face treatment, some therapists will include some chakra balancing moves for general energetic healing.
Immediately afterward the client may feel slightly lightheaded and in a very relaxed almost meditative state, so some continued relaxation time post-treatment is recommended.
So next time you see it on offer just go for it and enjoy the sense of wellbeing and relaxation!
