Indian Head Massage

For relaxation, revitalisation, stress relief, headaches, neck and shoulder pain, releasing stuck emotions, improving hair and scalp condition.

HISTORY
BENEFITS
METHOD
WHAT DO I NEED TO DO? 
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE?
WHAT CAN I EXPECT?
WHEN NOT TO HAVE IT

THE HISTORY OF IHM

Indian Head Massage or 'champissage' has been passed down for over 1000 years in the Indian culture as a form of family grooming.  Everyone from the king down would have someone to tend them in this way. It was a form of social interaction, to relax, to refresh, invigorate, induce contentment, a bonding activity and to keep the hair strong and healthy.  Mothers gave it to their children from the age of three and the children learned to share massages from the age of six.  It has been passed down from mothers to daughters and from barber fathers to their sons.

It is now offered on street corners, in markets and on the beach in India.

It takes the form of massage of the back, shoulders, arms, neck, head, face and scalp.

In the West it has developed as a relaxing and stimulating treatment and can help anyone suffering from neck and shoulder tension, headaches, stress and as a general blissful experience.

THE BENEFITS OF INDIAN HEAD MASSAGE

Indian Head Masssage is safe and effective.  It is done fully clothed and oils are not necessary.  The client feels the benefit immediately, both physically and psychologically.

The PHYSICAL BENEFITS of IHM are: that it improves blood flow to the head and encourages the removal of waste products, it relieves muscular tension, improves joint mobility, improves and promotes hair growth, skin tone and quality and relieves eye strain, headaches, sinusitis, congestion and insomnia.

ThePSYCHOLOGICAL BENEFITS of Indian Head Massage are that it revitalisesthe whole body, it alleviates stress, anxiety and depression and it helps clearer thinking by increasing alertness and concentration levels.

The BENEFITS FOR THE INNER SELFare that it creates a balanced feeling of calmness and peace it rebalances the energy flows (chi) within the body and it releases stagnant energy.

THE METHOD

A variety of massage movements are used: effleurage, a gentle or firm flat-handed sweeping movement; petrissage, a kneading or squeezing movement with the fingers, heels of the hand or thumbs; tapotement, which is the tapping of the fingers or the chopping or hacking movements which invigorate or stimulate and release tension in tight muscles. Gentle vibrations are used down the sides of the spine. Gentle and firm circular movements, stroking and combing movements and frictions are used on the scalp and in the hair to stimulate the scalp. The therapist also gently balances the chakras, which are spinning vortices of energy that are linked by channels of energy or chi which is flowing throughout the body and energy field.

WHAT DO I NEED TO DO?

For ease, wearing a cotton tee shirt is best.  A little talcum powder is used on your neck to ease sliding.  Take off all jewellery, watches, metal belts, remove money, mobile phones and keys from your person.

Please do not wear make-up.  Bring a hairbrush for before and afterwards as you end up with a new hairstyle!.

A consultation is done concerning the head massage to ensure that it is a suitable therapy for you.  I need to know if you have had any neck or head injuries or any skin problems, for example.

You will be offered a comfortable chair to sit on and it is most beneficial for you to close your eyes and remain quiet.  This is to prevent distraction and to encourage deep relaxation.

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE?

Allow 60 to 75 minutes for a first appointment which includes a consultation and a head massage.  The actual head massage takes 45 minutes, so further sessions will take less time.

WHAT CAN I EXPECT AFTERWARDS?

Immediately afterwards you are likely to feel very relaxed and a little sleepy.  You are given a chance to come to before you leave and offered water to drink.  This helps to eliminate toxins that have been released into your bloodstream and lymphatic system.

You will be given an aftercare sheet, which explains how you might feel later.  You may have a reaction, called a healing occurrence, which could be feeling sad, giggly, angry, or some physical symptoms such as having a cold, or headache, or you may notice nothing.  You are advised to rest and perhaps have a warm bath, and to eat only a light meal afterwards as the healing energy will be wasted if it goes into digesting a heavy meal.

WHEN INDIAN HEAD MASSAGE IS NOT ADVISED

If you are uncertain, check with your doctor.