Let’s get Holistic with Indian Head Massage !
by Lisa Young – Salon Director
You either like the idea of having your hair ruffled or you don’t, but there is no doubt that, despite how your hair may look after a treatment, Indian Head Massage is very beneficial for the mind, body and spirit.
It also focuses on treating the Chakras to centre and balance them. Besides you can always use a hair brush (a small price to pay for blissful relaxation). In recent years a sudden rise in popularity has now made Indian Head Massage a popular salon treatment, but what’s it all about ?
Also known as Champissage, Indian Head Massage is a holistic treatment based on the Ayurvedic system of healing. It has been practised in India for over a thousand years.
Indian head Massage is different to scalp massage because it is performed with the Client in a seated position as opposed to laying down. The purpose of this is to keep the feet rooted on the floor to connect the energies. The treatment is usually performed with the client remaining clothed, without the use of oils and applied to the head, face, upper back, neck, shoulders and arms via a technique developed by Narendra Mehta.
Indian Head massage is a simple yet effective therapy that uses a variety of techniques to manipulate soft tissue. The therapist uses a range of different massage and acupressure techniques as well as rhythmic movements to stimulate the head, neck, upper back and shoulder area. A typical massage will last between 15 and 20 minutes.
Before you think of adding an Indian Head Massage to a full body treatment think again. This massage, despite being a shorter treatment, is so powerful it is a full treatment on its own. To add to a body massage would be too much stimulation on the body and would leave you feeling quite whoosie !
Benefits of Indian Head Massage
Bringing harmony to the mind, body and spirit, Indian head massage has many benefits in that it helps to :
- Relieve eyestrain.
- Relieve insomnia.
- Ease headaches and migraines.
- Relax muscles.
- Stimulate the hair and scalp.
- improve localised blood and lymphatic circulation.
- Boost immune system.
- Relieve sinusitis and aid the respiratory system.
- Relieve emotional stress.
- Release anxiety and depression.
- Aid restful sleep.
- Aid clear thinking and memory.
Massage in India is an everyday essential and not seen as an indulgence. It is used as a means to maintain a healthy body. Family members regularly share massage with other family members in order to encourage good health.
In the UK, Indian Head massage only emerged in the early 1980’s as a holistic salon treatment. Originally performed on the head to stimulate a healthy scalp and hair growth it later evolved to treat the upper body, neck and shoulders.
Taking between 15 – 20mins, Indian Head Massage is a fantastic treatment to have when you are short of time. Depending on the therapist’s preferences the treatment can be performed over clothes and can be performed anywhere from the office to the salon treatment room.
Is Indian Head suitable for anyone?
Indian head massage is a safe and effective treatment, however for those with recent head or neck injuries it may not be suitable.
Will I emerge with messy and oily hair?
Not necessarily, you can ask your therapist to use only a small amount of oil or it can be performed without oil.
Can I have an Indian Head Massage if I am pregnant?
Please ensure you alert your therapist that you are pregnant during your consultation. As with any massage Clients in their first trimester should not have massage treatments but subject to pregnancy health, massage is usually fine after the first trimester. Your therapist will adjust the treatment to a level suitable for your pregnancy.
Are there any reasons why I may not be suitable for Indian Head Massage?
Due to the level of stimulation, clients with Epilepsy, high or low blood pressure or cancer are usually advised not to have a Indian Head Massage treatment.
However, if you have had treatment for cancer, some Oncologists may recommend some light massage post treatment for patient relaxation. A consultant’s note should always be provided to the salon if this is the case.
Indian head massage is an excellent treatment for reducing stress and can be both relaxing and uplifting. It’s also a great treatment for office workers who may suffer from head and eyes strain as well as relieving tension in the neck and shoulders.
Quote of the day
“Learn to be happy with what you have while you pursue all that you want”
E. James Rohn