The Hindi word for head massage is "Champi" and aspects of the treatment have a long tradition in Indian families. Mothers would stroke their daughter's hair to promote its growth and health.
Narendra Mehta - blind from the age of one - grew up in India and head massage was an integral part of his life. He came to England in the 1970s to train as a physical therapist and in 1978 returned to India to study the benefits and practice of champissage, extending it to include neck, shoulders and face. On his return to England, he developed a sequence of movements. There is no right or wrong way and sequence of movements vary from The Hindi word for head massage is "Champi" and aspects of the treatment have a long tradition in Indian families. Mothers would stroke their daughter's hair to promote its growth and health.
Narendra Mehta - blind from the age of one - grew up in India and head massage was an integral part of his life. He came to England in the 1970s to train as a physical therapist and in 1978 returned to India to study the benefits and practice of champissage, extending it to include neck, shoulders and face. On his return to England, he developed a sequence of movements. There is no right or wrong way and sequence of movements vary from one therapist to another.
Indian Head Massage Therapy evolved out of an ancient family tradition in its country of origin India. Now Indian Head Massage Therapy has grown in popularity and is now a popular massage therapy technique in its own right.
Head massage, however, has always played a pivotal role in Indian life and was featured in early Ayurvedic texts that date back nearly 4,000 years. A concoction of warm oil and spices massaged in slow strokes over the scalp, accounted for an Indian woman's long, lustrous hair, a feature that brought her much admiration in social standing.
Benefits of Seated Indian Head and Shoulder and Massage
With Indian Head Massage Therapy the massage therapist massages the upper half of the client's body, the potential benefits are widespread. It can be said that Indian Head Massage Therapy is a truly holistic therapy in that it has many physiological and physical benefits; many clients comment on the fact that they feel as if their whole body is balanced after the Indian Head Massage treatment.
It is both a therapeutic and beauty treatment with many wonderful benefits. Indian head massage can be given almost anywhere. The receiver remains fully clothed, seated in a chair or can sit cross legged on the ground. It involves using a sequence of moves such as energy balancing techniques, lymphatic drainage, acupressure points, stretching and general massage to the shoulders, neck, face and scalp. The techniques work on both the physical and ethereal body with over 60 movements.
Energizes your mind and allow tension to slip a way.
It helps soothe and relax the nervous system while relieving joint and muscle stiffness. And of course it is very beneficial treatment for tension headaches and eyestrain. Also different strokes and pressure are used to stimulate the lymphatic and circulatory system. These are just a few of the therapeutic benefits of this technique.
General feeling of wellbeing, calmness and relaxation
Dispersal of toxins from tense, knotted muscles
Stimulation and improvement of circulatory and lymphatic systems
Improvement of joint mobility
Higher levels of alertness and concentration
Stimulation of hair follicles
Seated Indian Head and Shoulder Massage alleviates:
Tension headaches
Eyestrain / eye problems
Tinnitus and other ear problems
Insomnia
Neck and shoulder stiffness
Sinusitis and congestion
Hair loss/thinning
Scalp tension
Mental tiredness/anxiety/stress
Oils used in Seated Indian Head and Shoulder Massage
Oils condition the scalp and the hair and can add to the relaxation effects of the treatment. Tension sometimes causes hair loss and an oil massage can help to stimulate hair growth. Oils are not always necessary or desired and their use will depend on the particular wishes / needs of the client. In some cases, essential oils can be blended with base oil for the scalp massage.
The aromatic effects of the oils are enhanced by the fact that they are being used on the head, close to the olfactory tract and so the molecules do not have far to travel. In addition, the clients breathing will usually be deeper and more relaxed due to the effects of the massage resulting in more effective inhalation.
Mustard oil: Extracted from yellow mustard seeds, this oil is mainly used in Northwest India. Mustard oil generates heat, making it popular for use in the cold winter months. It stimulates circulation, reduces pain and swelling and soothes sore tense muscles. Mustard oil has a strong scent and may be distracting rather than relaxing for some clients. It can also irritate the skin, so use with caution.
Almond oil: Almond oil is popular and easily obtainable oil in the west. It is good for mature skin and dry hair, reduces muscular aches and pains and calms the nerves.
Coconut oil: This oil which has a sweet odour is traditionally used by women to lubricate dry skin and hair. It can be helpful in the treatment of psoriasis.
Sesame oil: This is the most widely used oil in India and is very popular in Ayurveda. It is beneficial in moisturising skin and hair, reducing muscular aches and pains, reducing swelling and stifness. It is also said to reduce premature ageing and graying of the hair.
Olive oil: This oil is easily obtainable and it is said to provide relief from the pain of arthritis. It also relieves sore, tense muscles and reduces swelling. Olive oil has a strong scent and may be distracting rather than relaxing for some clients.
Massage Movements
Seated Indian Head and Shoulder Massage is a 20 minute treatment.
Select a quiet place and play soothing music and candles for atmosphere.
Repeat all steps 4 times.
Client and therapist to take 4 deep breaths together.
Place hands on shoulders and knead.
Squeeze trapezius, shoulders and arms.
Small circles up Sternocleidomastoid to hairline.
Roll forearms out over shoulders.
Rest left hand on client's forehead.
Right hand to knead up neck.
Tilt head forward and back.
Place both hands on head and massage.
Prayer movement over crown.
Pressure points along scalp.
Rub heal of hand on scalp.
Stroke fingers through length of hair.
Lay fingers over forehead.
Pressure points along brow bone.
Circles over temples.
Pressure points on ears.
Roll forearms over shoulders.
Lean client forward.
Pressure points down errector spinae.
Separate muscles from spine.
Chopping action over back and shoulders.
Stroke down back with both hands.
Sit client upright and stretch down shoulders to elbows.
Lift arms and rotate shoulders.
Rest hands on shoulders and take 4 deep breaths with client.
Article by Alexandra Williams (Dip. BT & Dip Make-up)
Interested in learning more about Indian Head Massage or booking a treatment from Hills Mobile Beauty:
Mobile : 0411 204 824 Email : beauty@hillsmobilebeauty.com.au