Indian head massage is a relaxing holistic treatment that uses acupressure massage on the head, face, neck and shoulders. It aims to rebalance your body's energies.

What is Indian head massage?

Indian head massage is an ancient complementary therapy, based on the ayurvedic system of healing that has been practiced in India over for over a thousand years. This gentle form of massage therapy is part of Indian family life.

Part of the Hindu health care practice of Ayurveda, Indian head massage focuses on your head, neck and shoulders and was originally used to improve scalp and hair condition. It is a deep massage, using a variety of pressure and techniques, including circular massage strokes on your scalp, deep tissue work on your shoulders, and stretching the neck.

Indian head massage has become a popular addition to spa treatments or rituals, such as massage and facials.

Benefits of Indian head massage

This form of massage focuses on the three higher "chakras" - mind, body and spirit and as such hits your energy epicentre.

It doesn't seem sufficient to say that a good Indian head massage will relax you. It's more than this. It can make you feel detached and serene, leave you sighing and wordless, but also alert and clear-headed, alleviating brain-fog and stress.

Even if you don't experience this level of relaxation, this massage treatment offers all kinds of other benefits. It may relieve aches, pains and tension in your neck, back and shoulders and stimulating the hair follicles is said to improve the texture of your hair and encourage hair growth.

An Indian head massage stimulates blood flow, lymph and oxygen in your upper body, and therefore may relieve sinusitis, relieve stress and help you sleep better. And because it is said to help cure headaches (even migraine), eye strain and anxiety, some say an Indian head massage can help you to concentrate better at work.

The use of fragrant aromatherapy oils mixed enhances the experience. If you are having an authentic Ayurveda treatment, oils maybe used

Before you go

You should wear loose-fitting clothing, so that you don't feel restricted or uncomfortable. It's a good idea not to have too many layers. For an Indian head massage, the therapist is liable to want to massage your neck and shoulders, even your upper back, so a polo neck is a bad idea, as is complicated or tight-fitting underwear.

Indian head massage is kind to hair; it is not kind to hair-dos

Bear in mind as well that as you may have oils rubbed into your scalp - you might want to take a " comb and a hair band with you to make yourself look respectable on your way home, or back at work.

Precautions

As with any treatment it is important to tell your therapist in advance if you:

are, or think you might be, pregnant

have any medical conditions or are receiving any treatment or medication

have recently had an injury or operation

are allergic to anything, particularly skin allergies

have any broken skin or sores on your scalp

as this may affect the kind of oil and treatment you receive.

The benefits of Indian head massage

There are so many benefits to Indian head massage; here are just a few:

Promotes hair growth by increasing oxygen in the hair follicles which stimulates growth and health.

Prevents headaches and migraines by releasing built-up tension in the head and neck area and relieving muscle stiffness

Renews and balances energy levels by working with the three higher chakras

Relieves symptoms of depression and anxiety through relaxation

Boosts memory capabilities by relieving stress and quieting the mind

Stimulates lymphatic drainage by circulating blood to the neck area

Better sleep by reducing stress

Improves circulation of cerebral spinal fluid.

The Technique

Traditional Indian head massage is performed with the client dressed, comfortably seated, and the therapist standing. It can include a custom blend of essential oils or herbs for aromatherapy as part of the treatment, but does not always have to do so. The session generally begins with a consultation regarding issues and health concerns to ensure client safety and goals, then progresses into hands-on technique.

Beginning with breaths, the therapist will place her hands on the client’s shoulders and ask him/ her to take a few slow, deep breaths to get calm and centered.

Starting with the neck and shoulders, the therapist works the marma points along the trapezius, levator scapula, scalenes and other muscles using a variety of thumb-walking, palm circles, finger pressure and sweeps, petrissage and kneading techniques. Everything is done with the intention of releasing trapped energy or tension, and can have a variety of pace and pressure.