Also known as Champissage, this ancient technique involves the massage and rubbing
of the whole head and scalp area as well as the neck and shoulders. It is amongst
the best stress-relieving techniques and clients will often fall asleep during a treatment.
It can be performed anywhere as no clothing need be removed. It can be
combined with Chakra cleansing and essential oils.
There are two methods of Indian head massage: Traditional Ayurvedic and Western
Style. Treatment can also utilise acupressure and shiatsu and may also incorporate use of different oils.
Ayurvedic forms of Indian head massage focus on the chakras, or energy nodes,
of the upper body. Seven chakras are said to run from the base of the spine to the top of the head and balance the body's
physical and mental health. Indian head massage affects the three upper chakras
and when these energy nodes become blocked, it can be detrimental to a person's physical, emotional and spiritual well-being.
Western forms of Indian head massage typically take place in a warm and relaxing
environment. Your therapist will spend time during your first appointment questioning
you about your medical history, general health, lifestyle and sleep patterns. They
will also ask if you are taking any medications as this can affect any oils that they may use.
You'll be sat upright in a chair for your Indian head massage and your practitioner
will use a variety of movements across your head, face, neck, shoulders, upper back and arms.
Some will involve compression and kneading techniques that will feel unusual but shouldn't hurt.
Your first Indian head massage session may take longer than subsequent sessions
as your practitioner questions you about your medical history and then explains the treatment.
Typically sessions should take between 45 minutes to one hour. The cost
of Indian head massage varies but expect to pay £35 - £50 for a full session.
Indian head massage can be carried out anywhere and home or work visits are
sometimes available. Be aware that these visits may incur additional costs. Some may also be far shorter and can even be successfully delivered as micro-treatments
in workplace and public venues.
Indian head massage is a safe and effective therapy and is able to help treat
a variety of conditions such as insomnia, stress, tiredness, sinusitis, migraines & headaches. It is also beneficial to help de-stress the mind and body.
Many people feel the benefits of Indian head massage from the first session
and attend on a weekly basis to alleviate stress and invigorate the body. Certain chronic conditions may require more than one
session to treat and a course of four to six sessions is recommended.
After your session you may feel invigorated or slightly dizzy, you may also
feel the need to urinate. Indian head massage stimulates relaxation and flows
of both blood and lymph fluids so it is always advisable to flush the body through by drinking plenty of water after your
session
Can be used to alleviate specific symptoms or as a relaxant. It reduces muscle tension, and enhances a sense of calmness in your life or can also stimulate energy. Relieves tension and headaches; neck and back pain.
Alleviates stress, promotes relaxation.
Typically though, Indian head message relaxes tension in muscle tissue around
the head, face, neck, shoulders and arms. By relaxing and stimulating these areas,
blood flow increases and energy balance is restored within the chakras. This removes stress and anxiety and flushes toxins from the body. It can also improve skin tone, increase mobility in the upper body and enhance concentration.
HISTORICAL DEVELOPMENT
Indian head massage has a history of over 1,000 years and is referred to in ancient Ayurvedic writings (Ayurvedic
medicine is an ancient health care system native to the Indian subcontinent). Indian
head massage, also known as 'champissage' was first used by Indian women to keep their long hair in good condition. 'Champi' is a Hindu word that translates as 'massage of the head'.
The early methods of Indian head massage involved the use of sesame, olive or coconut oil. The massage was said to promote hair growth and better circulation while the oils improved the hair's texture. Barbers used the same skills for male clients but the treatment differed in that the
scalp would be massaged vigorously for stimulation.
Indian head massage was introduced to the UK in 1973 by Narendra Mehta. Mehta
arrived in the country to train as a physiotherapist and was disappointed to find that head massage wasn't available and the
head was neglected in a full body massage. He returned to India to study the Indian head massage techniques and extended
the therapy to also massage the face, neck, shoulders and upper arms. He combined
his new method with Ayurvedic elements to create a holistic therapy that would benefit the whole body.
HOW DOES IT WORK
The massage stimulates blood supply and releases tension in muscles of the head, neck, arms and shoulders
where tension accumulates. It stimulates lymphatic drainage, helping the body
to remove toxins and boost the immune system. It restores joint mobility, improving
circulation which lifts energy improving concentration.
The treatment may include some chakra energy work. Chakras are
energy centres which exist outside the body. Working on the chakras can soothingly
and calmingly realign energy. Prana (life force) moves through the chakras to
produce different psychic states.
Modern biological science explains this as the chemical changes produced by the endocrine glands. One colour of the spectrum is assigned to each chakra starting with red at the root chakra and finishing
with violet at the crown chakra. Kundalini, the primordial consciousness, lies
dormant inside the root chakra at the base of the spine and once awakened in someone properly prepared it travels up through
the remaining six chakras, expanding human consciousness towards a totality of self realization. Indian Head Massage reaches all energy centres.
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REPUTED BENEFITS
The reputed ailments where benefits are claimed to be experienced include:
Anxiety, Arthritis, Blood pressure, Breathing disorders, Chronic Fatigue, Circulation Problems, Depression,
Ear Ache, Headaches, Insomnia, Migraines, Muscle cramps, Neck pain, Neck stiffness, Post operative pain, Sciatica, Shoulder
pain, Sinusitis, Sports injuries, Stress, Stroke, Tinnitus, Tiredness, Watery Eye
CONTRAINDICATIONS
If under medical supervision or taking prescribed medication, all clients are best advised to verify in advance
that their medical adviser has no objections to them receiving this technique.
Most insurance companies would expect practitioners to take due note of the following partial and total contra-indications
and, where appropriate, only give treatments subject to medical adviser permission.
If you have a neck injury or head injury or suffer with a condition of the spine or circulatory system it
is advisable to consult a doctor before making an appointment.
MEMBERSHIP BODIES
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