What is Indian head massage?
Indian head massage began thousands of years ago and is an Ayurvedic scalp treatment also referred to as champissage (champi means practice; combined with massage).
Benefits
The Indian head massage began as a tool for grooming to encourage healthy hair and its growth as well as to reduce stress.
The Indian culture has always understood and embraced the value of reducing stress and its corresponding health benefits. Mothers provide their daughters with an Indian head massage while incorporating oils, such as olive or coconut. These oils, combined with the stress reducing scalp massage, nurture and strengthen the hair naturally.
Popular with the men as well, the Indian head massage was (and still is) an important service barbers and beauticians provide their clients. This healthy, stress reducing tradition is taught to the children and in turn, reciprocated that everyone might receive.
This massage technique focuses on the upper shoulder, neck, head and face. The goal is to relieve stress and open the energy channels within these areas to encourage energy flow and positive health.
The Indian head massage is gaining in popularity. This type of massage is simple to incorporate into any setting and is even finding its way into the corporate world.
What to expect from Indian head massage
The Indian head massage requires minimal equipment and a quiet setting. When scheduling your appointment, ask how long the service is and whether or not they use oils or if it will be a dry massage. In some places, it may also be offered in addition to another service.
If provided as a stand-alone service, you will not disrobe for the Indian head massage. Additionally, it is possible you will not be in a private room.
You will sit in a regular chair, not a massage chair, and the therapist will stand behind you.
The massage therapist will begin the scalp massage by asking you to take several deep breaths. Deep breathing helps your body move naturally into a relaxed state.
Then, they will begin the massage by working on the upper trapezius (the upper most muscle between the shoulders and neck). Using their hands and forearms, they will manipulate the muscle to release stress and built up tension.
Moving to the back, they will work the area around the upper most portion of the spine, moving upward toward the hairline, smoothing the neck muscles as they proceed.
Placing one hand gently on your forehead for support and the other at the base of your head on your neck, they will gently move your head back and forth a few times to open the flow in the energy channels.
Next, they will place both hands on the back of your head and begin massaging upward, as though they were washing your hair. Coming to the top of your head, releasing after a moment of light traction.
This process will be repeated several times until the entire head has been massaged.
Now, the massage therapist will again place a supporting hand on your forehead, while using the heel of their other hand to rub your head quite vigorously.
This action awakens the nerve endings. The practitioner will intermittently switch hands to ensure they have massaged the entire head.
Following this, they will quickly rub the entire head with just their fingertips. Next, they switch subtly into the gentle stroking of the hair and head, moving toward a very gentle forehead massage.
After a minute or so of calming strokes to the forehead, the therapist will finish the massage by gently moving back over the hair to the back of the head, softly coming to an end.
Note: Please consider the details of this treatment and do not book this prior to an event or evening out. Your hair will be unkempt and probably oily. Book when you do not need to be concerned about its appearance after the massage.
After your massage and how often to have an Indian head massage
After your Indian head massage, you should feel very relaxed and have a clear mind. Your focus may be more intent and your energy may even increase a bit. Your hair will most likely be unkempt.
How often you receive this massage is up to you. This amazing massage is such a treat and truly reduces stress. The more often you can receive it, the better.
The Indian culture shares this gift between each other at least twice a week.
Here at MTS, we encourage relaxation as often as one can afford in both time and finances. Lowering stress levels encourages a healthier immune system, a positive mindset and outlook, as well as a healthy body and happy spirit!
If you are looking for a more luxurious Ayurvedic scalp treatment, please consider the Shirodhara Treatment!
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