Indian head massage is a practice that originated over a thousand years ago in India, where it stemmed from a tradition of family grooming. Indian mothers used to massage their daughters' hair with different oils to encourage long, lustrous locks. The treatments involve massage, shiatsu and acupressure techniques on upper back, shoulders, arms/hands, neck, scalp and face. This relaxes tense areas but, at the same time, helps to rebalance the energy, clearing any areas of negativity.
What is Indian Head Massage used for?
With today's hectic, stressful, lifestyle, taking time out for ourselves is more important than ever.
?Benefits include: Improved circulation and increased flow of blood to the brain, scalp, neck, face, shoulders. Oxygen and nutrients are brought to the tissues and wastes are removed. The increased blood flow promotes clearer thinking, improves concentration, and improves the condition of the hair and skin.?
American Institute of Indian Head Massage
Indian Head massage may bring about:
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
It may also help relieve or alleviate:
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
Is it safe?
Indian head massage is gentle, safe and non-invasive and just about anyone would benefit from a treatment. It is not recommended, however, if you have recently suffered a skull fracture or any other serious head injury. Infants should not receive a treatment until their skull bones have fully fused.
How can I learn?
The ability to assist others and give an Indian Head Massage is a tremendously valuable skill. There is also the potential to charge a therapy fee.
There are a variety of taught programmes available ranging from ?60 - ?300 for a day's course. Alternatively there are books or an excellent DVD ?Learn Indian Head Massage for Pleasure or Profit? is available from www.live2learnmedia.com and includes a free bonus DVD ?Luxury Facial Massage?.
Indian Head Massage Training
Having decided that you would benefit from an Indian head massage, the next step is to make an appointment with a qualified therapist. As this treatment can be performed whilst fully clothed, you can choose whether to receive your treatment at a salon, at work or in the comfort of your own home.
Attending your first session
Upon meeting your therapist for the first time, your session will begin with a consultation. The purpose of a consultation is to allow the therapist to find out about your general health, your expectations and to provide you with an opportunity to ask questions. Having ensured that you are a suitable candidate for treatment, the therapist can then tailor the Indian head massage to your requirements. Would you prefer to be relaxed or revitalized? Would you like oils to be used?
During an Indian head massage treatment, a variety of massage techniques are used on the upper back, upper arms, neck, scalp and face whilst you are seated in a chair. You may be asked to breathe deeply to help calm yourself and increase oxygen delivery to your body. The practitioner uses their thumbs, fingertips, heel of the hand and the whole of the hand to work on the areas that are most tense.
The session usually lasts from between twenty to forty five minutes. After the treatment is complete, you may be asked to sit quietly for a further ten to twenty minutes.
Following your treatment
To obtain the most benefit from an Indian head massage, it is advised to take some time to relax after your treatment. You are likely to feel relaxed and sleepy although some individuals have been known to experience dizziness following treatment. You should drink plenty of water to enhance the flushing of toxins from your system and to ensure that your body is well hydrated. It is also advisable to eat light meals and avoid stimulants such as tea, coffee, alcohol and nicotine for at least twelve hours after your treatment. If your therapist has applied oil to your hair, it is recommended to leave it on your hair for at least two hours following your treatment or overnight. Whether sesame, sweet almond, coconut or olive oil has been used, an improvement in the condition and manageability of your hair should be seen.
Planning your next treatment
You can discuss a treatment plan with your therapist during the initial consultation. Usually however, it is recommended to allow at least five to ten days between treatments to allow your body to gain full benefits from the treatment. Having monthly Indian head massages can help to keep your stress levels under control.
Booking a Treatment
This article was prepared for on behalf of Body Tissue Service. To book an Indian Head Massage Treatment in London, UK, please go here.
Both Daniel Britton & Suzanne Mullett are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
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