The Indian head massage
is a treatment based on old Ayurvedic techniques involving work on upper back, shoulder, neck, scalp and face. A variety of massage movements are used to relieve accumulated tension, stimulate circulation and restore joint movement. Ideal for those suffering from a stiff neck and head tension.
What is Indian Head massage?
Indian head massage is an ancient therapeutic treatment that has been practised in India for thousands of years, and is incredibly relaxing. Part of the Hindu healthcare practise of Ayurveda, Indian head massage focuses on your head, neck and shoulders. It is a deep massage, which uses a variety of pressure and techniques that tap into your seven "chakras" or paths of energy and encourage healing and balance in your whole body.
Indian head massage has become a popular component of combined treatments or rituals, including massage and facials.
What is Indian Head massage good for?
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, long Indian head massage (involving proper neck and shoulder and back massage as well) will relax you. It's more than this. It should actually make you feel detached and serene, and leave you sighing and wordless.
Even if you don't experience this level of relaxation, this massage treatment offers all kinds of other benefits. It will relieve aches, pains and tension in your neck, back, and shoulders, improve the texture of your hair and encourage it to grow. An Indian head massage stimulates the flow of blood, lymph and oxygen in your upper body which whill clear your sinuses, relieve stress and help you sleep better. And because it can help cure headaches (even migraine), eye strain and anxiety, an Indian head massage can even help you to concentrate better at work.
What's more, the use of fragrant oils can stimulate as well as relax you, clearing your head, and soothing you even further.
All in all, an Indian head massage will leave you feeling happier and more relaxed all round.
Before you go
You should wear loose-fitting clothing, so that you don't feel restricted or uncomfortable. It's a good diea not to have too many layers. For an Indian head massage, the masseur 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 for tight-fitting underwear.
Indian head massage is kind to hair; it is not kind to hair-dos. Remove any hair bands, clips or slides before you go in, and book that hair appointment for the day after.
Bear in mind as well that as you may have oils rubbed into your scalp - you might want to take a cap, "Alice" or other hair band with you to make yourself look respectable on you 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.
Be aware that after your massage your hair wil smell very strongly of the essential oils used during the massages. If you are going out for a meal afterwards, you might want to give your hair a good wash beforehand. Chances are it will still smell good, but less overpowering.
What to expect from an Indian head massage?
A complete Indian head massage will probably take between 25 and 45 minutes. Your therapist will probably chat with you beforehand to get an idea of your lifestyle, any particular aches, pains or ailments you have. She may ask you if you are having any medical treatment or taking medicines, as this might affect which oils she uses, and what type of pressure and technique.
In an Indian head massage, you are likely to have oils rubbed into your scalp. You may be asked whether you have dry, greasy, normal hair so that the therapist can use an oil which will most improve your hair's shine and texture. It's worth mentioning, to, if you have dandruff, or thinning hair, as some oils can help improve these conditions.
Be prepared for the fact that some of the massage will be quite firm - it can be quite an odd sensation to have your skull massaged, for example - but stick with it. You will feel really relaxed and serene afterwards. The results are worth it.
Hot tip!
Get this treatment combined with a neck, shoulder and back massage and we defy you to have any stress left.
Afterwards
After an Indian head massage, you are likely to feel great; relaxed, serene, ache-free, clear-headed, ready to tackle that important report for work, run the children ragged round the park, or fall asleep immediately, depending on the kind of oils used probably!