The main reason for having an Indian Head Massage is purely from the sense of utter well-being that follows a treatment. This has to be experienced to be fully understood. We live in stressful times and head massage is one of the ways of alleviating tension and achieving a relaxed, calm mind and body to aid concentration and help the whole body feel better. Why not treat yourself or a loved one to this wonderful therapy?
The history of Indian Head Massage.
Indian Head Massage is a complementary therapy based on the ayurvedic system of healing which has been practiced in India for over a thousand years. (Ayurvedic medicine is an ancient form of healing that arose in India and which is still widely used and available on the Indian subcontinent. Literally translated, ayurveda means the 'science of life' and, as such, it purports to be a total medical system that can treat mental, physical or emotional conditions). Indian Head Massage provides many Indian families with relaxation and healing on a daily basis, as well as playing a part in rituals such as weddings and births.
How does Indian Head Massage work?
Many of us find ourselves in a constant state of hyper-alertness as we try to respond to the stresses of day-to-day living. Massage acts directly on the nervous system, activating the opposite of the "fight or flight syndrome" that we are so familiar with. The aim of Indian Head Massage is to provide relief for mental as well as physical stress that has accumulated in the muscular tissues of the neck, shoulders, scalp and face, thus helping to relax or stimulate the body and help it maintain harmony.
What does Indian Head Massage Involve?
The client, fully clothed, sits in a massage chair to receive their treatment. A range of different movements including light and deep kneading and compression movements over the neck, shoulder and scalp areas are applied to realise blockages and relieve built-up tension, relieving stress and promoting relaxation.
The therapist will also gently stimulate and stroke pressure points on the face. This face massage helps any sinus problems as well as increasing the relaxing effect of the massage that has been applied. A treatment lasts up to forty-five minutes.
It is also beneficial for the client to sit for five to ten minutes after the treatment to ensure they obtain utmost benefit from the experience.
IHM is not capable of curing any serious or life-threatening medical disorders but it can provide welcome relief from the symptoms of stress, anxiety, depression, tension, fatigue, insomnia, headaches, some migraine, sinusitis, temporo-mandibular joint tension, eye strain, and muscle tension in the neck and shoulders.
It is calming and relaxing, leaving clients feeling energised, revitalised, stimulated and able to concentrate better.
Provides immediate relief from general and specific tension.
Improves tissue & joint mobility and flexibility in the neck and shoulders.
Fibrous adhesions, knots of muscular tension, practically around jaw and face are broken down.
Loosening of the scalp stimulates and improves the scalp circulation & health.
Relaxation of connective tissues induces' relaxation to the whole body.
Improves' blood circulation & therefore increases' oxygen uptake.
Help in the relief of eyestrain and tension headaches.
Relieves, mental tiredness and tension.
Strengthens & improves hair growth.
Energy flow is rebalanced therefore installing Peace and Tranquillity to the individual.
There are no negative side effects. Some clients in the first few hours of treatment, as the body eliminates toxins and waste materials, will have an increased desire to urinate or experience, tiredness and/or aching muscles. After this, clients generally experience increased energy and alertness.
When not to have Indian Head Massage.
Indian Head Massage should be avoided if you have had recent surgery, or a head or neck injury; a history of thrombosis or embolism; spondylitis or spondylosis.
If you have very high or low blood pressure, diabetes, epilepsy, any kind of heart condition, cancer or osteoporosis, talk to your doctor before arranging a treatment.
Always make sure that you avoid alcohol for at least five hours before the treatment.
Angel Waters is a qualified Complementary Therapist practising in Westcliff-on-Sea and throughout South East Essex.
As well as Indian Head Massage being incredibly effective for reducing stress and improving general wellbeing, did you know that scalp massage can also help hair growth?