Indian Head Massage

Linda Smith (Dip.)

What is Indian Head Massage?

Indian Head Massage, 'champi' meaning head massage, is a traditional treatment that has been practiced (and still is) for thousands of years. Narendra Mehta brought it to England in 1981 and extended it from the head and scalp to include the neck, shoulders, and face.

indian head massage

Various massage techniques are used (either with or without oils) to help release fibrous muscle knots which are often held in the major muscle groups of the neck and shoulders. The skull is also covered by a thin layer of muscle which tightens if we become tense leading to headaches and/or feelings of anxiety. Once tensions are eased the blood is able to circulate more freely bringing an increased supply of oxygen and nutrients to the brain, improved lymphatic flow helping the body to get rid of toxins and bringing more flexibility to the area.

There are a number of energy centres in the head, neck and shoulders, the combination of rhythmic movements can help to balance the energy flow with beneficial effects on the whole body. Clients often comment on the calming effect it has on them as it releases endorphins (chemicals in the body) which create a feeling of contentment and wellbeing.

What are the benefits?

Indian Head Massage can be used on all age groups. It does not diagnose or claim to cure, however it has been found to alleviate:

Physical benefits:
  • Tense muscles providing immediate relief
  • Acute and chronic neck & shoulder stiffness
  • Aching jaws from clenching/grinding teeth
  • Sinusitis and congestion
  • Tension headaches / migraine
  • Insomnia
  • Eye strain
  • Tinnitus /ear ache / Hair problems e.g. hair loss, psoriasis
Improves:
  • Blood circulation and lymphatic drainage to the head, neck and shoulders
  • The up-take of oxygen in tissues
  • Detoxification of the body
    Mental benefits:
    • Releases anxiety and stress
    • Eases mental tiredness
    • Heightens alertness & concentration
    • Provides a sense of calmness & peace
    Subtle benefits:
    • Balances chakra energy
    • Provides a general feeling of wellbeing

    What to expect from a treatment?

    A short explanation and consultation on your first visit. The massage will take place with you seated in a chair. It is recommended that you wear a vest top with thin straps and bring something to tie your hair back to keep it off your neck and shoulders for the first part of the massage.

    The massage can be done with or without oil—some clients like oils used on their neck and shoulders and face but not on their scalp, please let your therapist know your preference.

    The massage uses both soothing and friction movements of thumbs, fingers and hands, squeezing, rolling and plucking movements to stimulate nerve endings, increasing circulation and relaxing muscles.

    The treatment begins with the therapist placing their hands on your shoulders and asking you to take 3 deep breathes and to close your eyes. A shoulder and neck massage routine help to relax the trapezius muscle. Then the head will be worked on with the scalp being rubbed and tapped and the hair briskly tussled and gently pulled, and the ears gently tugged. Lastly acupressure points on the face are worked on. As the massage proceeds the client relaxes and breathes more deeply and can release negative energy. The treatment will end as it began with the therapist placing their hands on your shoulders asking you to take 3 deep breaths.

    Treatment usually lasts 30-45 mins.

    After Effects

    The immediate effects felt at the end of the session may be:

    • Deep relaxation
    • A deep sense of well-being
    • Increased energy
    • Light-headedness
    • A feeling of elation
    • A really good night's sleep
    • An emotional release

    NB: Occasionally, you may experience the following reactions afterwards; frequent visits to the toilet, runny nose and / or cough vivid dreams, temporary flare-up of a suppressed condition before healing e.g. skin perspiration – since it is an alternative way that the body can excrete toxins.

    These are all signs of the body trying to rid itself of toxins and in most cases they are short-lived and show that your body is responding to treatment. Please tell your Therapist of any such effects at the beginning of your next treatment.

    Please enquire about fees for the combination therapy of Indian Head Massage and Herbal Medicine as these can be tailored to suit your individual needs.

    For further information please contact the clinic on 01932 888 683 or Linda Smith directly on 07752 498 282, alternatively you can email Linda at lindaherbal@btinternet.com, or visit www.surreyherbailist.co.uk