Indian head massage - heads up on this ancient Indian treatment
About the author
After studying for several years with The Kevala Centre, Sarah Pluves gained a diploma in anatomy & physiology and a diploma in Indian Head Massage. Sarah also qualified this year as a reflexologist and studied with the London School of Reflexology.
Interested in holistic therapies for many years, Sarah finally decided the time was right to change her career in 2004, after being made redundant from her job of nearly 20 years working as PA supporting top business men in London.
Sarah is a mobile therapist in Amersham and surrounding areas in Buckinghamshire, plus Barnet in North London.
07960 937 556 
www.sarahpluves.com
This wonderfully relaxing, yet invigorating form of massage dates back many thousands of years and has its origins in the ancient Ayurvedic system of medicine used in India. Over the centuries, families in India have used head massage as a form of social bonding and regularly give each other head massages. Indian women have long used massage to ensure luscious locks of hair, making it stronger and fuller; and soon Indian families were using head massage as part of a social ritual, regularly giving each other massages and passing the techniques down through many generations. In fact, our word for shampoo comes from the Indian word champi meaning head massage which was often given to Indian men in barber shops.
Now a popular form of massage in Western society, Indian head massage focuses on the upper back, shoulders, neck, scalp and face to ease stress and tensions in the muscles and joints.
What happens during a treatment?
The treatment is non-invasive and a client is not required to remove any clothing (just any jewellery which may impede massage). After an initial medical and lifestyle consultation, the client is seated in front of the therapist who then applies various massage techniques, starting with effleurage and incorporating kneading, compression and friction over the neck, shoulders and then scalp. The treatment will also include light effleurage and stimulation on the scalp. A treatment can be invigorating or relaxing as desired and will last around 30-40 minutes. Either way, many clients often nod off during a treatment and so a therapist will allow 5-10 minutes at the end of the treatment for the client to have a glass of water and refresh.
Oils may be applied during the scalp and face as part of the treatment (such as olive oil, almond oil, coconut oil and jojoba oil, all of which have their own unique properties).
How can it help me?
The benefits of Indian head massage are wide ranging. Muscular tension is relieved as the massage relaxes muscles and nerve fibres in the head and shoulders. Circulation is improved, thereby increasing blood flow and bringing fresh oxygen and nutrients to the muscles and joints. Fresh nutrients reaching the hair follicles will improve the hair's condition whilst improved circulation allows extra oxygen to the brain, which promotes clearer thinking and improved concentration. Indian head massage also encourages release of endorphins from the brain which can help relieve emotional stress and depression. Improving circulation and increasing lymphatic flow helps the elimination of waste products and toxins. On an energetic level, the energy centres of the body (known as chakras) will also be stimulated and balanced, allowing free flow of energy around the body. There are seven major chakras in the body and Indian head massage focuses on the crown charka, the third eye charka in the forehead and the throat chakra. Working on these chakras will also have a positive influence on the other chakras around the body thereby balancing one's entire body, mind and spirit.
Indian head massage is beneficial for many ailments including headaches, migraine, tightness in neck and shoulders, and helps to relieve sinusitis by draining the sinuses. Sleep disorders such as insomnia can be treated, whilst it has also been reported that the ringing in the ears known as tinnitus can be reduced. With the increased use of PCs and laptops, many people find they are suffering from eye strain caused by tension in the surrounding muscles. Indian head massage can help relieve this tension, allowing eye strain to melt away.
Stress - the modern day disease
Stress and anxiety are two of the major health issues of modern-day living; and both can be improved through Indian head massage. Not only does the improved circulation to the brain allow for better concentration but the energy centre in the crown chakra is balanced. Most importantly, just being touched stimulates our nerves and leaves us feeling nurtured and cared for. Stress affects the whole body and many ailments and health problems can arise, including digestive disorders, mental fatigue and poor skin to mention a few. By easing stress through massage of the upper body, we can have a direct positive influence of the health of the rest of the body.
What can I expect after a treatment?
After a treatment, you may feel light-headed, tired or have a headache. This is completely normal and symptoms will only last a few hours. It is advisable to rest after a treatment, ensuring you drink lots of water to help flush out any toxins that had previously stagnated but are now being removed due to increased circulation and lymphatic flow. Certainly alcohol should be avoided and meals should be light for several hours afterwards. Looking at a client's symptoms in a truly holistic way, a therapist may also suggest other lifestyle improvements. For example, if the shoulder strain is due to bad posture then perhaps seating arrangements in the office need to be considered, whilst eye strain may be a sign that a visit to the opticians is required.
As with all complementary therapies, there are instances when Indian head massage should be avoided. If you have had a recent injury or fracture in the neck or head, a fever or high temperature, any circulatory disorders, history of blood clotting, cancer, epilepsy, diabetes or osteoporosis then it is advisable to speak to your GP first before embarking on a treatment.
Whether it's for relief of a specific ailment or just to treat yourself to a relaxing half hour, Indian head massage is a wonderful therapy to experience.
