As the name suggests, Indian Head Massage (IHM) has its origins in India and dates back to 600BC. Originally used as a grooming technique in India, it has developed in the West to be a popular complementary therapy used by many for many different reasons. It can be performed anywhere as it can be applied through the clothes. The treatment was brought from India to Britain in 1973 by an osteopath and massage therapist, Narendra Mehta. He had been blind since birth and developed a highly sensitive power of touch. Narendra discovered that massages in the UK did not include the head and returned to India in 1978 to research the physiological benefits of IHM. Studying IHM and recording the skills used, Mehta developed the treatment to suit Western tastes. He named this treatment “Indian Champissage” from the Indian word “Champi” meaning “head massage”. The name of the therapy, champissage was derived from ancient Sanskrit words.

 

 

IHM is based on the ancient system of Indian medicine known as Ayurveda, meaning ‘science if life and longevity’ and is India’s oldest healing system. Today IHM can extend beyond the head and scalp and includes areas of the body that are subject to stress including the upper back, shoulders, arms and neck, whilst you are fully clothed. It is both a calming and invigorating treatment. It relieves muscular tension and headaches, improves the circulation of blood and lymph, stimulates the nervous system, relaxes and soothes tense eye muscles and stimulates the release of endorphins from the brain. The massage is carried out seated and fully clothed and without the use of oils.

 

What happens during a treatment:

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As with all my treatments you are required to complete a consultation form and sign consent for treatment. There are certain conditions that may prevent the treatment of IHM, need an adaptation of the sequence, or require a letter of approval from your doctor so please discuss at the time of booking if you feel there may be any contraindications.

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If you choose a seated IHM treatment you will sit in a low back chair fully clothed but for comfort is advisable to take off your shoes. Pillows and blankets can be used as needed for comfort and warmth. The treatment is not carried out using oils but if you are choosing Facial Reflexology too then a facial serum is applied. Your IHM treatment begins with massage over clothing of the upper back, shoulders and upper arms, followed by the massage of your forearms and hands. The treatment continues with the massage of your neck before moving to your head and scalp. Then massage to your ears and face together with application of pressure to specific points on your face. The massage concludes with the balancing of your higher Chakras to encourage a sense of harmony and balance.

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If you choose supine IHM this means it can me carried out with you lying in a Lafuma chair but means I am unable to access your shoulders and back safely. This is a popular choose as the IHM can be incorporated into other treatments such as Facial Reflexology or after the IHM some people are very relaxed and then like to have Foot Reflexology so please see what my other treatment options are.

 

At the end of the IHM, you will be encourage to rest quietly and to drink water to help keep hydrated and with the elimination of waste products

 

IHM has many physiological and emotional benefits:

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• Improved muscle tension in face, neck, shoulder, back and upper arms

• Helps mobility in neck and shoulders

• Can improve joint mobility

• Encourages a feeling of wellbeing

• Can relieve physical and emotional stress

• Promotes deep relaxation

• Improved circulation to the head and neck assisting in the removal of toxins

• Improves Lymphatic Drainage encouraging the removal of waste products

• Relieves mental and physical stain and improves concentration

• Helps headaches, insomnia, bruxism, eyestrain

• Relieves Sinus congestion

• Can support clients to feel calm

• Improves Mood and alertness

• May help improve hair loss, thinning and alopecia

 

After care for Information:

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We will discuss any exercises/techniques that you can try at home to help prevent the build up of muscle tension and to help to manage stress. It is important to follow below:

 

• Drink plenty of water to aid flushing out waste products

• Avoid eating a large meal for several hours as the body needs energy for healing

• Avoid smoking

• Avoid alcohol, tea, coffee or other stimulants

• Rest and relax

• Sometimes a healing response can occur but should pass within 24-48 hours as the body releases waste products and balances itself. You may feel lightheaded, headache, tiredness, heightened emotions, sore muscles, feeling more alert.