Indian head massage, also known as Champissage, is another form of massage based on the ancient Indian Ayurvedic healing system.
Ayurveda is a Sanskrit word which means ‘knowledge of life’ or ‘science of life’. It is a system of traditional and alternative medicine originating from the Indian sub continent dating back to 4000 years. It is a holistic healing system which aids in the relaxation of the shoulders, neck, scalp and the face.
Indian Head Massage was originally practised from going to the barber’s for a haircut (for men) and mothers treating their daughters by massaging their scalp and gently stroking and ‘styling’ their hair. The art of IHM has thus been passed on by barbers to their sons and by mothers to their daughters; so much so, that it can be a ritualistic and a ‘must-have’ treat prior to a wedding by way of relaxing the upper body which contains a lot of the day’s stresses and tension. The modern style of Indian head massage includes upper back and arms, shoulders, neck, the scalp and the face. It can be quite a spiritual experience as well, especially if your therapist is involved in other forms of healing such as Reiki.
IHM can be performed either fully clothed on a chair or topless by exposing the upper back and the shoulders. Oils can be used on the back, the scalp and face according to s
kin type and taking into consideration the client’s allergic reactions. If the client does not prefer any oils, this form of massage can still be performed ‘dry’.
Physical benefits and effects of Indian head massage:
Any form of massage, including Indian head massage, benefits the body by alleviating stress and anxiety. This gives the body a break to recover from the daily stresses and help fight infections and strengthen the immune system.
The effects of IHM are manifold, as is the case with any other types of massage, such as: increased oxygen supply to the body by way of improved circulation; lymphatic drainage thus helping the body rid itself of toxins and waste products; relief of muscular tension; improved skin condition, relief of sinus problems with face massage thus relieving headaches and insomnia. Scalp massage also encourages healthy hair growth.
Psychological benefits of Indian head massage:
Any form of massage has its psychological benefits, as the whole act of massaging involves the human touch and this in itself gives the recipient the feeling of being ‘cared for’. With the stresses and pressures in our daily life, having a massage gives one the feeling of being looked after and a quality time for oneself. This can be more powerful at times than the spoken words because the act of touching has its unique psychological impact on the person receiving the massage.
Indian Head Massage has similar movements and techniques to the Swedish massage.
The same as with Swedish massage, before you book for an Indian Head massage, please be aware that in this case you do not need to undress (or undress completely). It will be sufficient for women to wear a low back top with loose shoulder straps, if oil is desired, or just a comfortable top if oil is not desired for the treatment. I prefer to use some oil on the skin for a comfortable glide and better handling of the muscle tissues. The choice is yours.
Make sure the therapist knows of any medical conditions you may have which may hinder or prevent massage being carried out.
I try to create the same type of atmosphere for Indian Head Massage as with the Swedish one. Some clients prefer not to have oil on their scalp and this is perfectly fine.
After an Indian Head massage the client will feel relaxed and somewhat light-headed – it is a head massage after all. The release of stress may give way to some mild headache in certain cases and this is a normal after-effect (contra action) of a massage treatment.
Drink plenty of water after the massage and throughout the day in order to aid with the detox and purification process of the body’s lymphatic system.
Indian head massage in Reading and Berkshire