Indian Head Massage, also known as Champissage, is an ancient therapeutic practice that has been used in India for over 2000 years. It is a treatment that focuses on massaging acupressure points along the head, neck, and shoulders, often using circular massage strokes to improve the condition of your hair and scalp. Indian Head Massage originates from an Indian alternative medicine system called Ayurveda (translated into “science of life”), whereby it is believed the mind and body are intricately connected and thus can influence one another. Through this theory it is believed that Indian Head Massage, and extremely relaxing treatment, can not only reduce headaches and improve physical wellbeing, but it can also improve mental and emotional wellness too. It can also be used to alleviate a number of other conditions such as neck and shoulder tension, it can alleviate the symptoms of stress and anxiety, creating a feeling of peace and tranquillity at the same time increasing concentration levels leading to clearer thinking and clarity of mind.
Indian Head Massage induces a state of calm, peace and tranquillity and promotes high levels of alertness and concentration. Relaxing, yet invigorating, Indian Head Massage creates a wonderful feeling of well-being, and in today’s stressful world it can help you cope with the everyday stresses and strains and encourage a more peaceful outlook.
Every treatment plan is specifically tailored to suit the individual client’s needs on that day, therefore, no two treatment plans will be the same. Depending on the main presenting condition I may spend more time on the neck and shoulders than the back or spend more time on the scalp and facial than other parts of the treatment. The important thing is that you relax and enjoy the treatment and feel relaxed and uplifted from its benefits.
Indian Head Massage Treatments can last between 30 and 45 minutes and works on the upper body, back, shoulders, neck and head where a great deal of the physical and psychological tensions that accumulate in our everyday lives are stored. It is a wonderful and extremely beneficial therapy for de-stressing the whole body.
The treatment is performed with the client seated wearing a sarong or warm towel to reveal the upper back neck and shoulders. A carrier oil of sweet almond, coconut or grapeseed oil (for those with nut allergies) is applied to the skin and can be combined with a blend of essential oils chosen by the client. Mustard oil, sesame oil, olive oil, and jasmine oil can also be used with varying specific benefits for skin and hair health.
The oil is massaged into the exposed areas warming the skin and encouraging the flow of blood to the surface bringing oxygen and nutrients to the muscles concerned. The treatment usually starts by massaging the upper back, working around the shoulder blades. Following this, flowing motions will move up the neck, shoulder and upper arms, massaging and stretching the muscles to relieve any built up stress and tension. After massaging the back, neck, shoulder and upper arms the treatment focuses on the massaging the scalp and applying pressure points along the scalp and back of the neck, followed by the forehead and around the eyes. In a clinic setting the client is asked to lie on their back and the treatment can, if they wish, finish off with a brief relaxing facial.
Indian Head Massage requires no specialist equipment of any kind and as a result of this, it is now becoming an extremely popular form of massage in the workplace, as employees can remain fully clothed and receive a treatment sitting at their desk, if required. More and more companies are employing therapists as part of their stress management programs, and research has shown that concentration levels and productivity improve dramatically after treatments have been given to members of staff. In a corporate setting the massage is usually performed without oils to make it more accessible. Having said this, the massage will still have the same natural conditioning benefits, as the techniques used will loosen the hair follicles, naturally increasing hair oil production.
Following an Indian Head Massage treatment, you may feel extremely relaxed, therefore it is advisable to allow five or then minutes before driving or operating heavy machinery. It is also advisable to limit consumption of caffeine and alcohol and sip water gradually throughout the day.