INDIAN HEAD & SHOULDER MASSAGE

“The Quick & Portable De-Stresser”

Indian Head Massage, is based on the traditional form of Champi, an Indian word denoting a particular massage technique. The English word "shampoo" is derived from the Hindi.  Head massage is commonplace in India - the techniques have been passed through the generations over thousands of years and is featured in the earliest Ayurvedic Texts which date back nearly 4000 years. 

In India today, whether as a tourist or resident, it is quite common to be offered a head massage on street corners, in the marketplace and on the beach.

In our modern society, stress, poor eating habits, pollution, lack of exercise and fresh air all contribute to a variety of ailments settling on the head and shoulders.  Indian Head Massage is a simple, effective technique that can be practised anywhere.

THE TREATMENT

The treatment can be tailor made to suit the application, in that oils may or may not be used depending on the situation ie if at the office or going back to work, oils need not be used; or if wanting oils to stimulate scalp and hair these may be used.

No clothing need be removed as the clothes become the lubricant.  The upper back, shoulders, arms, neck, head and face are massaged using Various types of touch:

Effleurage
A wide stroke performed with the whole palm, it warms the muscles and prepares them for deeper, more specific work.  It is ususally the first contact the therapist has with the client and establishes a sense of trust.  In Indian Head Massage this technique is applied to the tops of the shoulders, and down the arms.

Petrissage                   
is a form or kneading and wringing which stretches and stimulates muscles.  This technique is employed on shoulders and arms.

Tapotement                 
a French word meaning drum or tap which is a stimulating technique for improving circulation.  This is used on the scalp.

Percussion                   
takes three main forms – hacking, cuppling, pummeling.  This is designed to break down fatty deposits and revitalise tissues in body massage.  On the shoulders and back, it frees the muscles from toxins and lactic acid deposits, allowing them to drain into the lymphatic system and out of the body.  On the scalp it improves the circulation.

Friction                        
the fingers maintain contact with the skin, sliding the underlying muscle back and forth. This also breaks down toxic deposits.

Massage is an important aspect of Ayurvedic medicine and the three higher Chakras are balanced during the treatment.  Shiatsu and Acupressure points have been included in the routine as a beneficial aid.

BENEFITS OF RECEIVING INDIAN HEAD MASSAGE

By working on the upper back, neck, shoulders and head - the areas which are most vulnerable to stress and tension, it becomes in effect a de-stressing programme for the whole body and thus eliminates toxins from tense knotted muscles, relieves stiffness, improves lymph and blood circulation.

• General and specific relaxation for muscles, providing immediate relief

• Fibrous adhesions (knots) can be broken down

• Disperses toxins from tense, knotted muscles

• Relief from acute and chronic neck and shoulder stiffness

• Loosens the scalp

• Relaxes the whole body

• Increases oxygen uptake in the tissues

• Improves blood circulation in previously congested muscles

• Provides additional oxygen to the brain

• Stimulates and improves the circulation of the lymphatic system, allowing for the disposalof toxins from the body

• Restores joint mobility

• Provides relief from disorders such as earache, eye strain, tinnitus, aching jaws from clenching or grinding teeth, sinisitus, headache, migraine

• Provides relief from hair disorders associated with stress: alopecia, dandruff, psoriasis

Mental Benefits

• Provides a sense of calmness, peace and tranquility

• Releases anxiety

• Increases levels of alertness and concentration

• Lifts feelings of depression, despondancy, desperation

• Clears the perspective

Subtle Benefits

• Balances Chakra Energy

• Releases Stagnant Energy, boosting available energy on all levels

• Provides a general feeling of having been healed

CONTRAINDICATIONS

Massage is one of the safesty and most natural forms of therapy known to man.  However, there are certain circumstances when massage should be avoided, if only temporarily.  Use your judgement.

• Intoxication

• Illness, especially high temperature/fever

• Following recent accidents, injuries or surgery

• Acute infectious diseases such as typhoid, diptheria etc

• Local infectious skin disorder

• Inflammation

• Aneurosa (localised dilation of blood vessels – commonly the artery in the temple or forehead area) which is most prevalent in the elderly

• Eczema: this can be contagious, especially if the eczema is wheeping. 

• Massage is more than a job and more than a way of earning money, it is a serious art form where we give of ourselves and participate in the joy of life.  In healing and teaching others we heal and teach ourselves.

So come and enjoy an Indian Head and Shoulder Massage!