Indian Head Massage Explained by Julie Burke

23 June 2010.

Indian Head Massage is a popular massage treatment which has been practiced in India for 1000s of years and still forms an integral part of that culture today.

The earliest references to massage in India can be found in the Ayurvedic texts. This ancient healthcare system suggested that a healthy lifestyle and massage, used in conjunction with herbs and oils, helped to improve and maintain good health and wellbeing.

In Indian families, the massage is traditionally learned by young girls from their mothers and is part of their daily routine. Massage is regularly performed for relaxation purposes on babies, children and at times of celebration, such as weddings.

The Indian Head Massage treatment itself is traditionally called Champi and was performed differently for men and women.

Treatments for women were originally practiced to beautify and improve the condition of their hair and scalp. Different oils such as coconut, sesame, olive, etc, were massaged into the scalp and hair to nourish and invigorate. The oil was also poured onto the hair and brushed through to the ends to create lustre. Although the treatment had many physical benefits, it also created a relaxing activity that created family bonding.

The treatment for men consisted of a more invigorating massage, with stimulating oils, to the head and scalp. These treatments were performed by the barber, who offered them as part of the service, after cutting the hair. The skills of the barber were traditionally passed from father to son and are still very much part of everyday life in India today.

The system of Indian Head Massage that is widely practiced in the West is known as Champissage. Champissage was developed and introduced to the West in the 1970s by a therapist named Narendra Mehta.

Narendra, having been bought up in India, regularly enjoyed the benefits of head massage, but felt that something was missing from the treatments. The traditional massage does not include the face, shoulders, neck, or any balancing to the chakras (energy centres). Narendra believed that by including these additional areas in the routine it would make the treatment more holistic and therefore more beneficial.

What are the benefits of Indian Head Massage?

There are numerous benefits to receiving Indian Head Massage. One of the main benefits is that it is extremely versatile and can be performed almost anywhere, seated and over clothing, although massage over clothes does not produce the best effects. It is also excellent for relieving stress, so for these reasons, it has become a popular treatment that may be available in waiting areas such as surgeries, clinics, etc, hospices, at work premises and in the likes of airplanes.

Indian Head Massage is deeply relaxing and can create a feeling of calmness and harmony. It is greatly beneficial for improving and maintaining reasonable stress levels and for all stress related conditions. It has also been found to be most helpful for treating anxiety and is an alternative massage treatment for nervous people. Indian Head Massage can be useful for alleviating headaches and improving insomnia.

The massage consists of a mixture of deep, slow movements and rapid, brisk, invigorating strokes. This combination of movements relaxes, but also invigorates and energises the body and mind. Treatment improves localised circulation, stimulates nerve endings and relieves tension and pain from taut, aching muscles.

The natural, moisturising oils such as coconut, sesame, mustard and almond used in treatment can improve the condition and appearance of the skin, scalp, and hair. Indian Head Massage can also be beneficial in cases of alopecia, as the treatment relives stress, and stimulates blood circulation and nerve endings in the head and scalp.

What to expect during a treatment

The most beneficial way to receive Indian Head Massage is in a professional, quiet and therapeutic environment with oil applied directly to the skin. You should also be prepared to have a series of treatments (6 approx), to experience any long term benefits.

Treatments usually last about 45 minutes and are performed whilst you are seated. The appropriate oils are selected to suit your needs and objectives and are massaged into the upper arms, neck, shoulders, head, scalp and face. After your massage, the therapist will balance your chakra (energy centres), by places their hands a few inches away from them and radiating peace and calmness. This is an important part of the treatment and should be included if possible.

The natural oils are extremely nutritional and beneficial for the skin and hair and should ideally be left on for several hours.

When is the treatment not suitable?

Indian Head Massage is not suitable for people who have migraine (currently suffering), neck, spinal or recent head injuries. If you are being treated for a medical problem, or have a skin or scalp condition, it is advisable to seek advice from your medical practitioner before receiving Indian Head Massage.

Courses and Workshops

There are many courses and workshops available for people who are interested in learning Indian Head Massage.

A practitioner training course lasts about ten weeks (one evening a week) and will qualify you to practice the massage professionally. These courses are widely available in private schools and through Further Education colleges.

If you want to learn Indian Head Massage for using on friends and family, then a workshop may be a better choice. These are usually held in Further Education Colleges, over one day, and are a great way to meet new people, learn a new skill and have fun!

Article by Julie Burke
SPA.ITEC.CThA.Cert.Ed
for Third Age

Further Information:

Books
Indian Head Massage – Discover the power of touch
Narendra Mehta
(Thorsons)