What is Indian Head Massage?
Indian Head Massage also known as Champissage, has been practiced in India for over a thousand years. Champissage refers to the technique of massaging using the side or heel of the hand.
Traditionally, it was used by Indian women who believed it would keep their hair healthy and lustrous. These techniques further developed, incorporating oils such as coconut, sesame, almond, olive and mustard.
From birth, babies are given a gentle daily massage to keep them in good health until they are 3 years old and then on once or twice a week until they are 6 years old. After this, children fully participate in the giving and receiving of massages with all family members.
Over the generations, the skills have never been lost. Barbers, who will give a head massage after a haircut or wet shave have handed down the techniques to their barber sons, and mothers have passed on their knowledge to their daughters.
What benefits can I expect?
The short and long term benefits of Indian Head Massage are individual and varied. This is a holistic therapy which treats the whole person not just the illnesses.
Improved blood flow to the head and neck increases distribution of oxygen and nutrients throughout the body to encourage healing.
What happens when I go for treatment?
The first Indian Head Massage Treatment includes a full consultation to discuss your medical history and your lifestyle. You will be also asked to sign a consent form.
You will be seated in a comfortable upright chair for the treatment. The use of oils is optional for this treatment, but these are beneficial for the scalp, hair and skin, and helpful in alleviating muscular pain and stifness. When shampoo is applied to the scalp before water they wash out very easily.
Indian Head massage creates a balanced feeling of peace and calm and my clients often tell me that they also feel more alert and revitalised after a 30 minute session.
There may be a temporary feeling of lethargy, or feeling more emotional but this does not last long and is a positive sign that the treatment is working.
Try my “Top to Toe” treatment which combines Indian Head Massage with Reflexology
Other benefits
Relieve eye strain, headache, sinus congestion
Improve concentration
Relieve physical and mental fatigue
Relieve stress and muscular tension
Indian Head Massage should not be used as an alternative to seeking medical advice
