History of Indian Head Massage

Indian Head Massage is a practice that originated in India with references to it in early Ayurvedic texts dating back over 1000 years. The concept was thought to have originally been developed by women to keep their long hair lustrous, strong and in beautiful condition by using a variety of natural oils. Barbers also used many of these skills offering massage (or "Champi" in Hindi) when cutting hair although their technique was much more vigorous and stimulating than that of the women. These combined techniques evolved passing from father to son and mother to daughter.

Narendra Metha was the first person to develop and formalise Indian Head Massage into an actual therapy. He came to England in the early 1970s and trained as a Physiotherapist. He returned to India in 1978 where he studied the benefits and practice of Champi. He soon included the neck, shoulders and face in the massage and applied his knowledge of shiatsu and accupressure to help to relax areas of tension, rebalance energy and clear any negativity.

 

Benefits from Indian Head Massage

Indian Head Massage addresses areas that are affected by mental and emotional stress and advocates for Indian Head Massage have said that it can give instant relief. The therapeutic effects of Indian Head Massage can last long after the treatment is over and have been said to include:

	Relief from muscular tension of the face, scalp, neck, upper back and shoulders with increased joint mobility in those areas
	Relief from tension headaches, eyestrain and nasal congestion
	Alleviated symptoms of stress, anxiety, lethargy and mild depression
	Improved concentration and clarity of thought
	Improved hair, scalp and skin condition
	Increased energy levels and self esteem

People who suffer from migraines, insomnia, tinnitus and vertigo may also benefit from Indian Head Massage.

Reactions to Indian Head Massage

As every client's emotional and physical condition is different so their reaction to Indian Head Massage can vary. Some people may not notice any reaction at all, however, it is not unusual to experience any of the following. These effects are only temporary and should subside within 24 - 48 hours:

	Tiredness or fatigue
	Changes in sleep patterns
	Headache, dizziness or nausea
	Heightened emotional state
	Changes in bowel movements/urine
	Cold or Flu-like symptoms
	Hot flushes and/or excessive perspiration
	Aching or sore muscles (due to the release of toxins from the muscle fibres during the massage)

Aftercare Advice

When you have received an Indian Head Massage there are certain things that you are advised to do afterwards. This is in order to aid the healing process and also to help you to gain the maximum benefit from your treatment.

First and foremost take a little time out to relax and rest.

Over the next 24 hours:

	Drink plenty of water and/or herbal infusions to help the body to flush out toxins. Massage aids in the removal of toxins from the body.
	Try to avoid caffeine and alcohol - or at least cut down the amount that you have - as they increase the toxin levels in the body.
	Try to avoid heavy meals or spicy foods. A diet that is high in refined and processed foods adds to the toxicity levels within the body and this stands in the way of the healing process.
	Try not to smoke as, again, this increases the levels of toxins in the body.
	Try to be aware of your posture. Bad posture can cause muscle tension