Indian Head Massage – What's It About?
The Good Old Massage Therapy That Banishes Anxiety and Stress
Nov 10, 2009
Indian Head Massage - called IHM in the abbreviated form - is an efficient form of massage therapy based on the ancient Ayurvedic healing systems. This alternative therapeutic practice involves giving a thorough rubbing down on your head/scalp, face, shoulders and the neck areas. IHM is a clothed therapy that you can conveniently be given at a salon, or at home or even at your workplace.
The basic concept of Indian Head Massage is derived from charka-balancing, which, when performed, greatly augments your existing energy level. The massaging action, in fact, is aimed at clearing any blockages that may be present in your energy channels. Such blockage normally leads to unhealthy increase in the level of negative energy that causes many ailments.
Also known by the name Champissage, the IHM therapy employs an assortment of massage techniques that help greatly in revitalizing and then sustaining a person’s state of wellbeing.
Origin of Indian Head Massage
The practice of head massage is a very old and time-tested method that is believed to have begun in India about four thousand years ago. When this useful therapy was gradually passed on to the other regions of the world, especially the West, it came to be known as Indian Head Massage (or IHM).
The current trade-marked name of Champissage has been derived from an Indian word “champi,” which means massage of the head. The new name was given by Narendra Mehta, an Indian osteopath and massage therapist, who added the massage of the face, ear, scalp and the concept of chakra-balancing to the original method.
Procedure
The basic Indian Head Massage method requires a therapist to take on the massage in the following order:
- Chakra-Balancing. This is the preliminary step that a therapist initiates to facilitate the rebalancing your intrinsic healing energy.
- Thawing-out the Fatigue. Massage of the upper back, shoulders, upper arms and the neck to eliminate tiredness as also to revitalize your body.
- Massaging the Scalp. This is the lengthiest phase of the procedure that involves a series of co-related techniques to pump out the tension accumulated inside you and to improve blood circulation.
- Massaging the Temples. Both your temple areas are rubbed down firmly in circular motions. This helps in alleviating headaches arising out of stress and eyestrain.
Many experts say that the massage works more effectively if some kind of Ayurvedic medicinal oil - such as bhringaraja, bramhi or amla - is rubbed onto your scalp. Coconut oil is also used widely by many therapists/salons.
Benefits of Indian Head Massage
IHM offers sizeable benefits to your physical as well as emotional state. The most pronounced ones are as given below:
- makes your hair strong, supple and shiny
- aids in boosting your immune system
- relieves anxiety, tension and stress related problems
- relaxes the connective tissues of body and mind
- improves your blood circulation and lymphatic flow
- alleviates headache/migraine problems, if any
- eliminates eye strain
- alleviates insomnia/promotes sound sleep
- relieves muscular tension
- improves joint mobility and flexibility in your neck and shoulders
- provides relief from cold/sinus problems
- facilitates easy elimination of toxins and waste products accumulated inside your body
Side Effects and Contraindications of Indian Head Massage
The lot of benefits notwithstanding, Indian Head Massage has been reported to have caused some minor side effects. Likewise, the therapy has been considered as contraindicative in certain conditions. The details are as follows:
- Side Effects. There have been cases of dizziness, tiredness, an increased urge to urinate and muscles pain at various times. These problems, however, were very short-lived, lasting no more than a few hours, at the end of which one generally felt rejuvenated and alert.
- Contraindications. IHM should ordinarily be avoided by people with a history of spondylitis, spondylosis, thrombosis and embolism. Persons with a recent surgery or newly inflicted head or neck injury should also avoid it.
While IHM may be considered helpful for patients of high/low blood pressure and diabetes, it may or may not be recommended for people suffering from any kind of heart condition, cancer or osteoporosis. You must, therefore, consult your doctor before going for the head massage therapy.
References:
1. The Ultimate Wellbeing Centre (2007). Massage:Indian Head Massage <http://www.ultimatewellbeingcentre.co.uk/massageIndian.php>
2. Mehta, Narendra (2006). WorldwideHealth.com: What is Indian Head Massage - Champissage? 11 December 2006. < http://www.worldwidehealth.com/health-article-What-is-Indian-Head-Massage-Champissage.html>
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