Holistic healing

Everything you need to know about Indian head massage

You carry it around with you all day. When doing the cooking, at work, having lunch, or even out on the dance floor having a boogie with friends. It’s sitting on your shoulders, weighing on average 10 to 11 pounds – we usually forget that it’s there, but we couldn’t be without it. Don’t you think it’s time that your head received a spot of TLC?

You carry it around with you all day. When doing the cooking, at work, having lunch, or even out on the dance floor having a boogie with friends. It’s sitting on your shoulders, weighing on average 10 to 11 pounds – we usually forget that it’s there, but we couldn’t be without it. Don’t you think it’s time that your head received a spot of TLC?

History of Indian Head Massage

We caught up with Mary Todd, senior guru therapist at Gina Conway, a Wimbledon salon. She specialises in holistic treatments such as massages and facials, and was able to tell us a thing or two about the Indian head massage: “Indian head massages are a type of traditional massage which originated and was solely performed in India until the 1970s; it was part of the practice of ancient Indian medicine called Ayurveda. Since then, the benefits of this massage slowly started to filter around the globe.”

Mary also tells us: “an Indian head massage isn’t like most other massages; it gets rid of any tension inside, allowing your body to feel more relaxed or energised, depending on your personality type, and it allows your scalp to feel clean and tension-free.

“It also improves circulation and the functioning of the nervous system, creates scalp exfoliation, and de-stresses and relaxes the body in general.” So, it’s a good therapy to use if you’re wanting to chill out from the pressures of 21st century life.

Your mind at rest

We also heard that the therapy is pretty safe. As Mary says: “There aren’t any risks involved with an Indian head massage, unless the client has any other health problems.”

Home Indian head massage

The massage isn’t exclusive to people who can afford to splash out on expensive treatments, either. You don’t necessarily need a massage therapist. They can be given to yourself, by yourself, at home, free of charge. As Mary says: “You have the power within your own fingertips to relax your mind, especially if you use therapeutic oils. You can begin massaging your head starting from the sides and towards the top, slowly working your way towards the back and front, and essentially massaging your whole head with just your fingertips and thumbs!” Who doesn’t love a good scalp massage? You could even treat yourself to a neck massage while you’re there. Neck massages can be a great way to ease tension from the shoulders. Feel the stress of work and family life just slipping away. Sounds like heaven to us!

Everything you need to know about your first session

Mary tells us what to expect from an expert-led session: “I use heated Aveda oils customised to the guest during the consultation process, because I believe heat helps with relaxation and tension of the muscles. I then continue my treatment with various massage techniques to relieve tension and stress, concentrating on marma points on the head. I then wrap the head in a hot towel at the end whilst easing pressure points on the face.” You can buy some oil yourself – we recommend Aveda’s Beautifying Composition Oil.

Frequently asked questions

What Is Indian Head Massage?

Indian head massage, also known as champissage, is a treatment that focuses on massaging acupressure points along the head, neck, and shoulders, often using circular massage strokes to improve hair follicles and scalp condition for tension relief and improved hair growth.

The combination of brisk friction movements to stimulate and refresh and slower, circular petrissage movements to soothe and relieve neck and scalp tension, make Indian Head Massage an effective treatment for headache sufferers.

By focusing massage to the upper back, shoulders, neck, scalp and face, it releases tension and stress and so relieves headaches, eye strain and sinusitis, while re-balancing the Chakras helping you to feel calm and more able to manage the stresses and strains and mental tiredness of daily life.

What are the benefits of Indian head massage?

Indian head massage can not only reduce headaches and improve physical well-being, but it can also improve mental and emotional wellness too.

Receiving a head massage during a trip to the barber’s shop is commonplace in India and it is also incorporated into special rituals such as weddings and births.

Do I need to undress for an Indian Head Massage?

You do not need to undress for an Indian Head Massage as it can be carried out without oils, through light clothing.

Regular Indian Head Massage can help by stimulating the blood flow to the follicles to loosen the area up, which in turn delivers the nourishing nutrients needed to encourage healthy hair growth and to promote strong and shiny hair.