Indian Head Massage

What exactly is Indian Head Massage & what is the story behind the therapy?

In 1800BC, the sacred Hindu text called “Ayurveda” (the art of life) was written, stating that massage was important in promoting health & wellbeing. For thousands of years this massage continued to form an integral part of Indian family life. Massage was taught by mother to daughter, father to son. In Hindu & Urdu, massage is known as “Champi” or “Champissage”.

Narendra Mehta, a blind physical therapist came to England in the 1970’s & was surprised to learn that there was no such therapy as “Champissage” in the UK & even in body massage, the head was seldom addressed.

He returned to India in 1978, where he continued to study while practicing head massage in corner shop barbers. Upon returning to the UK, he introduced a new massage therapy “Indian Champissage” during an exhibition held at Olympia, London in 1981.

Today there are many variants of “Champissage” but generally some facts remain a constant.

Holistic Treatment

Indian Head Massage can be performed over clothing or with massage oil to nourish the skin & in a seated position.

The upper back, neck & shoulders are treated first before progressing to the scalp with the option to apply a traditional Indian hair / scalp oil to enrich & condition the hair. Lastly the face is gently massaged focusing on pressure points & the sinuses, with a further option to include ear pressures.

For a true Holistic experience, the upper Chakras can be rebalanced at this point & this aspect would have been selected during the pre-massage consultation process.

In addition to the benefits enjoyed by an upper body massage, Indian Head Massage specifically:

• May help to relieve tension headaches & the frequency of migraines.
• Stimulates hair growth by increasing the flow of oxygen & nutrients to the scalp, thereby encouraging hair growth.
• Aids short-term memory as blood circulation to the brain is increased thus enhancing clarity of thought.
• Relieves insomnia as the effects of stress due to excessive work & life pressures are reduced by promoting a deeper sense of calm & wellbeing yet rejuvenated.

PLEASE NOTE many feel very sleepy & plenty of time should be allowed if you are to drive immediately following your 30 minute treatment.