Indian head massage (IHM) is a Hindu massage technique, tracing back to the ancient ways of Ayurvedic Indian health care. Used for over 4,000 years to improve overall health, this massage has become more and more prevalent in recent years. It is also known as champissage or shiroabhyanga.
The practice focuses on the parts of the body that are most prone to tension and stress: scalp, face, neck, arms, shoulders, and upper back. IHM combines techniques to include various massage strokes and acupressure points. Treatment includes kneading and probing of the neck and shoulder areas. The scalp is then massaged, using squeezing, tapping, rubbing or prodding motions. The therapist will also manipulate facial pressure points to relieve sinus pressure, increase alertness and stimulate circulation. A client’s ears may then be pressed and tugged, and their hair tousled. Through a variety of massage movements, Indian head massage also restores joint motion and aids in the condition and health of hair resulting in improved hair growth.
Indian head massage is increases mental clarity and rejuvenates the person receiving the massage. Although treatments include massage of the back, arms, shoulders and neck, head massage and face massage make up the main parts of the treatment.
IHM is a clothed modality. As the technique is easy to apply over a blouse or shirt, Indian head massage is ideal for people who are modest or for less able bodied such as the elderly people, or those who have arthritis or a disability. Some treatments may include the use of special oils, which are also beneficial to hair growth.
Therapeutic and relaxing, IHM is effective in treatment of stress-related ailments like migraines and headaches. It can be performed almost anywhere and requires less time than a body massage treatment, typically lasting about 20-30 minutes.
The benefits of Indian head massage include that it helps release of toxins from tense and knotted muscles, and improves oxygen flow to the brain. It also reduces jaw ache, stimulates lymphatic drainage and aids sleep. By stimulating the release of endorphins IHM also aids in reducing stress and anxiety, and alleviating mental tiredness. The treatment is especially effective in relieving tightness around the neck and shoulders.