Indian Head Massage

Written By Jean Mallard
Revive Natural Living Helston
Dated: April 12, 2007

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Massage is one of the oldest therapies known to man, and for over 5000 years has been practised in the Far and the Middle East. Ancient texts describe that, when used together with herbs, spices and essential oils, massage has an important medical function, not only helping to strengthen muscles and firm skin, but also to encourage the body’s own ability to heal.
Head massage originated in India over a thousand years ago. The origin of shampoo comes from a Hindi word 'champi'. Being 'champi-ed' meant having your head massaged.  Barbers practiced this massage on their male clients and Indian ladies used this technique, as a way to keep their long hair in lustrous and beautiful condition and it has always played an important part in Indian family life.  Today, Indian infants often receive a daily massage to keep them in good health and after the age of Six are taught to share this technique with other family members.
Indian head massage was introduced to the UK in the 1970’s by Narendra Mehta, who came here to study physiotherapy. He was dismayed to find that Head Massage was not generally available and very often omitted in a full body massage. He developed a technique that incorporated the traditional Head massage, together with massage to the shoulders, upper arms, neck and face, including work on the Three higher Chakras to rebalance the body’s entire energy system, and today we know this Ayurvedic treatment as Indian Head Massage or Champissage.
An Indian head massage treatment is given while you are seated, you can be clothed or unclothed and although not essential, the treatment can be enhanced when incorporating oils or massage creams. A variety of massage techniques is used on the shoulders, upper back, upper arms, neck and face, and the treatment usually lasts about 30 minutes.
This is a very relaxing treatment and as well as easing headaches and stress it can also help with such conditions as, relief from muscular tension, stiffness in the neck and shoulders, sinusitis and  insomnia. It helps deal with scalp and hair problems, aids localised blood and lymphatic circulation, relieves eye strain, boosts the immune system and improves circulation.

Many people live stressful lives and Indian Head Massage is one of the ways of alleviating tension and achieving a relaxed, calm frame of mind.