The Origins of Indian Head Massage
Originating in the East more than one thousand years ago, Indian Head Massage was originally developed as a grooming technique by women who used it to strengthen and improve the fullness of the hair. This was achieved by stimulating the pressure points on the scalp. It was particularly popular with women of fashion who wanted to enhance their appearance. The technique, in many senses, became part of everyday life and was practised on young an old alike. It became a tradition that was handed down through the generations.
For such an ancient tradition, it may at first seem surprising that this form of therapy is enjoying such a resurgence of interest, but an examination of its benefits quickly reveals, why it is as relevant now as ever.
It still offers great benefits for the hair and scalp, apart from strengthening the hair and promoting growth, it is also said to help slow the greying process. But over the years the therapy has been extended to include not just the head, but the face, neck, shoulders, back and arms. By focussing on the areas, which tend to ‘hold’ stress and tension this gentle form of massage can now offer a far greater range of physical and mental benefits.
The head is the centre of the nervous system. The brain is the first organ to form in the process of foetal development. It is larger and heavier than any other organ. Head massage performed with oils during the first few months of life is excellent for the infant’s brain and eyesight development. In the later years, it performs several functions like relaxing the tense nerve, stimulating the hair follicles and bringing about a total relaxation.
How is the Therapy Performed?
It is usually performed with soothing oils to help maximise the benefits and to aid the reduction of stress. Most commonly used oils are:
Almond Oil : The beneficial properties of this oil include reducing aches, pains and stiffness, and generally promoting healthy hair.
Coconut Oil : Coconut oil is good for moisturising the skin and encouraging hair growth. It also balances the body. Believed to have cooling properties, coconut oil is best during the warm season.
Mustard Oil : Like almond oil, mustard oil is useful for relieving aches, pains and stiffness. It can be used to reduce swelling and is also good for purifying the blood by opening the pores. It is also said to bring in warmth to the skin, during the cold season.
Olive Oil : This oil has very similar properties to mustard oil, but without the pungent smell.
Sesame Oil : Sesame oil is probably the most commonly used oil. It can be used to relieve aches, pains and stiffness but is also said to benefit hair growth and reduce greying, while promoting a natural shine.
In addition to the oils above, a blend of essential oils may also be applied to the scalp. The most popular of which are Lavender and Rosemary. Lavender is used for its calming and relaxing effect, while Rosemary, which also helps relieve aches and stress, gives an uplifting feeling and sense of being energized.
Benefits of Head Massage
• Benefits headaches, eye strain and sinus problems.
• Release of anxiety, tiredness and depression.
• Improves sleep.
• Improves alertness and concentration.
• It is calming, comforting and promotes a feeling of well-being.
• Improves skin and hair condition.
• Regular therapy sessions produce a cumulative effect.
• Good for stress & stress related conditions.
• Circulation problems disappear.
• Effective for aching & strained muscles.
• Increases the supply of fresh oxygen and glucose to the brain. Through massage, an electrochemical balance can be maintained which results in health and long-life.
• Retards hair loss, premature balding and greying by stimulating the circulation to the hair follicles, encouraging hair growth.
• Improves joint mobility.
The Combination of Techniques Used
• Aids the circulatory, muscular and nervous systems.
• Stimulates arterial circulation, and increases venous and lymphatic flow.
• Reduces stress and can induce a feeling of euphoria.
• Frees knots of muscular tension and relaxes connective tissue.
• Stimulates the skin and underlying nerve endings.
• Aids in the elimination of accumulated toxins and waste products.
What Head Massage Can Do for You?
The head massage is a technique of manipulating soft tissues in the shoulders and scalp. The therapist uses a range of different massage pressures and rhythms to stimulate the head and neck area. A typical massage lasts about 20 minutes.
The massage is essentially made up of three components; the neck, shoulders, and head.
The neck and shoulder massage helps lymphatic drainage, eliminates muscle tension and stimulates circulation. This helps to disperse waste material from the body and distribute oxygen to all the tissues.
The head massage stimulates and improves scalp circulation, which improves the strength, texture and growth of hair.
The face massage soothes and rebalances your energy flow, making you feel calm and tranquil.
The head, more than any other part of your body, most fully represents, who you are. It is the centre of your nervous system, the seat of your intelligence and the repository of your identity. If your head feels good, you feel good. The skull is covered with a thin layer of muscle, which tightens when we’re tense, resulting in headaches and feelings of anxiety. By relaxing this muscle, a head massage can improve blood flow, alleviate anxiety and relax your whole body. Your scalp, face, neck and shoulders are all energy centres, where tension can accumulate. A combination of rhythmic strokes will soothe and rebalance the energy flow, creating feelings of ease and peace.
Practitioners massage the shoulders, neck, scalp and face with alternate firm and gentle movements, which relax the thin layer of muscle covering the head, improving blood flow, nourishing hair follicles and alleviating anxiety and stress. The physical benefits are obtained immediately with relaxation of the muscles and easing of tension. It will also relieve mental tiredness, promote clearer thinking, and give a higher level of alertness and concentration.
On a subtler level the higher chakras, or energy levels, are points of focus throughout the treatment, enabling stagnant energy to be released whilst balancing the chakras (energy levels) and helping the body to work in a more harmonious and peaceful way.
Do it Yourself
The following head massage will help decrease muscle tension and at the same time help to improve the condition of your hair. In just 10 minutes, you can be free of headaches and the rubbing action of the head will increase blood flow, thus nourishing hair follicles.
• Before starting changing into loose, comfortable clothes find a quiet, warm, relaxing place to carry out the massage.
• Sit up straight in a chair with your back resting on the back support. Placing both your feet flat on the floor, take a few deep breaths and visualize the warm sun on your face. Now concentrate on relaxing each muscle in your body individually, until you are completely relaxed.
• If essential oils are available, the fragrance chosen will further help to relax your stiff muscles. If you have dry hair: olive, sesame, or cold-compressed sunflower oil should be used. While, greasy hair should be massaged with almond, or sesame oil.
• To increase hair growth, sandalwood, or rosemary can be tried and a few drops of tea-tree oil can be used to treat dandruff. Warm some of the chosen essential oil in the palm of your hands and gently rub it into the crown of your head.
• Using your palms and fingertips rub some more oil into your hair, going from the sides and back of your head up to the crown.
• Then use your fingertips and thumbs to press on the scalp in a downward and forward manner creating heat through friction by using small, rhythmic movements over one spot. Make sure to work your way over the entire head, again coming up from the sides and back. This will loosen up the scalp muscles and bring a soothing and relaxed feeling.
• Next, place the heels of your hands over your temples and, while keeping one hand still, move the other hand up and down vigorously on the same spot. This action is a terrific one to pep up the blood circulation in the scalp area.
• Repeat this step using the other hand as well and, then do the same at the front and back of your head.
• Run your fingertips through your hair at the sides of your head and at the same time close your fingers and gently pull. The tugging action should be gentle and not rough. Then, move your hands from side to side.
• Now gently rub the areas in front and above of your ears, using a circular motion to remove any tension in the temple region.
• Putting your hands on your temples with your fingers pointing upwards, then repeatedly squeeze for five seconds and release. Repeat this, while squeezing the area above your ears.
• The muscles on either side of your neck at the bottom of your skull are massaged next, by quickly rubbing them up and down with your fingertips. Then, tilt your head back and rest it on your thumbs, for fifteen seconds.
• Finally, squeeze and relax your neck muscles, gently pulling them in a circular motion and go down and across to the tips of your shoulders. Use the right hand for the right side of your neck and the left for the left side. This action will loosen up all stiff muscles in the shoulder and neck region.
• It is important to remember to lightly pass your fingers through your hair to relax you head.
• This type of massage can also be used in the office without oil, to improve concentration and work performance.
Note: As with all massage therapies it is necessary to drink at least 8 glasses of water within the 24-hours following treatment in order to flush out toxins. It is also important to relax after the treatment, in order to maximize its effectiveness. Head massage should not be taken, if you have had a recent neck injury.