Indian Head Massage is a holistic therapy that involves the therapist applying a variety of massage techniques to the upper back, shoulders, arms, neck, scalp, and face to achieve a
sense of balance and harmony in the body. This is a safe, simple, yet effective therapy that not only improves the condition of the hair, but is a powerful method for relieving stress, anxiety, and tension. The treatment is done while the client is fully clothed and seated in a chair.
History of Indian Head Massage
Indian Head Massage is based on the ancient Indian healing system of Ayurveda.
Ayurveda, which means "the science of life", teaches that health
and longevity are achieved through balance and harmony of the body, mind,
and spirit. Massage is among the Ayurvedic principles for maintaining
balance; along with diet, herbs, yoga, cleansing, exercise, and meditation
As part of traditional family life in India, massage plays a central role
throughout all the stages of life. Indian babies are massaged daily from
birth until the age of three. This promotes bonding and keeps baby happy
and secure. The mother of the newborn will also receive ceremonial massages
daily for forty days after giving birth just as she received massages
during her pregnancy. After the age of three children continue to receive
massages two or three times per week. At the age of seven they begin to
learn the massage techniques they have both received and observed from
other family members. It is customary for the bride and groom to get a
massage from their respective family members prior to the wedding.
Massage is part of family life from the babies to the seniors. For the
elders of the family it can be stimulating; while massage is calming for
the younger children. Indian Head Massage is used by Indian women for
grooming the hair. It is passed down from mother to daughter and from
generation to generation. Oils such as sesame, coconut and almond are
massaged into the scalp to assure healthy, long hair. A visit to a barbershop
while in India includes an invigorating head massage. The barbers specific
techniques will be handed down to his son. A head massage can be had in
many areas in India; on street corners, on beaches, and in markets.
Although practiced for thousands of years in India, Indian Head Massage
has only recently come to the West. It is no longer used only on the head
but includes other areas of the upper body often affected by stress; such
as the neck, shoulders and arms. The treatment has been expanded beyond
stimulating the head and improving the hair condition to becoming a powerful
method for relieving stress.
