10 Reasons to Love Indian Head Massage - May 2012

Indian Head Massage is becoming popular in Canada within the spa industry, hair salons and corporate work places.  More and more individuals are drawn to learning this safe, simple and effective massage as well. 

Indian Head Massage is a flowing sequence of non-invasive, relaxing and rhythmic movements that evolved from both a traditional practice known as Champi and the rich tradition of family grooming in the Indian sub-continent.  It was introduced to the West in the early 1980’s by pioneers such as Narendra Mehta.

Sitting in a comfortable straight-backed chair fully clothed, the massage soothes and nurtures those areas of the body that are particularly vulnerable to everyday stress and tension including the upper back, shoulders, arms, neck, scalp, face and ears.  It calms busy mind chatter while encouraging the experience of deep relaxation.

At the beginning of the courses I teach people often ask why I love Indian Head Massage so much.  There are many reasons - here are 10 of them:

1. It’s ideal for beginners.

No previous massage experience is necessary.  Most people feel very comfortable to be working on the top half of the body.

    2.  It’s perfect for augmenting and complementing existing professional skills and personal interests including hairstyling, aesthetics, massage therapy, aromatherapy, reflexology, acupressure, Shiatsu and Reiki.

The Indian Head Massage sequence includes more than 30 massage movements and techniques and provides a substantial framework.  It’s very easy to incorporate all of our skills and experience within the sequence, which in turn allows our unique massage to be crafted.

Although I had no previous massage experience before my Indian Head Massage training 9 years ago, I had worked as a hairstylist for 8 years and had 2 years experience of Reiki.  Since then I became fascinated with the body and mind which led me to meditation and psycho-structural integration (an energy-based bodywork).  All of this augments and complements my Indian Head Massage work and still it’s continuing to evolve.

3. Friends and family. 

Indian Head Massage is always well received by family and friends, and I like the fact that it keeps up the original tradition of family grooming.

4. Wider clientele. 

Indian Head Massage is ideal for people who feel uncomfortable removing clothing because they don’t need to undress.  I’ve also found that clients are very open to receiving the massage because the shoulders, neck and head in particular love the attention.

5. Self massage. 

OK, so it’s not the same as receiving an Indian Head Massage from somebody else.  But there have been times that I’ve used some of the movements and techniques on myself when there’s been no one around and felt better for it.  When I feel the beginning of a headache or eyestrain, when my neck and shoulders feel tight and sore, when there’s anxiety and if I need grounding, it really helps to interrupt the symptom before it takes hold and to remind myself to let go and relax.

6. No start up costs. 

An Indian Head Massage requires no special equipment; a straight-backed chair is all you need.  Also oils and creams are not generally used for the massage and therefore no shower facilities are needed either.

7. Portable. 

Indian Head Massage can be given anywhere. 

8. Flexible and versatile. 

The comprehensive sequence provides us with a ‘tool box’ and enables us to tailor the massage according to how much time is available, where the body needs more attention and what we’re complementing the massage with.  Whether it’s a 10-minute massage or 60 minutes it can really make a difference to our well-being.

9. Safe, simple and effective.

The safety and deep relaxation created through Indian Head Massage allows people to feel nurtured, nourished, present and radiant.  It’s also particularly beneficial to those who experience headaches, migraine, eyestrain, stiff neck, tense shoulders, clenched jaw, tiredness, insomnia, anxiety and low morale.

10. It feels so good to give and receive.

Whether you’re giving or receiving an Indian Head Massage the mutual exchange of positive energy is relaxing, rejuvenating, meditative and energizing.  Of course the experience will be different each time for everyone – the best way to find out how you’ll experience an Indian Head Massage is to try it for yourself.

It’s easy to see why Indian Head Massage is becoming more popular in Canada and how you could easily fall in love with it just as I have.  After all, the varieties of application that the massage provides are endless. 

Indian Head Massage courses with Susan Allen are offered in Vancouver and the Okanagan.

Susan's Bio: Susan Allen, founder of Seeds of Tranquility, is a certified Indian Head Massage practitioner and has a professional background in training and development. In 2002 Susan was awarded the Kent Center of Indian Champissage (Head Massage) Diploma in England. It was a natural progression for Susan to share her enthusiasm for Indian Head Massage by drawing on 7 years experience of working as a Training Officer in England. She has been teaching Indian Head Massage since 2006. Susan currently lives in Vancouver, British Columbia. - Susan Allen Website