Indian Head Massage
INDIAN HEAD MASSAGE
In India, from birth through to old age, the tradition of massage has been passed down through the generations and is very much a part of everyday family life. Receiving a head massage during a trip to the barber’s shop is commonplace in India and it is also incorporated into special rituals such as weddings and births.
It is a seated massage working on the upper back, shoulders, neck, head and face and is applied through clothes or directly on to the skin using oil. Here are some of its benefits:
1) Helps prevent migraines, headaches and back pain
Often tension in the upper back, neck and head can lead to migraines, headaches and back pain which can make for uncomfortable living on a day-to-day basis and sometimes even lead to depression.
Pressure is applied to points in the upper back, arms and shoulders that will release muscles and knots, followed by the neck and head to reduce headache-causing blockages and encourage better circulation of the cerebral fluid.
2) Promotes hair growth
This is a lovely side effect of an Indian Head Massage (if you’re trying to grow your hair anyway…). It increases nourishment and oxygen to the scalp and hair follicle which in turns stimulates hair growth.
3) Detoxifies the body by stimulating lymphatic drainage
Indian Head Massage stimulates and improves lymphatic drainage and blood flow to the neck thus helping to remove waste products from the body.
4) Relieves sleeplessness, restlessness and insomnia
These are often side-effects of stress and Indian Head Massage will immediately relieve stress and promote relaxation by attacking the physical symptoms, thus allowing for a deeper sense of wellbeing and relaxation and opening your body to better rest.
5) Relieves symptoms of anxiety and depression
Massaging the head encourages the supply of oxygen to the brain which is one of the best ways of reducing anxiety and of lifting one’s mood. Oxygen helps you think clearly and creatively and a similar effect is experienced through exercise.
6) Renews energy levels
An Indian Head Massage works with the Ayurvedic concept which goes beyond the limits of healing and places emphasis on balance. Working on the chakras through Indian Massage has a powerful effect in bringing the energy of the body back into balance.
7) Boosts memory capabilities
Often we have short-term memory difficulties because our brains are overloaded with disorganised thoughts, making it very difficult for us to efficiently ‘log’ and collect thoughts and occurrences.
Indian Head Massage slows us down, sensual awareness takes over, thoughts quieten and awareness is brought to the forefront. Think of it like someone pressing your ‘reset’ button.