Indian Head Massage

What is Indian Head Massage?

Indian head massage is part of the ayurvedic system. Ayurveda, ‘the science of life’ is an ancient medical system, believed by many to be the oldest medical system in the world. It emphasizes the uniqueness of the individual, aiming to restore balance and inner harmony to the mind, body and spirit, improving health and prolonging life. Ayurveda recommends the use of massage, mainly to improve blood circulation and expel toxins from the body.
Indian women traditionally practiced head massage as part of their grooming, initially limiting it to the head and hair, with the objective of keeping the hair in beautiful condition. Barbers also practiced combining hair cuts with head massage. The tradition was brought to the west by Narenda Mehta, a blind therapist who grew up in India and trained in England as a physiotherapist in the 1970’s. Disappointed that massage in England did not extend to the head, he formulated techniques for the head massage to include the neck, shoulders and upper arms as well as the head, combining massage with ayurvedic elements of energy points or chakras, creating a therapy he called Indian Champissage. It is based on acupressure massage, and its benefits are felt throughout the body. The upper arms, shoulders, neck, head and face are massaged to promote relaxation and relieve tension.

Indian head massage is excellent for treating both physical and mental ailments:

  • It relaxes muscle and nerve fibres, it relieves tension, pain and fatigue.
  • It increases oxygen supply to the brain, aiding clarity of thought and concentration and relieving mental strain.
  • It stimulates endorphin release, helping natural pain relief and increasing feelings of wellbeing.
  • It reduces stress.
  • It promotes restful sleep

After a treatment a person feels calmer and more energized.
While all of these therapies on this site are widely used to compliment conventional medicine, it is important to mention that they should not be used as a replacement for conventional medicine.

Therapist and owner at Purple Lotus: Sinéad Coleman