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Friday, 23 June 2006 16:28

Indian Head Massage

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What is Indian Champissage or Head Massage?
Indian Champissage or head massage is a relaxing therapy involving the massage of the upper back, shoulders, neck, head, and face. It provides relief from aches, pains, and stress symptoms, promotes hair growth, and rejuvenates the skin. Above all, it provides a deep sense of calmness and tranquility. Indian Head Massage is a wonderfully relaxing therapy that is physically, mentally, and spiritually healing. The massage is safe and simple to learn and very effective to give.

The techniques used in Indian Head Massage for maintaining health and wellness have been handed down for generations. It is a holistic therapy, renowned for relieving symptoms of stress, anxiety, depression, and mental tension. The relaxation created by the Indian head massage induces relaxation between a person's inner and outer selves.
The beauty of Indian head massage is that you can have it almost anywhere - at home, work, or in a salon. You can be clothed or unclothed to receive this massage treatment, and the giver may use oils, cream, powder or nothing. Champissage is most effective when you receive it from someone else. However, self-massage can be very beneficial, as well.Simply mix cold water blended with oil and it is a very effective base for the head massage. It is versatile, in that it can be carried out anywhere, any time.

Origins of Indian Head Massage
Champi is the Indian word for "head massage" and is the origin of the English word shampoo. "Champi" in Hindi means, "having your head massaged." Being 'champi-ed' means having your head massaged.
Indian head massage is based on the ancient Ayurvedic healing system, practiced in India for over four thousand years. Women who used different oils such as coconut, almond, olive, and sesame according to the season to keep their hair strong, lustrous, and beautiful originally developed this massage. The technique is highly favored among Indian women who believe that regular head massage with natural vegetable oils keeps their long hair strong and healthy. Indian head massage helps to combat hair loss.

Description of Indian Head Massage
Venue
The location should have good ventilation; natural light is preferable but not essential. This can be performed indoors or outdoors

Materials
All you will need is a chair for the person being massaged to sit on. It is also preferable to have a pillow as a barrier between the massage therapist and the receiver

Time
A massage may last anywhere from 30 minutes-one hour

Background Music
Soft calm music in the background can help relax the client.

Sequence
a. Before starting ask the client to remove any heavy outdoor clothing and any accessories in the hair.
b. The massage therapist should wash her hands.
c. Client should sit up straight in a chair with their back resting on the back. Both feet must be placed flat on the floor.
d. The massage therapist should ask the client to take in a few deep breaths and concentrate on relaxing the shoulders.
e. Gently place your hands on the crown of the client's head. Using the palms and fingertips rub the head, going from the sides and back of your head up to the crown.
f. Use your fingertips and thumbs to press on the scalp in a downward and forward manner. This creates heat through friction by using small, rhythmic movements over one spot.
g. Run your fingertips through the hair at the sides of the head and at the same time close your fingers. Gently rub the areas in front and above the ears, using a circular motion.
h. The muscles on either side of the neck at the bottom of the skull are massaged next, by quickly rubbing them up and down with the fingertips. Then, tilt the head back and rest it on the thumbs for fifteen seconds.
i. Squeeze and relax the neck muscles, gently pulling them in a circular motion and go down and across to the tips of the shoulders. Use the right hand for the right side of the neck and the left for the left side.

After the Massage
It is essential to supply plenty of water to drink after the massage session as it can release toxins into the system. It is also advisable that massage is not carried out on anyone that has been drinking alcohol. Once a massage has been complete the client should remain at rest for at least 20 minutes.

Some Basic Techniques of Indian Head Massage

Petrissage-This is like gently kneading dough. Each movement should be slow and careful, without causing pain. Petrissage will help relax the muscles, increase circulation, help lymphatic flow and aid the release of trapped toxins. Use slight pressure on the thumbs.

Cupping is performed by arching the hands at the knuckles, keeping the fingers straight, and using the hollow part of the fists alternately in rapid up-and-down movements.

Kneading is a stimulating stroke used for releasing toxins, tightness, and tensions from muscles and delivering a revitalizing supply of oxygenated blood to the areas beingmassaged. It is mainly used on the fleshy parts of the body and it resembles the action of kneading dough.

Ruffling is used in stroking the hair. Using your dominant hand with fingers outstretched for maximum contact, ruffle your partner's hair. Keep your wrist really loose and remember to ruffle the sides and back of your partner's hair. The lighter the touch, the better. This feather-light, playful touching of the scalp is very pleasurable.

Effleurage- A series of gentle, soothing strokes. This uses the whole hand in strokes that can be long, short, firm, or gentle. Keep your hands relaxed in this movement to allow the muscles to relax, nerve endings to be soothed, circulation increased, stress and tension relieved.
Although it is fairly easy to learn the basics of Indian Head Massage, this form of massage should not be taken lightly, it is both subtle and deep, leaving the client feeling deeply relaxed, rejuvenated, and deeply affected.

Benefits of Indian Head Massage: Physical / Mental Benefits

Significant improvement is noticed in the following conditions:

Migraine
Sinusitis
Stimulates the lymphatic system
Insomnia and disturbed sleep
Muscle tension is relieved in the head, upper back, and shoulder
Increases flexibility in the neck and shoulder area
Improves skin and hair conditions
Stimulates nerve function
Helps hair growth

Indian Head Massage promotes:

A sense of calmness, peace and tranquility
A release from anxiety
Relief from depression
High levels of concentration
Clearer thinking
Sound sleep
Offers stress relief
The release of stagnant energy
Chakra balancing and energetic healing
Helps to aid sleep

Balance and Harmony
A head massage treatment works to bring balance and harmony by working on the three higher chakras. These are located at the throat, forehead (third eye), and crown. The Sanskrit names are Vissuddha, Ajna and Sahasrara respectively. The chakras are widely described as etheric whirlpools of energy in the form of lotus flowers with varying numbers of petals, which are situated at seven positions on the torso and head with the flowers at the front of the body and the stem going through the central spinal column. Head massage serves to bring balance and harmony to the whole person.

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