Health & FitnessAlternative MedicineMassage away your stresses with an Indian Head massage Massage away your stresses with an Indian Head massage
By Kate Morley - 14/02/2008
When I was asked if I’d like to go and report on the ancient therapy of Indian Head Massage for the Mature Times, I jumped at the chance. As a long term sufferer of migraines, I’ve lost count of the remedies I’ve tried and abandoned - from the feverfew sandwiches to working my way though the different types of new generation ‘triptans’. As a last resort, I once even tried giving up red wine and chocolate – the longest twenty minutes of my life, as the late George Best famously said.
So what effect would massage have - on both migraine and my award winning insomnia? Not being a ‘treatment’ kind of girl, I have to say I was faintly apprehensive, but Sam, a qualified and practicing Holistic therapist, was reassuring, welcoming, and extremely knowledgeable as she explained some of the principles behind the treatment.
Indian head massage originates from Ayurveda, the oldest medical practice in the world. Dating back to around 3,500 BC, the practice originated from the Indus Valley in India, and today, this ancient system of treatment is attracting growing interest and wider use all over the world, with some companies even providing them as a benefit to their employees in the workplace. Ayurveda aims to treat mind, body, and spirit and relieve symptoms of disease, and it can be used on a long term basis with no ill effect and helps to prevent illness, rather than simply waiting to cure it. The head massage is considered particularly good for conditions such as headaches, tension, insomnia, tinnitus, and hair loss, the latter because it improves circulation to the scalp. It goes without saying that before undertaking any kind of treatment, you should always check that the therapist is properly qualified, and you should advise them of any medical conditions from which you may be suffering.
The actual massage is a combination of ancient techniques and modern awareness of the importance of a holistic approach for treating the scalp, face, neck, shoulders and upper arms. As Sam explained, it is extremely effective for treating stress because it works on the areas of the body most affected - the shoulders and upper back, neck, and head. However, although the treatment focuses on the upper torso and head the effects are felt throughout the mind and body, reducing anxiety, improving skin tone and slowing the heart rate.
As most of my apprehensive feelings about massage were related to issues around getting undressed, I was very relieved to hear that this particular therapy is carried out fully clothed and sitting in a chair - perfect for those who also, like me, finding lying on a flat surface uncomfortable for any length of time.
The massage itself was really very pleasant indeed. Sam used a lovely smelling combination of scented oils, and worked initially on my scalp. The sensation was enormously relaxing – a bit like having your hair washed at the hairdressers, but more soothing, (and without either scalding or freezing water down your neck!) and I could quite easily imagine drifting off to sleep during this bit. Sam then massaged my temples, explaining throughout the benefits of what she was doing.
This was followed by a shoulder massage, during which I could actually feel Sam gently working out a stubborn knot above my right shoulder blade. The whole process took around 20 minutes, although Sam explained she could do a more complex version lasting 45 minutes to produce even more benefits. At the end of the treatment, I felt wonderful; fully refreshed and clear-headed. That night, I slept like a baby for the first time in ages, and although it’s only been a few days, not a headache in sight - thoroughly recommended!
Sam is a mobile therapist, able to visit clients in their own homes. She is ITEC qualified in Holistic Swedish massage, certified in Hopi ear candle treatment, Reiki level 1 & 2, Certified by ANHC, GOA India in Ayurveda massage and holds an IPM Certificate for no hands massage. She is passionate to pass on her knowledge, and offers short courses in Swedish Massage, Hopi Ear Candle treatment, Indian head Massage, Energy Rebalancing, Numerology, Stress Management, and Employee Wellbeing.
To find out more, or to book a treatment or attend a course, visit Sam’s website linked below, email sam@specialhealinghands.com or call her on 07931 625272. Please note that Sam is only available in the Bristol and Bath area.