Module 6 : Eastern / Indian

Head Massage

By the end of this chapter, you will

know:
How to give an Indian/ Eastern head massage
The heritage and inspiration that this type of massage
was invented from and why
What Ayurveda is
How the upper body region works in synergy when giving a
head massage
What to do after you have given a massage

6.1 Introduction
The traditional art of Indian Head Massage
is based on the ancient system of medicine
known as Ayurveda, which has been practiced
in India for thousands of years.

Massage has always been an important feature of Indian family

life. Indian Head Massage is a treatment that has evolved from
traditional techniques that have been practiced in India as
part of a family ritual for thousands of years.

Indian Head Massage is a wonderfully relaxing massage that

originated in India, where it has been practiced for over 5000
years.

As we have said before it is based on Ayurveda, India’s

holistic healing which combines natural therapies and
encompasses the mind, body, and spirit. Ayurveda simply means
‘the science of life’ and strives to restore balance and inner
harmony to the mind, body, and spirit.

The Hindi word for head massage is ‘Champi’ and Champi is

still practiced today across India. It is passed down from
generation to generation and is very much part of family life
with children as young as six being taught this ancient skill.
Babies are massaged every day and between the ages of three
and seven years, old children receive weekly massage.

As well as the wonderful physical benefits it also helps the

family to bond and is a way of showing affection. Head
massages are also offered in barbershops as part of the
service and can also be found in most holiday resorts. Indian
Head Massage was first bought to England by Narendra Mehta.
Narendra Mehta who was blind from the age of one grew up in
India and head massage was an integral part of his life.

He came to England in the 1970s to train as a physical

therapist. But he missed his head massage, so, in 1978 he then
returned to India to study the benefits and practice of
Champissage, extending it to include neck, shoulders, and face
before introducing it to the UK in the early ’80s. There is no
right or wrong way and the sequence of movements varies from
one therapist to another.

6.2: Ayurveda
Ayurveda is recorded as the world’s oldest
Indian healing system.
The word Ayurveda comes from Sanskrit and means “the science
of life and longevity.” The Ayurvedic approach to health is
the balance of body, mind and spirit and the promotion of a
long life. Ayurveda recommends the use of massage together
with diet, herbs, cleansing, yoga, meditation, and exercise.
The ancient texts say that the human life span should be
around 100 years and that all those years should be lived in
total health, physically and emotionally. The whole aim of

Ayurveda is in prevention and with promoting positive health,

beauty, and long life. The early Ayurvedic texts, dating back
nearly 4,000 years, feature massage and the principles of
holistic treatment, in that health results from harmony within
one’s self. The Ayur-Veda, a sacred book among Hindus, written
around 1800 BC, included massage amongst its Ayurvedic
principles. The Hindus used techniques preserved in the
Sanskrit texts 2,500 years ago, which detail the underlying
principles of Ayurveda in maintaining balance in the body.

Ayurvedic principles
The Ayurvedic view of health is in physical, emotional and
spiritual wellbeing and that health is maintained by the
balance of three subtle life-giving forces or doshas: Vata,
Pitta, and Kapha.

Each of the three doshas has a role to play in the body:

Vata: This is the driving force and it relates mainly to

the body’s nervous system and energy centers.
Pitta: This represents fire and it relates to
metabolism, digestion, enzymes, acid, and bile
Kapha: This represents water in the mucous membranes,
phlegm, moisture, fat, and Lymphatics.

In Ayurveda, a person is seen as a unique individual made up

of five primary elements: ether (space), air, fire, water, and
earth.
When any of these elements are imbalanced in the environment,
they will have an influence on how an individual feels. The
foods we eat and the weather are just two of the influences on
these elements.

While each individual is a composite of the five primary

elements, certain elements are seen to have an ability to
create various physiological functions.

The elements combine with ether and air in dominance to

form what is known in Ayurveda as Vata, which governs
the principle of movement and therefore can be seen as
the force, which directs nerve impulses, circulation,
respiration, and elimination.
The elements with fire and water in dominance, combine
to form Pitta, which is responsible for the process of
transformation or metabolism. The transformation of
foods into nutrition is an example of a Pitta function.
It is predominantly the elements of water and earth that
combine to form Kapha, which is responsible for growth.
It also offers protection, for example in the form of
cerebrospinal fluid, which protects the brain and the
spinal column. The mucosal lining of the stomach is
another example of the Kapha dosha protecting the
tissues.

6.3: Does head massage work?

Can Head Massage work?

The treatments involve massage and acupressure techniques on

the upper back, shoulders, arms, hands, neck, and scalp. This
relaxes tense areas and also helps to rebalance the energy,
clearing any areas of negativity.

Indian Head Massage has reportedly many benefits, including:

 A general feeling of well-being, calmness and deep
relaxation.
The removal of toxins from tense, knotted muscles into
the lymph system, which can then be removed by manual
lymph drainage.
The stimulation and improvement of circulation and lymph
systems
Improvement of joint mobility
Higher levels of alertness and concentration

It is also said to help relieve the symptoms of:

Tension and headaches

Eyestrain and general eye problems
Tinnitus and other ear problems
Insomnia
Neck and shoulder stiffness
Sinusitis and congestion
Hair loss and thinning
Scalp tension
Mental tiredness, anxiety, and stress.

Indian Head Massage is becoming ever more popular in the

western world and it has some advantages over various other
massage treatments. Firstly, within reason, it can be carried
out almost anywhere as it is generally carried out over the
recipient’s clothing. It is also a relatively short treatment
and benefits can be felt even after a short 20-minute
treatment.

6.4: The Massage

Below is a simple sequence, which shows a
simple, yet relaxing massage for you to
follow.

It can be carried out over clothing or you can use oils on

bared shoulders, (please give your client a towel to wrap
around their chest, not only for their dignity but also to
help keep them warm).

Before you start, wash your hands and remove rings, bracelets
and your watch as these may scratch your client, there is no
need to remove your wedding ring unless you really want to.

Your nails should also be short so as not to scratch the skin.

Make sure the chair is sturdy and has a low back. A posture
stool is ideal to use for Indian head massage as it can be
adjusted to suit your height and also keep your client in a
good position.

Ask your client to remove any earrings, glasses contact lens

and neck chains. They should also brush through their hair to
remove any hair products such as hairspray or gel. If they
have long hair they should put it up in a scrunchy or similar
for the first part of the massage. You will need to let their
hair down once you start massaging the head.

You may also like to play some relaxing music to help relax
the atmosphere of both the room and your client. The sequence
set out on the next pages is not definitive so use your
intuition and adapt what feels right. If your client finds a
movement particularly nice then increase it. Equally, if they
don’t like a technique used then don’t do it. Whatever you do,
enjoy what your doing and relax, if you are relaxed, then the
client you are massaging is more likely to relax.
Note: The term client is used loosely as this massage is
designed for you to do on your friends and family.

Lets Begin
Stand with your hands resting on your client’s shoulders and
ask them to take three or four deep breaths.

You may wish to also take three or four deep breaths along
with them yourself, as this will help to relax you too. You
may also like to imagine a silver or white cocoon surrounding
you.

This is a method to help protect you from picking up any

negativity from their aura.

Upper Back
Note: Never massage directly on the spine, you could cause
some damage. Always keep approximately one inch on either
side.
With one hand resting on the client’s shoulder, gently
Effleurage, using the palm of the hand around the shoulder
blade in the shape of a “C.”

Resting your fingers on the shoulders and the thumbs either

side of the Spine sweep your thumb pads up to your fingers.
Sweep up to each finger in turn, starting with your index
finger and working your way out to your little finger.

Repeat this movement three times, slightly increasing the

pressure with each sweep.

Now using Petrissage, work on the shoulders. With your hands

on the shoulders pick up the muscles along the shoulder
working from the neck outwards.

Starting at the base of the neck using your thumb pads, apply
pressure and then gently circle your thumbs. Do this for a few
seconds then move along about a fingers width and repeat. Do
this all along the shoulder.
Then using your forearms, iron down across the shoulders and
the tops of the arms. You may find it easier to make a loose
fist with your fingers for this one. Do whatever feels right
for you

Now use a Tapotement movement called hacking. To do this keep

your forearms straight and letting your hands relax, gently
strike down towards the back with the outside edge of the
little finger of one hand. As this hand bounces up the other
falls in a rapid alternating movement. Starting at the
shoulder move up and down the top of the back. It is a good
idea to practice this movement on a cushion first. (Only use
this movement on fleshy, not bony parts).

Remember this should not be heavy but quick light strokes.

Finish the back off by calming the area with some more
soothing effleurage strokes around the shoulder blades. Now
gently stroke down either side of the spine using the index
and middle fingers.

This should feel like water running down the spine. Do this
for as long as you feel necessary.

Return to the shoulders and again gently pick up the muscle

along the shoulder working from the neck outwards using the
fingers, thumbs and palms of the hand.

Upper Arms
Effleurage up and down the arms from the shoulder to the elbow
and back up again. Do this three or four times to warm the
area. Moving to the right arm gently sandwich the top of the
arm with the flat of your hands. Squeeze gently once at the
top, once in the middle and finally just above the elbow. Now
with your fingers and thumb pads gently squeeze the same area.
Then repeat both movements on the left arm.

With a hand on each arm cup, the muscle gently squeezes and
carefully pushes the muscle away from you. Repeat this
movement three or four times. Gently iron down across the
shoulders and down the arms using the forearms.

The Neck
Supporting the front of the forehead with one hand effleurage
along the top of the shoulder and across the back of the neck.

Repeat two or three times.

Then change hands and repeat on the other side.

Now effleurage along the neck, at the hairline. Please note,

this area can be very tender.

Repeat this movement two or three times.

If you are using oils and your client’s shoulders are exposed
you might like to effleurage the whole of the back and
shoulder area to warm it up.

The Head
With alternate hands gently effleurage (stroke) from front to
back across the head, starting at one side of the head and
finishing at the other.

Then, supporting the head with one hand and using the ball of
the hand use a friction movement around the ear. repeat on the
other side of the head. Using the fingertip pads apply
frictions to the whole head.

This is a very similar action to rubbing in shampoo and is

quite invigorating.

Making sure that your nails are short and smooth, use a light
clawing movement and run your fingers through the hair working
from front to back then lightly tap the tips of your fingers
all over the head.

Now using stroking movements smooth the hair back down again.
Supporting the head with one hand apply very slight pressure
for about three seconds with the fingertips starting towards
the front just above the ear and then move back a couple of
centimeters and apply pressure again.

Keep moving towards the back of the head then return to the
front of the head and start again but this time across the top
side of the head. repeat again on the other side of the head.
Again, finish the area with some calming effleurage all over
the head.

To finish
Gently effleurage the back and shoulders again and then
squeeze along the shoulders from the neck outward.

6.5: After the Massage

Aftercare advice should be given directly after the treatment.
It is important for your Client to follow their aftercare
advice so that the full benefit of the treatment will be
gained.

Remember that Indian Head Massage can have different effects

on different people as we are all individuals and unique in
our own way.

When your client is about to stand always look to

support them if necessary.
Your clients should be encouraged to rest and relax
after their treatment. This will ensure that the body is
able to heal itself.
Your client should drink plenty of water to help speed
up the removal of toxins from the body.
Coffee, tea, and soda should be avoided as they contain
caffeine which is a stimulant and therefore will not
help your client to relax.
 You should suggest that your client should not smoke or
drink alcohol for about 24 hours as the treatment is a
detoxifying one and smoking and drinking will
reintroduce toxins into the body.
It may be wise to ask your client to wait for about
fifteen to twenty minutes after the treatment before
driving home, especially if they feel sleepy.
Suggest that your client protects their hair from the
sun by wearing a hat to prevent it from becoming dry.

Hair Care
After the Indian head massage your clients should also be
given advice about their hair care:

Suggest that their hair should be brushed regularly to

help distribute the natural oil (sebum) and stimulate
the blood circulation to the scalp.
Suggest that a well-balanced diet is eaten with a fair
amount of water intake. Also, fruit and vegetables to
provide nutrients that will ensure healthy, shiny,
strong hair.
Suggest that they avoid chemical processes such as
bleaching or a perm, which can damage the hair and cause
excessive drying.
Suggest that they do not overuse hairdryers, flat irons,
or curling irons, as they are very drying to the hair
and will cause split ends.
Suggest that they regularly condition the hair and use
conditioning treatments. Those containing keratin are
especially recommended.

After an Indian head massage, your client will usually feel

relaxed and reap the benefits of the treatment, but
occasionally a client may experience a contra-action. A
contra-action is a reaction that may happen during or after
the massage treatment.
They include:

Tiredness can be caused by the release of toxins. The

body will need to rest to enable its healing energies to
carry out their work effectively. After the tiredness
has disappeared your client should feel refreshed and
full of energy.
Your client may experience a heightened emotional state
– feeling a little emotional, perhaps even tearful. This
is due to the cleansing of the mind and emotions caused
by the rebalancing of the chakras. It is a good way for
the client to release tension.
Your client may experience aching or soreness in the
muscles, this is due to the release of toxins and the
body’s nerves responding to the deep massage work,
providing you have massaged with due care. These
reactions are normal and show that toxins are being
expelled from the body so that it is rebalancing and
cleansing itself.

6.6: Watch the instructional video

below to learn how to perform
Indian head massage

Indian Head Massage – 29 min

Lessons Learned

In this module, you have learned how to give a proper Eastern

head massage.

You have learned about the heritage and culture that inspired
Indian or Eastern head massage techniques. We have discussed
the Aryuveda principles about physical, spiritual and mental
wellbeing.
You now also know how to give a proper massage on the head
while paying attention to other upper body parts such as the
neck and shoulders. You have also viewed an instructional
video to help with referencing proper technique.

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