INDIAN HEAD MASSAGE
Indian
head massage has been practiced in India for hundreds of years. It was
originally used within the family to keep long hair in a healthy condition, and
is now also used to relieve the stress and tension of everyday life.
A
full Indian head massage will treat the upper back, upper arms, shoulders, neck,
face and head. Parts of those areas can be missed out if the client so wishes,
or if the practitioner advises. For instance, if there is an injury or infection
in a particular part of the body it is better to avoid that area.
Many
people do find varying benefits from the treatment; I myself have found relief
from back pain after receiving a treatment from a colleague - that was something
I was not expecting as Indian head massage does not extend to the lower back
which is where my problem was! My own clients report a relief of muscle tension
and/or restoration of joint movement one of my clients was advised by a
chiropractor to continue with regular Indian head massage for a long-standing
and painful neck injury as he felt it would be more beneficial that his own
treatment! Others find they have a general feeling of relaxation, clarity of
thought, relief of sinus problems. Some of these benefits can and do lead to an
improvement in the way people are able to cope with the stresses and strains of
daily life; if a person is generally more relaxed, or not in pain, daily
problems don't seem so insurmountable.
The
original function of Indian head massage was to keep long hair in good condition
and this still works very well if oil is used for the treatment. Hair that has
become very dry and out of condition -
possibly by overuse of colourings and perms can be
brought "back to life" again with the addition of the oils and
stimulation of the circulation generated by Indian head massage.
A
very "portable" therapy, Indian head massage can be carried out over
light clothing; it is not essential to use oils or talcum powder; I have carried
out Indian head massage on kitchen tables, office desks, on a train, in a car
stuck in a traffic jam (a light Indian head massage soothed a fractious
grandchild, much to the relief of everyone else in the vehicle!). The ideal
place is the therapy room, of course, but sometimes improvisation is necessary!
Before
making an appointment for Indian head massage it is wise to bear in mind that
the treatment could have an unexpected effect upon you. You could feel
tired/sleepy, have a runny nose, headache, or even feel rather emotional after a
treatment. This is quite normal and it is a good idea to book an appointment
when you are able to have a little free
time afterwards to recover. If you do have a serious health problem, the
therapist may need written agreement from your doctor before he/she is able to
treat you. Please discuss that with them before making an appointment.
As
always, I maintain that different therapies suit different people, what works
for your next-door neighbour may not work for you, but it is well worth trying
different therapies until you find the right one for you!