Indian head massage is a relaxing holistic treatment that uses acupressure massage on the head, face, neck and shoulders. It aims to rebalance your body's energies.
Indian head massage is an ancient complementary therapy, based on the ayurvedic system of healing that has been practiced in India over for over a thousand years. This gentle form of massage therapy is part of Indian family life.
Part of the Hindu health care practice of Ayurveda, Indian head massage focuses on your head, neck and shoulders and was originally used to improve scalp and hair condition. It is a deep massage, using a variety of pressure and techniques, including circular massage strokes on your scalp, deep tissue work on your shoulders, and stretching the neck.
Indian head massage has become a popular addition to spa treatments or rituals, such as massage and facials.
This form of massage focuses on the three higher "chakras" - mind, body and spirit and as such hits your energy epicentre.
It doesn't seem sufficient to say that a good Indian head massage will relax you. It's more than this. It can make you feel detached and serene, leave you sighing and wordless, but also alert and clear-headed, alleviating brain-fog and stress.
Even if you don't experience this level of relaxation, this massage treatment offers all kinds of other benefits. It may relieve aches, pains and tension in your neck, back and shoulders and stimulating the hair follicles is said to improve the texture of your hair and encourage hair growth.
An Indian head massage stimulates blood flow, lymph and oxygen in your upper body, and therefore may relieve sinusitis, relieve stress and help you sleep better. And because it is said to help cure headaches (even migraine), eye strain and anxiety, some say an Indian head massage can help you to concentrate better at work.
The use of fragrant aromatherapy oils mixed enhances the experience. If you are having an authentic Ayurveda treatment, herbs may be mixed to balance your dosha or energy type.
You should wear loose-fitting clothing, so that you don't feel restricted or uncomfortable. It's a good idea not to have too many layers. For an Indian head massage, the masseur is liable to want to massage your neck and shoulders, even your upper back, so a polo neck is a bad idea, as is complicated or tight-fitting underwear.
Indian head massage is kind to hair; it is not kind to hair-dos. Remove any hair bands, clips or slides before you go in, and book that hair appointment for the day after.
Bear in mind as well that as you may have oils rubbed into your scalp - you might want to take a cap, "Alice" or other hair band with you to make yourself look respectable on your way home, or back at work.
As with any treatment it is important to tell your therapist in advance if you:
as this may affect the kind of oil and treatment you receive.
Be aware that after your massage your hair will smell very strongly of the essential oils used during the massage. If you're going out for a meal afterwards, you might want to give your hair a good wash beforehand. Chances are it will still smell good, but less overpowering.
A complete Indian head massage will probably take between 25 and 45 minutes. Your therapist will probably chat with you beforehand to get an idea of your lifestyle, any particular aches, pains or ailments you have. She may ask you if you are having any medical treatments or taking medicines, as this might affect which oils she uses, and what type of pressure and technique.
In an Indian head massage, you are likely to have oils rubbed into your scalp. You may be asked whether you have dry, greasy, normal hair so that the therapist can use an oil which will most improve your hair's shine and texture. It's worth mentioning, too, if you have dandruff, or thinning hair, as some oils are can help improve these conditions.
Be prepared for the fact that some of the massage will be quite firm - it can be quite an odd sensation to have your skull massaged, for example - but stick with it. You will feel really relaxed and serene afterwards. The results are worth it.
Get this treatment combined with a neck, shoulder and back massage and we defy you to have any stress left. This Good Spa Spy emerged from the treatment room after a combined treatment (Espa Advanced Specialist Back and Neck Facial) feeling as though I had fallen into a pool of valium, or was it love...?
One Good Spa Guide had bad luck with her treatment and said that the head massage was quite painful - it shouldn't be. Speak to your therapist in advance if you're worried and always tell them at any stage if you feel uncomfortable with what they're doing.
After an Indian head massage you are likely to feel great: relaxed, serene, ache-free, clear-headed, ready to tackle that important report for work, run the children ragged round the park, or fall asleep immediately, depending on the kind of oils used probably!
But beware: you will feel great; you won't look great. With all that oil stiffening on your hair, you'll probably look like you put conditioner on it three days ago and forgot to rinse it out.
In the long-term, the deep-down effects of your Indian head massage may well leave your hair softer, shinier and in much better condition; in the short-term, wear a hat or a very cunning hair band.
A lot of generic head and neck massages are based on techniques that you'll find in Indian head massage. What you will find is that they may have removed the harder elements and will just stick to the gentler movements. This is fine, but may do you less good.
Indian head massage - in its pure or a derivative form - features as a component of many other treatments, including specific massages or facials, or combined treatments or rituals.
Why not try an Indian Head Massage on your next spa day?
This article was updated in November 2018
Summer Spy
29th April 2014
Spy Likes:
Warmth and sunshine; spas which take me away to another country; fruit infused waters; beach-worth pedicures; deep tissue massages.
Spy Dislikes:
High footfalls; treatments that over promise and under deliver; heavy lunches; loungers drapped in used towels.
