by Piper Zoe

      

Indian head massage is a relaxing therapy involving massage of the upper back, shoulders, neck, head and face. It purports to provide relief from aches and pains and stress symptoms, promote hair growth, soothe, comfort and rebalance skin and provide a sense of deep calmness and tranquility. Indian head massage is based on the ancient Ayurvedic healing system. Ayurveda is ancient Indian for “Knowledge of Life” and is a traditional holistic system of medicine. The Indian Head Massage is one of the methods used for over 4,000 years to help towards overall good health.

In India, Indian Head Massage is performed in the barber shop. Pungent oils are used on the hair such as mustard and sesame seed and those specifically designed to promote hair growth.

However, in the United States and Europe, many spas and practitioners offer this very relaxing treatment, which relieves tightness around the neck and shoulders and can also aid in relieving headaches caused by nervous tension. There are also great books that offer detailed information on how to perform this type of massage. One such book is Authentic Indian Head Massage: "Malish" by Kush Kumar.

Indian Head Massage works on both physical and mental states. It disperses toxins from tense and knotted muscles, improves blood circulation in previously congested muscles, and helps oxygenate the brain. Indian Head Massage induces a state of calm, peace and tranquility and promotes high levels of alertness and concentration.

OTHER BENEFITS:
General relaxation for the muscles
Fibrous adhesions can be released (knots)
Toxins can be released from tense muscles
Neck and shoulder stiffness can be relieved
Increase in oxygen to muscles
Improve circulation, providing brain with extra oxygen
Stimulates the lymphatic flow
Aids joint mobility
Promotes hair growth
Alleviates: eye strain, tinnitus, jaw ache, sinus congestion, insomnia, neck/shoulder pain

Before you begin:

  • Change into comfortable clothes.
  • Find a quiet, relaxing place.
  • Sit up straight in a chair with your back resting on the back support, placing both your feet flat on the floor.
  • Concentrate on relaxing your entire body.
  • Use essential oils- the fragrance chosen will further help to relax stiff muscles. (For dry hair: olive, sesame or cold-compressed sunflower oil should be used. Greasy hair should be massaged with almond or sesame oil. To increase hair growth sandalwood or rosemary can be tried. If you suffer from dandruff, try a few drops of tea tree.)

The following are basic moves or techniques you can try on yourself:

- Warm the essential oil in the palm of your hands, using your palms and fingertips rub the oil onto your head and hair, begin at the crown.

- Then go from the sides and back of your head up to the crown, use your fingertips and thumbs to press on the scalp in a downward and forward manner creating heat through friction by using small, rhythmic movements over one spot.

- Make sure to work your way over the entire head, again coming up from the sides and back.

- Next, place the heels of your hands over your temples, keep one hand still and vigorously move the other hand up and down on the same spot. Repeat this step using the other hand as well and then do the same at the front and back of your head.

- Run your fingertips through your hair at the sides of your head and at the same time close your fingers and gently pull.

- Now gently rub the areas in front and above of your ears, using a circular motion.

- Then, put your hands on your temples with your fingers pointing upwards then repeatedly squeeze for five seconds and release. Repeat this while squeezing the area above your ears.

- The muscles on either side of your neck at the bottom of your skull are massaged next, by quickly rubbing them up and down with your fingertips. Then, tilt your head back and rest it on your thumbs, for fifteen seconds.

- Finally, squeeze and relax your neck muscles, gently pulling them in a circular motion and go down and across to the tips of your shoulders. Use the right hand for the right side of your neck and the left for the left side. Lightly pass your fingers through your hair to relax you head.

The modern world we live in often puts us on the fast track, without a lot of time left for relaxing, causing more stress and tension in our bodies. Ancient ways and techniques can prove to be helpful in the relief of some of this stress. Ayurveda is a system for us to be more conscious of life and the Indian Head Massage is wonderful way to become aware of releasing tension and enjoying physical relaxation.

 

     

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© Melt Magazine 2005