Do You Fancy A Champissage? (Indian Head Massage)

Member Name: ks.h

Product:	Indian Head Massage
Date:	22/02/02 (1923 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Helps reduce stress, Relaxing, Calming

Disadvantages: None

Indian Head Massage known, as “Champissage” in India is part of the practice of Ayurveda – the science of life, Ayur meaning life and veda meaning knowledge, the philosophy behind this practice is that prevention is better than cure.

Ayurveda has been practised for thousands of years and it is a traditional Indian practise, it is centred around the belief that five elements exist in different proportions and combinations to make up everything in the universe and it is probably the oldest recorded form of medical treatment.

The five elements are:

Air
This element is thought to bring contentment and happiness. Think of wind or aromas as being in constant movement, air is also connected to the sense of touch.

Water
This element represents attraction and coherence. Two-thirds of our planet is made up of water and our bodies consist largely of water, this element suggests the sense of taste and the emotion of love.

Fire
This element represents heat, light, transformation, power and energy; it is linked to the power of sight.

Earth
The element of stability and security and it is linked to the sense of smell.

Space
The element of spirituality and enlightenment, think of space as giving unlimited possibilities; it is linked with the sense of sound.

Ayurveda tradition teaches that these five elements make up the three main mind/body types, called doshes that influence everything from physical characteristics to personality traits in human beings. For total good health it is believed that these energies must be balanced, we must feel healthy on mental, physical and spiritual levels to ensure lasting good health.

The practice of Ayurveda also recognises that we are constantly changing and that each individual embodies all elements in a unique combination called our prakruti. As individuals we change and influence the balance and effects of the e
lements in several ways; we can influence the balance through stress and also through grooming and Indian Head Massage helps address both of these.

Head Massage has always been an important part of Indian life as a method of relieving pain, stress and healing. There is also a rich Indian tradition of family grooming which still exists today, different oils and techniques are developed using Almond, Coconut, Mustard, Olive and Sesame oils to keep hair strong and lustrous. In India it is practiced informally in many villages, on street corners, markets and on the beach because it can be carried out with the client fully clothed sitting in an ordinary chair and a basic head massage can be completed in only ten minutes on dry hair, however they have been known to go on for over one hour if the client also requires massage on the upper back, shoulders and neck.

A full Indian Head Massage incorporates deep thumb and finger pressure, friction and firm gentle soothing movements that cover the upper back, shoulders, upper arms, neck, scalp and face. These techniques reduce muscular and nervous tension and improve circulation of blood and lymphatic fluids; in turn this helps oxygenate the cells flushing out both physical and emotional toxins. It also stretches and mobilizes the tissues of the neck and shoulders and helps to stimulate and improve scalp circulation encouraging the flow of nutrients to hair follicles, which enhances nourishment of the hair and revitalizes hair growth.

An Indian Head Massage can benefit the receiver by:

Stimulating and improving scalp circulation

Improving texture, strength and growth of hair

Relaxing the scalp and toning up scalp muscles

Relieving headaches and eyestrain

Eliminating muscle tension and stimulating circulation in the neck and shoulders

Stimulating lymphatic drainage

Improving joint movement

Stretching and improving mobility in neck a
nd shoulder tissue

Helping to improve sinus problems

Helping to improve concentration

Helping relaxation and sleeping by rebalancing energy flow leaving you with a sense of peace and tranquillity.

In salons an Indian Head Massage can cost anything from twenty pounds upwards, there are a lot of mobile therapists who advertise from eight pounds upwards for block bookings and the mobile therapist will normally visit an office block to see clients during lunch breaks. One of my sons works in a large office block in the Newcastle area and the company he works for subsidises the massage and therefore he is able to enjoy an Indian Head Massage lasting twenty minutes for five pounds or a ten-minute massage for three pounds. Most local colleges that have beauty therapy courses are always glad of volunteers for trainee therapists to experiment on, some colleges will charge the client a nominal fee but a lot of colleges actually give the treatment free, so if you are feeling brave give your local college a ring.

If you don’t fancy going to a salon, engaging the service of a mobile therapist or being a volunteer at the local college why not try this simple home head massage:

Massage your head with warm water (not too hot because this over-stimulates the sebaceous glands creating excess oils) then wrap your head in a warm towel until your hair is fifty percent dry.

Mix a few drops of your favourite essential oils with a good conditioner (as lightly fragranced as possible) or use a lavender or rose water as the carrying agent. Never use undiluted essential oils because they are too strong to be applied directly to the scalp with the exception of Tea Tree Oil.

With a circular motion of the fingers and thumbs, start at the base of the neck; work your way to the centre of the hairline at the front, then around to the sides and back to the front again.

Shampoo afterwards to help break down the oils
then finish off with a good conditioner, smoothing it to the ends of the hair, gently pulling the ends to give the scalp a tingly sensation.

Although you can use whatever oils you want some good oils are:

Tea Tree oil is soothing and healing

Lavender oil is relaxing and good to use before bed

Mint is uplifting

Coconut and almond oil all contribute towards healthy looking hair, stimulate hair growth and are thought to slow down the greying process

Olive and Sesame oil do the same as coconut and almond with the added benefit of being natural sunscreens and filter between twenty and twenty-five percent of the suns harmful rays.

Why not use a favourite essential oil and ask a loved one to give you a simple Indian Head Massage and then return the favour

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