Indian Head & Neck Massage

Indian head massage is based on an ancient Indian healing system called Ayurveda, which means “knowledge of life”. The modern Indian Head massage combines shiroabhyanga (the original family head massage), champi (more commonly found in barber shops in India) and Japanese shiatsu points. The method is not meant to be curative, but rather preventative and to reduce the progress of prevailing conditions of illness. Indian mothers for over 4000 years have given weekly Indian Head massages to their children. The points balance the chakras and clear energy blockages.

While the title indicates only the head being massaged, this massage focuses on the parts of the body most prone to tension and stress: the upper back, neck, shoulders, upper arms, face and scalp. The massage is calming yet revitalizing and combines effleurage, stroking, kneading, friction, percussion and pressure point techniques.

Indian Head massage supports the nervous system by alleviating stress, encouraging the elimination of toxins, and increasing oxygen uptake in tissues. It is a valuable technique for improving concentration and combating stress that can appear in the form of migraines, tension headaches, hair loss, psoriasis or eyestrain.

Follow normal contraindications including scalp infections, fever, head or neck injury, cold sores, infections, bruising, weeping eczema, diabetes (because of poor skin sensation), a recent hemorrhage, metal plates, recent operations, thrombosis, low blood pressure and epilepsy. Avoid in the first trimester and, as with all bodywork, clients under the influence of drugs and alcohol shouldn’t receive massage.

It’s best to have a chair with a low back. If possible, have no hair products in the hair, such as gel or hair spray. Hair should be pulled up and away to allow strokes of the neck and shoulder areas. After the first segment of the Indian Head Massage routine, hair is let down, any hair bands, scrunchies, clips or barrettes are removed, and a small amount of oil is distributed into the hair.

It is optional to use sesame seed oil (which contains phosphorous and calcium that benefits the hair shaft), olive oil or coconut oil on the scalp. The finest yet is to get organic Ayurveda oil at www.solavedi.com (phone: 203-453-1445). There, organic herbs are slowly steeped in oil in an earthen pot for several days over a low flame and poured by hand through natural cloth so each blend is made by hand in the traditional way. Oil strengthens and nourishes the hair, softens the scalp providing for improved hair growth, and increases sebum production which conditions the hair and helps clean the pores. Solavedi oil is provided in the class or you may also bring your favorite scalp oil. All strokes can be done without oil if you or your client prefers.

Indian Head Massage is becoming more popular at spas, nursing homes, hospice settings, airports and for onsite corporate massage. It is particularly helpful for people confined to a wheel chair and for any client wanting deep relaxation.

There are many different styles of Indian Head Massage. The strokes in this course were developed by Lolita Knight, the founder of Chinese Facial Massage, Fijian Massage and Soft Touch Island Massage. Lolita has gathered knowledge from individuals she befriended in the many places she visited (such as Fiji and Tonga) while living in New Zealand for 25 years. She has added the table segment of the class in response to students’ requests for an adaptation of the traditional seated technique to everyday table work.

Indian Head Massage For Chair & Table – 8 CE

This course consists of 50 strokes for the upper back, neck, shoulders, upper arms, face and scalp. They are delivered with the client fully clothed and seated in a chair. The class concludes with a 40 stroke table adaptation segment.

What to bring and special instructions:

One set of linens. Please have clean hair and use no hair products on the day of the class. If you have long hair, please bring a hair accessory to pull it back. Dress comfortably. For the table segment it’s best to bring a tank top or spa wrap to change into.

The Best of Indian Head Massage – 4 CE

This course focuses on scalp and face techniques and includes over 30 of the most useful and beneficial strokes that Indian Head Massage has to offer. Participants learn not only the best of traditional seated Indian Head Massage techniques, but also how to adapt the strokes to every day table work with the client in both prone and supine positions.

What to bring and special instructions:

One set of linens. Please have clean hair and use no hair products on the day of the class. Dress comfortably. For the table segment it’s best to bring a tank top or spa wrap to change into.