Originally practised by the women of India, who have used it for centuries as a means of keeping their long hair in a healthy condition by increasing the sebum production of the hair follicles., Indian Head Massages are based on the Ayurvedic system of healing.
According to Wikipedia: “Champissage, also known as an Indian head massage (possibly a portmanteau of chāmpi, the Hindi term for the practice, and massage) is a trademarked term for an alternative medicine massage therapy. In champissage, the head, neck and face are massaged with the purpose of manipulating energy channels. The goal is to clear blocks in these energy channels that cause a build-up of negative energy that are purported to cause ailments. The belief is when the energy does not flow properly, negative energy builds up, causing common ailments, including stress, pain and nociception pains and aches, and baldness or hair loss. Champissage is practiced all over Europe.”
The technique was brought to the west in the 1970s by Narendra Mehta, a young Indian man, who became blind when he was one year old. and experienced the benefits during his childhood. He came to England to train as a physical therapist but returned home, in 1978, to study the benefits and practice of champissage, extending it to include the face, neck, and shoulders and developing a sequence of specific movements which he then brought back to England, although a quarter of a century on, the treatment may vary from one therapist to the next.
The head massage can be performed almost anywhere with the patient comfortably seated and fully clothed. Massage, Shiatsu and Acupressure techniques are used on the scalp, neck, shoulders, arms, hands and face, helping to eliminate muscular tension, rebalance the energy and stimulate the supply of nutrients to the tissues. This, in turn, promotes the removal of the metabolic waste which can cause stress and muscular pain within the body. Treatments normally last between 20 and 45 minutes and allow an opportunity for the client to sit quietly for a few moments once the massage has been completed.
By relaxing muscular tension and increasing joint mobility and flexibility in the neck and shoulders, Indian Head Massages can alleviate problems with eye strain, headaches and other stress-related disorders, leaving the recipient calm and ready to rejoin the hustle of daily life.
Indian Head Massages should be avoided if the patient has suffered with thrombosis, embolism or spondylosis. It is also contra-indicated if there has been any form of recent surgery or an injury to the head or neck.
After a treatment some clients may notice aching muscles, dizziness and fatigue. They may also experience the urge to urinate more frequently as the body eliminates the released waste materials and toxins.
If you suffer with regular headaches or stiff shoulders, call The Ark: Massage in Southend and Leigh on 01702 710531 to discuss the beneficial effects of Indian Head Massages.
Does pain and restricted movement interfere with the way you live your life?
