Get Your ‘Head’ in the Clouds with an Indian Head Massage
It’s a universal “Yes!” when you ask anyone if they feel better after enjoying a scalp, head, and shoulder massage. Head massages from a trained practitioner are unrivaled when it comes to relaxation.
Is it just in our head or does kneading, stroking, and circling this part of the body surrounding the brain really elicit some physiological response? Turns out that despite the relatively immobile cranium (commonly known as the skull bone), small muscles around the head respond well to touch. And this part of the body is the closest to the brain, which processes sensations.
Massage helps reduce muscle spasms and stress in parts of the body prone to tightness and tension. Although the scalp and back of the head contain only small muscles that play no part in moving your body around or resisting heavy loads, tension can build up in this area. Head massage is believed to promote relaxation and healing by stimulating pressure points (called “marma” – read more about that below) on the head, neck and shoulders.
Researchers tested a group of students for the effects of head massage on their well-being. The study found that head massage treatment reduced depression symptoms, decreased feelings of boredom, and positively influenced anxiety levels by elevating the feeling of liveliness1.
History of Indian Head Massage
As the name suggests, Indian Head Massage has its origins in India and dates back over 5000 years when it was featured in the earliest Ayurvedic texts. Ayurveda, if you didn’t know, is the oldest system of medicine on the earth and is generally accepted to be the forerunner of all the great healing systems of the world.
Head massage is very common in India – the techniques having been passed through the generations for thousands of years. It is based on the traditional form of Champi, an Indian word denoting a particular massage technique. Originally used as part of grooming in India, it has developed in the West to be a popular complementary therapy used by many for many different reasons.
According to Ayurveda, there are 107 vital energy sites called marma points on the surface of the body. Marma are the anatomical sites where masma (muscles), sira (vascular system), syanu (ligaments and tendons), asthi (bones), sandhi (joints) unite. Similar to acupressure, marma stimulation has been used for thousands of years to treat physical and emotional distress. Of the 107 marma points, 37 are located in the head and neck region. That’s more than 1/3 of the total points present on only about 9% of the total surface area of an adult body! This is what makes Indian Head Massage so beneficial and therapeutic.
How Indian Head Massage is Performed
The traditional Indian head massage typically begins with the client seated in a comfortable position. In the West, it is also performed with the client lying face-up on a massage table. The massage therapist starts with a gentle neck and shoulder massage addressing any trigger points (knots) along the way to help the client relax. Then, warm oil is applied to the scalp and hair. Oil has its benefits in nourishing the hair and scalp, but is optional as the massage can be performed dry based on the client’s preference.
The massage therapist uses a combination of techniques, including kneading, stroking, circling and tapping, to massage the scalp, forehead, temples, neck, and shoulders. As described in Ayurveda, here are some examples of the techniques that stimulate the corresponding marma points1:
- Holding the head with both palms and all 5 fingers and rubbing the temporal region up and down – Utkshepa marma
- Press the fingers on the trapezius muscle along its point of attachment with the shoulder blade – Ansa-phalak marma
The pressure applied is usually firm, but not too hard or painful. The massage could last anywhere from 15 to 45 minutes, depending on the client’s preferences and needs.
Benefits of Indian Head Massage
Apart from the pampering aspect of the treatment, massage has many physiological and emotional benefits. Indian Head Massage is known to:
- improve blood flow to the head and neck
- relieve muscular tensions
- relieve physical and emotional stress2
- promote deep relaxation
- help relieve eye strain and also, deep congestion in the head
- relieve stress and anxiety by increasing the level of endorphins
- create a feeling of balance and well-being
- improve hair and scalp conditions3
Whether you’re seeking relief from headaches, tension, or simply want to improve your hair’s health, an Indian head massage could be just what you need. This traditional technique has stood the test of time for a reason and can provide a much-needed break from the stresses of daily life. So why not give it a try and feel like you are floating on a cloud?
Abhi, the Registered Massage Therapist at Toronto Massage Therapy, offers standalone Indian Head Massage sessions or in combination with other treatments on request. Book your appointment here.
References:
- Murota M, Iwawaki Y, Uebaba K, Yamamoto Y, Takishita Y, Harada K, Shibata A, Narumoto J, Fukui K. Physical and Psychological Effects of Head Treatment in the Supine Position Using Specialized Ayurveda-Based Techniques. J Altern Complement Med. 2016 Jul;22(7):526-32. doi: 10.1089/acm.2015.0388. Epub 2016 May 10. PMID: 27163344; PMCID: PMC4939366.
- Ackerley R, Aimonetti JM, Ribot-Ciscar E. Emotions alter muscle proprioceptive coding of movements in humans. Sci Rep. 2017 Aug 16;7(1):8465. doi: 10.1038/s41598-017-08721-4. PMID: 28814736; PMCID: PMC5559453
- Koyama T, Kobayashi K, Hama T, Murakami K, Ogawa R. Standardized Scalp Massage Results in Increased Hair Thickness by Inducing Stretching Forces to Dermal Papilla Cells in the Subcutaneous Tissue. Eplasty. 2016 Jan 25;16:e8. PMID: 26904154; PMCID: PMC4740347.