WELLNESS: Health begins at the Head: the return of the Indian Head Massage.

Ever remember having your head rubbed as a child by your mother or going to a hair-stylist and getting a super-good shampoo that you never wanted to end or getting a full-on head rubbing at the barbers shop that made your heart soar and your head spin? Where can you get that light-headed lift these days when you need one and why does it feel so unbelievably amazing?

The Indian Head massage is making a major comeback or rather being introduced here in Vancouver and North America at large by those who understand how good it is to get a healthy head rubbing. Apart from feeling completely blissful, the therapeutic benefits are endless. Start with that six-lettered word; STRESS. Most people these days have some form of stress that compromises their immune system and overall health: Internal stress such as worrying about things that we cannot control or physical stress when we are working beyond our capacity and don’t know how to rest and relax, or environmental stress from external noises, overwhelming crowds and traffic. It may take years to notice the fatigue and illness that builds up from stress and turns into a nervous breakdown, emergency visit to the hospital or worse. Then there’s headaches, migraines, insomnia, hair-loss, early graying and thinning of the hair, depression, muscle tension, aches and pains, computer shoulders, stiff neck, confusion, memory loss, fatigue and the list goes on.

Two words. Head Rub. The exquisite art of Ayurvedic head massage with herbal oils can offer relief for all of these ailments and act as an elixir of youth for the whole body and mind. How does a massage of the head bring health to the whole body when it only focuses on head, neck and shoulders? There are many pressure points known as marmas in Sanskrit or ‘secret vital points’, which act as a bridge to the subtle energetic and physical bodies. These points are somewhat akin to accupuncture points in Chinese medicine which run along the meridians of the body and when activated they unblock congestion and encourage the flow of energy or life force through the various systems. They are the doorways to self-healing and vitality.

In the Indian Head Massage several of these marma points on the head and face are activated and act as a catalyst to restoring balance and good health. Applying aromatic herbal oils to these points takes this transformative treatment to another level. When clients come to see me for a session I recommend that they practice self-massage of their head at least twice a week between sessions to relieve ongoing stress and to benefit the health of their hair and scalp. Preventive health is a key to an Ayurvedic lifestyle of sustained wellbeing and a regular practice of massage is vital.

How to give yourself a great head massage:

Tapping: with pads of fingertips vigorously tap all over your head to stimulate circulation.

Shampooing: Just like they do at the salon. Nice big circles massaging with your fingers all over your head.

Friction: Also known as ‘messy hair move’ apply with fingertips a back and forth friction moving the scalp vigorously as you move all around the head. Add some nails for extra bliss.

Hair tugging: Not like in the playground where it hurts. Place hand flat under hair right against the scalp. Close fingers grabbing a bunch of hair and squeeze (no pulling only squeezing). Release and repeat all over your head.

Hair not required: If you are one of the no-hair types replace the hair tugging with head rubbing. With a flat hand rub your head vigorously all over in a back and forth motion. Adding oil makes it even better!

Improvise: Do it yourself! Once you get the hang of the other moves you can make up some of your own!

Do this at least twice a week for great hair, improved memory, restful sleeps and improved all-round health.

The first Indian Head Massage I received in early 2008 changed my life. I couldn’t believe that as an Ayurvedic Practitioner and great lover of massage that it had taken me so long to discover this invigorating and deeply relaxing treatment.

It has been such a heady love affair for me that I created my own training and called it Thousand Petal Lotus Indian Head Massage in reference to the crown chakra which is activated during the massage. This is the 7th chakra and is said to open the gateway to higher consciousness. This past weekend I spent 15 hours teaching a group of students to give a blissful Indian head Massage treatment. Every month requests for training come in from spas, massage schools, hair salons and massage therapists who wish to add this ‘new’ modality to their menu. And no wonder. The secret is out! I offer this weekend training at my Indian Head Massage studio in Vancouver as well as a continuing education course at the Vancouver School of Bodywork and Massage (VSBM)  Students learn a choreographed flow starting with upper back and arms, shoulders, neck, head and face. The cherry on top is the finale where warm Ayurvedic oils are massaged into hair and scalp to nourish hair, bring circulation to the scalp and pacify the central nervous system. A blissful experience.

Try one for yourself or on yourself using the above tips and also check out the famous ‘Cosmic Barber of Rajasthan’ For sure after that you are going to be head over heels for a head rub!

With Fragrant blessings of health,
Spice Mistress Glynnis

Glynnis Osher is an Ayurvedic Practitioner, practicing and teaching the Indian Head Massage in Vancouver. Glynnis is also founder and CEO of The Mystic Masala Ayurvedic Aromatherapy.

www.thousandpetallotus.com
www.themysticmasala.com
www.glynnisandmadhuri.com

Tags: ayurveda, ayurvedic oil, bliss, champissage, hair health, Head massage, head rub, Indian Head Massage, scalp health, self massage, shampoo, shirobhyanga, stress relief

David Anderson says:

October 12, 2012 at 3:55 pm

Indian head massage is AWESOME! It’s amazing how much it relaxes you and you leave feeling like a different person. Thanks for sharing the Cosmic Barber link as well – very entertaining.