Head Massage (or Champissage) is a form of holistic massage that has been around for thousands of years and incorporates the mind, body and spirit. It is based on the principles of the Ayurvedic health system developed in India over 3000 years ago, which includes massage as one of its elements. Ayur meaning 'life' and 'Veda' means knowledge.

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Objectives of Indian Head massage include relieving headaches, reducing stress and muscle tension,  and improving the flow of energy  throughout the body and the Chakras. Indian women however used various seasonal oils (sesame, coconut, almond, olive oil, herbal oils buttermilk and henna) to help keep their hair in beautiful condition.  It was a great family bonding activity and the tradition was passed down from mother to daughter. This was also taken up by barbers and practised on their male clients.

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Narendra Mehta came to England in the 1970's to become a physiotherapist and was surprised by the lack of head massage being practised here. He returned to India in 1978 to research and develop his own modern version of the therapy. He called it Indian Champissage (derived from the Indian word champi meaning head massage) and it now included the neck, shoulders, face and ears. He brought his therapy back to Britain in the early eighties where it's been revised over the years and has grown in popularity ever since.

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Please see What to expect  and Benefits of massage for more information.

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Benefits of an Indian Head Massage may include -​​

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• General relaxation -it can help to release any tension which has built up in the neck, shoulders and upper back. This can then have a knock on effect to the whole body, leaving you feeling relaxed and destressed.

• Headaches and migraines may be reduced as tension in the upper back, neck and shoulders is eased.

• Reduction of neck and upper back stiffness.

• Eyestrain and nasal congestion may be relieved with the face massage.

• Stimulation of the scalp and hair follicles may promote healthier hair and encourage growth, by bringing oxygen and nourishment to the area.

• Increased oxygen to the brain may help to reduce anxiety, relieve mental fatigue and encourage clarity of thought, as with exercise.

• Memory functions may be increased with a new sense of relaxation and calmness of the mind.

• By relieving stress you may find that your sleep pattern improves. 

• The body's energy flow may be re-balanced as stagnant energy is released.

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Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or concerns over the suitability of having an Indian Head massage. 

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Things to consider -  would be a recent head or neck injury, scalp infections/lice, history of epilepsy/fits, cervical spondylitis and trapped nerves. Massage may not be appropriate in these circumstances.

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