Indian Head Massage

What is Indian Head Massage ?

Indian Head Massage is a complementary therapy that began thousands of years ago in India. It is a form of medicine known as Ayurveda deriving it's name from two old Sanskrit words meaning life and science (or knowledge). Ayurveda is based upon the holistic principle of the body, mind and spirit being in balance.

It taps into the basic tenets of nature to bring the body back to a state of balance. The Ayurvedic approach to life is to acknowledge one's true nature and to live life accordingly.

India and Massage

Massage has a very important role in Indian everyday life. Recommended for women and men to balance the doshas thereby enhance general health. Pregnant women are massaged for the whole pregnancy and for at least 40 days after the birth.

From birth the baby is massaged by the mother to encourage the aid in the process. Toddlers are massaged once or twice every week until they reach seven years of age. From then on the children begin to learn the massage techniques to apply to other family members.

Before an Indian bride and groom wed it is traditional for them both to receive a massage to engender good health, fertility, attractiveness and stamina.

Origins of Indian Head Massage

At first it was women who engaged in massage and stimulation of the scalp to keep their hair in good condition. The modern day word shampoo is derived from the Hindi word champi. The tradition of massage was passed from mother to daughter down through the generations. Indian men adopted the practice and in many modern day eastern cultures a trip to the barbers involves a full head massage.

Each Indian family developed it's own techniques and routines. Often people can be seen massaging or being massaged in public areas such as parks, beaches and even street corners.

Indian Head Massage in Western Cultures

A relatively new introduction to the West as a holistic complementary therapy, Indian head massage has become very popular. It features on the curriculum in many universities and colleges across the Western World.

It has been adapted to include massage of the neck, shoulders, upper back and arms. Unlike other complementary therapies it can be done almost anywhere, at home, at work, in an airport lounge, in a train station, in a beauty parlour.

The receiver of the massage does not need to undress to any extent so there is no need for any embarrassment.

Convenience of Indian Head Massage

Allied to the fact that Indian head massage can be administered almost anywhere without disrobing is the lack of equipment or expensive oils. While oils are optional there is no need for them in order to administer a successful and effective massage. It is relatively quick to do - taking no more than 30 minutes to administer.

Indian head massage can be used for relief of stress and tension in all ages including the youngest babies right up to the oldest and most infirm of adults.

Irish Indian Head Massage Therapists

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