Indian Head Massage is also known an Shiro-Abhyanga:
Shiro - Mind, Head and Neck
Abhyanga - Therapeutic
In India, this form of therapy is an integral part of family life. Most of the mothers in the Indian sub-continent have used Indian head massage on their families throughout generations.
Fragrant oils are used that each has their own healing properties. However, it can be done 'dry' - without the use of oils.
Mothers would massage their children until they were about 6 years old and then those children are shown how to do the massage, and they massage members of the family.
Indian head massage was brought to the Western world in around about the 1970s by spiritual guides from India, and has been used widely ever since!
Carrying the world on our shoulders
This is such a true saying as this is where our stress, frustration and anger accumulates and shows up in our lives as headaches, stiffness, neck and shoulder pain.
Benefits of Indian Head Massage
Physiological:
Improves blood circulation to head neck and shoulders
Stimulates the lymphatic system
Improves muscle tone
Relieves muscular tension
Encourages correct breathing techniques
Encourages hair growth
Psychological:
Promotes relaxation, general feeling of well-being
Relieves stress
Emotional release
Balance (homeostasis)
Refreshes and revitalizes
When Not to Have Indian Head Massage:
Following recent head or neck injury
Severe bruising in area
Epilepsy
Recent haemorrhage
Low or high uncontrolled blood pressure
Migraines
History of thrombosis or embolism
Diabetes
Scalp infections
Under influence of alcohol or drugs
Different oils are used for Indian Head Massage and traditionally these are used on the scalp only. Oils such as sesame, mustard, almond, coconut and olive oil are good choices for this treatment, and all have their own benefits, depending on what is required and the type of scalp presenting!
Comments