Indian Head & Swedish Massage

Indian Head Massage is a relaxing treatment which, as the name suggests, concentrates on massaging the head. Head and scalp massage can be used alongside simple meditative techniques to provide a simple and effective way to relax.

A Brief History of Indian Head Massage

The Hindi word for head massage is "Champi" and aspects of the treatment have a long tradition in Indian families. Mothers would stroke their daughter's hair to promote its growth and health.

Narendra Mehta - blind from the age of one - grew up in India and head massage was an integral part of his life. He came to England in the 1970s to train as a physical therapist and in 1978 returned to India to study the benefits and practice of champissage, extending it to include neck, shoulders and face. On his return to England, he developed a sequence of movements. There is no right or wrong way and sequence of movements vary from one therapist to another.

How does Indian Head Massage work?

The treatments involves massage, shiatsu and acupressure techniques on upper back, shoulders, arms/hands, neck, scalp and face. This relaxes tense areas but, at the same time, helps to rebalance the energy, clearing any areas of negativity.

What is Indian Head Massage used for?

Indian Head massage may bring about:

General feeling of wellbeing, calmness and relaxation
Dispersal of toxins from tense, knotted muscles
Stimulation and improvement of circulatory and lymphatic systems
Improvement of joint mobility
Higher levels of alertness and concentration

Swedish Massage

Swedish massage is the most commonly offered and best known type of massage. It was developed by a Swedish physiologist, Henri Peter Ling at the University of Stockholm in 1812. It uses a firm but gentle pressue to improve the circulation, ease muscle aches and tension, improve flexibility and create relaxation.

Swedish massage employs five different movements:

The five basic massage strokes associated with traditional Swedish massage are:

effleurage (gliding strokes)
petrissage (kneading and compression strokes)
friction (deep circular rubbing)
tapotement (percussion tapping, pounding)
vibration (very fine, rapid shaking)

The therapist generally uses massage oil to facilitate making long, smooth strokes over the body. Swedish massage is done with the person covered by a sheet, a technique called "draping". One part of the body uncovered, massaged, and then covered up before moving on to another part of the body.