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JUNE 2014
Indian Head Massage
Claire Prew Training manager, tutor and assessor at the Carlton Institute, Birmingham Traditional Indian head massage or ‘champissage’ has been used in India for over 1000 years, with its origins linked to the earliest Ayurvedic texts dating back around 4000 years. This holistic treatment was adapted more recently courtesy of Narendra Mehta, who introduced it to the therapy industry in 1981. Following a consultation, the client is seated on a low back chair while the therapist applies a variety of deeply relaxing massage movements to the upper back, shoulders, arms, neck, scalp and face. Hands are held over the upper three chakras (energy centres) to help restore balance and induce a deeper state of relaxation.
spas and mobile therapists. Increasingly, it is integrated into the workplace to improve productivity and staff wellbeing, with studies evidencing heavily the positive benefits for recipients. Workers are treated at their desks, schools use a mini version to help improve students’ behaviour and concentration, and many hospices and hospitals now offer Indian head massage for cancer patients, carers and those with mental health issues. My professional and personal favourite products include ESPA Pink Scalp Mud for dry scalp conditions and Ora Naturals Pure Argan and Argan Aromatherapy body oils. Professional training courses are available at sites throughout the UK at the Carlton Institute. www.beauty-training.co.uk
The benefits of having an Indian head massage are wide and varied. Due to its holistic application, all aspects of the person are treated, and it will benefit them physically, psychologically and emotionally. It is an effective treatment for: • • • • • • • • • •
Back, neck, shoulder and scalp tension Headaches and migraines Sinusitis and rhinitis Eyestrain Stress and anxiety Depression Improving mental alertness Skin and scalp conditions Improving hair growth Increasing blood and lymphatic circulation
In the last few years, Indian head massage has reached much further afield than salons,
Ayurvedic Massage
Sunita Passi Meditation practitioner, writer and the founder of wellbeing brand, Tri-Dosha Ayurvedic massage is an Eastern treatment technique to relax the mind, heal the body and transform an individual’s energy. It’s simple and combines breathing and relaxation methods, and gentle movement over the body with warm medicinally based oils and pressure to vital (marma) points where energy may be blocked. Continued massage and pressure to these points helps with the healthy flow of energy in the body. Prior to treatment, the client is also diagnosed for their Ayurvedic constitution – also known as a dosha – of either vata, pitta or kapha.
It is a comprehensive therapeutic approach designed to address an individual’s physical or emotional needs, and can help with anxiety and stress, fatigue and difficulty in sleeping, trauma, burn out, a poor work/ life balance and a negative body image. It is also particularly beneficial in excess vata problems such as dry joints, arthritis and insomnia. Ayurvedic massage is particularly suited to open minded people looking for a holistic solution to wellbeing and/or a more empathetic approach. It can also support clients looking for deeper healing, those who lack confidence and also individuals trying to access more creativity in their body. My preferred products to use in treatments are herbalised natural oils with a professional aroma. TriDosha has developed a premium range of Ayurvedic oil blends working with traditional vaidyas (Indian herbalists) and a leading UK-based perfumery. www.tri-dosha.co.uk