Rebecca Nichol

A Brief History

Massage has always played an important part in Indian life and can be dated back as far as 4,000 years ago when it was referred to in the earliest Ayurvedic texts.

Indian Head massage, also known as Champissage, originates from a hair treatment incorporating massage, which was used by Indian women to maintain the condition of their long dark hair and to protect it from the drying effects of the sun. Oils such as olive, almond, coconut and henna were massaged into the scalp and pulled through the hair. Herbs and spices were often added to the oils to improve the smell of the oil and to add to the overall therapeutic effect of the treatment.

Apart from the obvious benefits of an oil treatment through the hair, the massage itself helped tremendously by improving circulation to the scalp thereby stimulating hair growth. Many barbers in India began to offer invigorating head massage as part of their treatment. The word shampoo originates from the hindi word champi, meaning head massage.

What is Indian Head Massage?

A treatment based on these traditional Indian techniques, the upper back, shoulders, neck, scalp and face are worked on during the treatment using a variety of massage movements. It can be carried out with the client fully dressed sat on a low-backed chair or laid on a treatment couch, or alternatively with the use of oil on the skin and hair.

Effects and Benefits

Physical Benefits:

Improved blood flow to head and neck, bringing with it oxygen and nutrients to nourish the body’s cells and promote healing

Lymphatic drainage to the head and neck is stimulated and increased, therefore waste materials from the body are eliminated more efficiently

Relieves muscular tension and improves muscle tone

Improves mobility of joints

Helps to ease headaches and migraine

Relieves mental strain and aids concentration

Relieves sinusitis and congestion – there have been reports of persistent snorers experiencing up to three nights of trouble-free sleep after the massage

Scalp massage relieves tension from the scalp and increases blood supply to the area, thereby improving the condition of the hair and increasing the rate of hair growth

Revitalises the whole body

Psychological Benefits:

Alleviates stress, anxiety and depression

Helps the body to achieve a state of equilibrium – a balanced feeling of peace and calm

Clears the mind

Subtle Benefits:

Re-balances the flow of energy through the body

Stagnant energy is released

The use of oils can also provide further beneficial effects.

Treatment

Initial consultation and treatment – approx 1 hour £25

Subsequent and follow on sessions – approx 30 mins £20

Please note: A full consultation is carried out prior to your initial Reiki, Reflexology or Indian Head Massage treatment which covers all three therapies and you will therefore not be charged again should you choose a different therapy with me in the future.

Mobile service available for a small additional charge.

Gift vouchers are available.