Treatments from La Vie Therapies
Indian Head Massage
History
Indian Head Massage developed from rituals and routines passed down across generations of Indian families as part of grooming, bonding and is an important part in ceremonies of birth and marriage. It is based on the ancient system of medicine known as Ayurveda, meaning ‘science of life and longevity’ and is India’s oldest healing system. The Ayurveda approach to health is the balance of body, mind and spirit, and the promotion of long life. Indian head massage is still practised today as part of family life where family groups spend time giving IHM to each other and the ‘gents’ receive a treatment at their local barbers. Now westernised, IHM takes in the head, neck, shoulders and back.
Marma Points
What is Indian Head Massage?
Indian Head Massage is a gentle, rhythmic massage for the head, shoulders, neck and back. Marma points, similar to those used in acupressure, that stimulate life force are worked on the head. The effects of these pressure points is to clear congestion in the nerve pathways, relieve pressure and pain from tense muscles, relieve sinus congestion, encourage lymph drainage, increase circulation and restore energy balance. Specific Marma points can be used to help with different issues, for example migraines, insomnia, regulating mood etc.
The practitioner performs a series of strokes and massage techniques on the upper body and head
on the massage chair. At La Vie Therapies we tailor
treatments to your needs and therefore your IHM may also include some acupressure, hand reflexology, stretching movements and Chakra balancing.
Indian Head Massage is non-invasive, people can remain fully clothed and special needs can be accommodated.
Who can benefit?
Indian Head Massage is suitable for most people and is particularly useful in relieving stress and tension; an appointment can be booked for the end of your working day. We are also able to offer late evening appointments, excellent for people with insomnia who can then go home and get a good nights’ rest. For people who have desk jobs or driving occupations the upper body work is excellent for relieving aching, tired muscles and once again appointments can be made at the end of your working day or in a lunch break and tailored to the time you have available.
La Vie Therapies also offers a corporate service, please visit our page Workplace Therapies.
There are contraindications when giving Indian Head Massage, for example Indian Head Massage is an excellent medium for relieving migraine but it cannot be carried out whilst the person is experiencing a migraine. Any concerns you may have can be discussed with a La Vie Therapist or discussed with your GP.
How does it help?
- Relaxes the body and reduces tension and stress
- Increases the blood flow to the upper body and head and improve circulation
- Relaxes muscles and improves posture
- Increases flexibility
- Reduces toxins and increases lymphatic flow to the head and upper body
- Improves joint mobility
- Slows down breathing and reduces blood pressure
- Aids sleep and soothes tired eyes
- Increases oxygen to the brain
- Relieves mental fatigue
- Helps to raise mood by stimulating endorphin release from the brain
- Can help reduce pain
- Creates balance and calm
- Restores the flow of energy creating a feeling of balance and calm
Marma Points
Examples which Indian Head Massage can reflect positively with:
- Stress and tension
- Migraine and headaches
- Insomnia
- Depression, fatigue and low mood
- Sinusitis
- Tinnitus
- Back, Neck and Shoulder Pain
Stress and Indian Head Massage
Indian Head Massage is particularly effective as an antidote to stress as it relaxes and revitalises the mind and body, and can help with anxiety, tension and many stress related conditions. When the body reaches a state of relaxation, tense muscles start to unknot, blood pressure starts to lower, breathing becomes more regular and deeper, and the mind drifts into a state of passive awareness.
Each person’s pattern of responding to stress is different – what is yours?
BODY – headache, back pain, digestive disturbances, sleep problems, sweating, shaking, skin rashes.
EMOTIONS – anxiety, depression, negativity, lower self-esteem, feeling worthless, frustration, anger and apathy.
THINKING – rigidity, memory lapses, loss of concentration, inability to set priorities, impaired decision making.
BEHAVIOUR – withdrawal, hostility, eating disorders, excessive drinking, smoking or eating, excessive risk taking.
It is important to know and understand your early warning signals and take action to deal with stress before it becomes disabling.
How can I expect to feel after a treatment?
You will reach a deep state of relaxation, so it is important to sit for a short while after a treatment. It is also important to drink plenty of water both after a treatment and throughout the rest of the day to help with detox. Should you feel the onset of a headache, this is your body detoxing and the effects should be eliminated by drinking plenty of water.
You will be completely tranquil, at peace and calm. You should also experience higher levels of concentration and clarity and be ready to face the rest of your week.
