Indian head massage, also known by the term "Champissage" (Chämpi - Indian word for massage + massage), is based on the ancient Ayurvedic form of healing that dates back to almost 4,000 years ago. It acts on the three upper chakras: Vishuddha, Ajna and Sahasrara, and can be used for physical harmony, for healing, for vitality, and for good old-fashioned relaxation. No wonder it is becoming so popular in the West! To know how to perform Indian head massage, read this article.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Part One: Preparations and First Steps
Step 1. Make preparations
Find a quiet place away from any distractions. Make sure the room has a comfortable temperature.
- Put on some soft music.
- Light some candles to set up the room.
Step 2. Have the subject take a chair and get comfortable
Tell him what you will do and tell him to warn you of any discomfort or pain. Stand behind him, placing your hands lightly on his shoulders and both take a few deep breaths.
Step 3. Massage the shoulders
Start by relieving fatigue and tension by massaging the upper back, shoulders, arms and neck. Gently tighten the trapezius muscle (at the base of the neck), starting near the neck. Work towards the outside of the shoulders. Repeat this three times, increasing the pressure with each step.
Step 4. Work on the spine
Bring your hands back, close to the neck, with the thumb open, and make small circles with the thumbs on either side of the spine just below the neck line.
Step 5. Massage over the shoulders
Place your forearms on the sides of your neck and move them outward towards your shoulder by rotating your wrists. After rotating them, lift your forearms and move them a couple of inches from your neck and repeat. When you reach the shoulder, go back to the center and repeat the process two more times.
Part 2 of 3: Part Two: Neck Massage
Step 1. Work down to the base of the skull
Continue making circles in the back of the neck, until you reach the hair line. Lower your hands back and repeat two more times.
Step 2. Massage the neck
Position yourself to the side of your subject, place one hand at the base of his neck and the other gently on his forehead to prevent his head from falling forward. With your hand on your neck, open your thumb and slide it to the back of your neck. Do not put pressure directly on the vertebrae.
Once you reach the hairline, stay there for a moment by applying light pressure on the back of the head. Lower your hand back and repeat from the base of the neck. You can also add other rotations by pressing a little if there seems to be a lot of tension. Repeat this movement about five times. When the back hand reaches the hairline for the last time, leave it there
Step 3. Slowly, allow him to tilt his head forward without effort or fatigue
Keep your hand on the hairline.
Step 4. Move his head back
Gently lift his head vertically and continue backwards, once again without forcing, simply allowing the head to move in the space of mobility.
Repeat this 3 times, back and forth
Part 3 of 3: Part Three: Head Massage
Step 1. Massage your head
Step back behind the person and let their hair down if it is tied up. Bring your hands to the sides of your head with your fingers spread upward. Apply light pressure and slowly move your hands up like a shampoo, trying to keep the base of the hands and fingers in contact with the scalp.
Once you reach the top of your head, lift your fingers while maintaining light pressure from your palms. Now lower your hands and move them to a different area of the head. Repeat four or five times, to cover the entire scalp
Step 2. Scrub your scalp
Bring one hand to the forehead of the subject to keep it still and put the base of the other hand in contact with the back of the head. Start by rubbing your scalp by moving your back hand vigorously back and forth. Continue rubbing vigorously over as much of the scalp as you can reach, and then reverse your hands and repeat on the other side.
Step 3. Rub the entire scalp briskly with the fingertips of both hands only
Continue this action for about a minute.
Step 4. Tap your fingers through your subject's hair from the upper back to the forehead
Let the final strokes pull your head back slightly and then place your fingers on your forehead bringing them down and along the brow line at each temple, making small circles on the temples. Repeat this three times.
Step 5. Conclude
With regular strokes starting on the forehead, slowly move towards the back of the head. Do this for about a minute, relieving the pressure towards the end, until your hands finally touch the nape of your neck.
Step 6. Learn about the benefits of massage
The therapeutic benefits of Indian head massage are global and we suggest you make them part of your overall health routine. They are:
- Relief from pain and stiffness in the muscles of the face, neck, upper back and shoulders;
- Increased mobility of the neck joints;
- Relief from tension and hangover headaches, eyestrain, temporomandibular joint (TMJ), and nasal congestion;
- Renewed energy;
- Reduction of depression, anxiety and other stress-related problems;
- Greater levels of creativity, clarity, and concentration, and better memory;
- Sense of tranquility, calm and positive well-being;
- Healthy restful sleep that leaves you invigorated;
- More open and calmer airways;
- Stronger immune system;
- Improvement of skin health, color and tone;
- Well-being of the hair and scalp;
- Increased self-esteem with increased self-awareness;
- Balanced chakras.
Advice
The use of Ayurvedic oils is classic, although optional. Make sure they are warmed to at least body temperature before applying them
Warnings
- While performing this massage, if the subject feels any pain, stop the massage immediately.
- If you use oil, make sure the person being massaged is not allergic to it.
