Amazing Healing Powers of Indian Head Massage
Photo by Kerala Tourism
Indian Head Massage has its roots in Ayurveda, which is an ancient form of medicine. It began as a cosmetic practice, wherein women would massage oils into each other’s scalps and hair. Now, it has come to involve more than just the head – Indian Head Massage focuses on the upper back, arms, neck, face, and shoulders as well.
The recipient sits upright, so this form of massage can be done just about anywhere. The use of oils is optional, but some practitioners feel that the various herbal aromas in the oils are an important component to the massage’s healing effects.
Because it targets key pressure points in the upper body, Indian Head Massage tends to bring immediate relief to such complaints as stress, emotional distress, and muscle tension. It is said to enhance mental clarity and improve memory.
This massage is especially conducive to an office setting, not only because of its portable nature but because it targets those areas of the body most often affected by sitting at a desk or computer for long periods: upper back, neck, shoulders, and eyes (often strained by computer screens).
Here are some of the ways that Indian Head Massage may benefit your health.
1. Headaches
Chronic headaches can be a difficult burden to bear. Indian Head Massage is reputed to relieve chronic headaches, probably by increasing the circulation in and around the head and relaxing muscles. Practitioners believe the massage restores harmony to the three higher “chakras,” or centers of vital energy, thus relieving pain caused by chakra disharmony.
A note on a particular kind of chronic headache, the migraine – some practitioners warn that migraine sufferers may actually bring on an attack by undergoing Indian Head Massage. Others believe that migraines are helped by this massage.
2. Increased circulation
Blood delivers nutrients and oxygen to the entire body, and takes away toxins, bacteria, and other impurities. The blood contains germ-fighting white blood cells and oxygen-rich red blood cells. Therefore, increasing the blood flow to any part of the body is likely to improve the health and vitality of the targeted area.
Increased circulation in the brain can have many positive effects, such as improved memory and decreased depression. The eyes, sinuses, and ears can all benefit from increased blood flow, thus enhancing sight and relieving eye strain, alleviating sinus congestion, and reducing tinnitus.
3. Promotes restful sleep
Some practitioners claim that a restful night’s sleep is the greatest and most immediate benefit of Indian Head Massage. It relieves stress and relaxes muscles, and combined with relaxing herbal essences it can be a safe alternative treatment for insomnia.
4. Lymphatic drainage
The lymphatic system can get congested due to accumulated toxins, stress, poor posture, tension, illness, etc. Indian Head Massage manually promotes drainage of the lymphatic system, thus enhancing immunity and providing relief from other toxin-induced ills, such as acne.
A bonus to Indian Head Massage is that it is a beauty treatment as well. Scalp health is greatly improved by the stimulation and the increase in circulation, thus promoting hair growth and health. And if the practitioner uses oils, they can act as a conditioner for the hair.
