Therapies in more detail: Indian Head massage (Shiro Abhyanga)
Indian head massage is traditionally a seated treatment, where the focus of the treatment is all on the shoulders, neck, and scalp.
Shiro Abhyanga in literal terms means ‘to anoint the head with oil’.
In India, the tradition of head massage is passed down from generations and given to all family members- I think us lot in the Western world could learn a thing or two from these Ancient and very wise traditions!
The head is the most important organ of the body, because all the five sensory organs are located within it.
Massage focusing on this area will obviously nourish and promote wellbeing to these specific organs, but also a ton of other wonderful benefits too!
It nourishes and promotes healthy hair and even encourages hair growth and prevents hair fall.
It can help in reducing headaches, relieves blocked sinuses (perfect for when you’re congested and this winter weather!), improves blood circulation, drains any accumulated toxins, relieves stiffness in the upper back, neck and head, and promotes healthy sleep patterns.
And of course with all massage treatments, relaxes both the body and mind, which can help relieve symptoms of anxiety and depression.
There are many techniques used for Indian head massage, and although in India it’s usually done with the client in a seated position, I personally think it’s more relaxing for the client to be lying down, so you can fully sink into the massage couch and let go.
In my own practice, I like to begin with a short upper back massage to encourage the client to relax into the treatment. Then the majority of the treatment is facing upward, with arms and the face also incorporated. Everything is connected and so all are as important as the other.
I never know what the best bit of a massage is for me personally (I just love it all!), but I do know that the last part of a treatment when the head is massaged is total bliss! So any kind of scalp massage and I’m in.
Also from personal experience, whenever I’m feeling like a cold is coming on or I am particularly congested, it really has helped to relieve my symptoms, aka, letting it all come out- colds and what not can literally drag on for ages, and this is a great way to release all of that, so you can get over the hump!
Stimulating the sensory organs in this way encourages lymphatic drainage, and although sometimes you can feel worse before you feel better (also speaking from experience!), it’s doing good, by releasing all of those built up toxins in your body and getting it all out!
Indian head massage is such a great add on to any other treatments as well, so if you’ve never had it before, give it a go and experience the wonderful benefits for yourself.
With health and love,
Ali