Leaving the stress of the world behind... through touch

Indian Head Massage (as the name suggests) originated in India approximately in 600BC and it originated from an Indian Alternative medicine called Ayurveda, roughly translated as the Science of Life. Ayurveda follows the belief that the mind and body are intricately connected and can therefore influence one another.

Indian Head Massage was something that was passed down mother to daughter to promote healthy hair growth and distribution of oils throughout the hair. It was often used with spices and herbs that would promote good health and skin.

Lots of people believe Indian Head Massage is simply a scalp massage.

However, it is much more than this, in its native country it did start as a scalp Massage, when it came to the western world in the 70s it expanded.

An Indian head Massage incorporates a the traditional head Massage and combines a Swedish body massage and facial massage.

There are many benefits some of which are:

1. Stress Relief

2. Alleviates anxiety through relaxation

3. Improves circulation of cerebral spinal fluid

4. Boosts energy flow by working with the three higher chakras - however I usually include a chakra balancing for all your chakras in with my Indian head massage - plus you can add reiki to this treatment.

5. Promotes hair growth by increasing the oxygen to the hair follicles stimulating growth and health.

6. Helps to prevent migraines and headaches by releasing built-up tension in the head and neck area and relieving muscle stiffness.

7. Boosts memory capabilities by relieving stress and quieting the mind

8. Stimulates lymphatic drainage by circulating blood to the neck area

9. Better sleep by reducing stress

10. Soothes the sinuses - as well as being great for headaches, Indian head massage is a great way to reduce sinus trouble for when you have a cold. To put a stop to sinus pain, simply massage the pressure points along your cheekbones.

11. Refreshes tired eyes - we all spend too much time staring at screens nowadays, and Indian head massage is one way to ease eye strain. Massaging around the eye and into the temples loosens the muscles around your eye sockets and can help them feel rejuvenated and refreshed.

I think this time of year is a perfect time of year to treat yourself to a massage, a warm room, oil to moisturise and nourish your skin, hair and scalp which can become dry between central heating & cold and wet weather. It's also very soothing for the soul.

Massage is not just for a luxurious treat it also gives that much needed sense of touch which, due to current restrictions, a lot of people are missing out on - myself included as I love giving hugs.

Skin to skin contact is vital not only for mental and emotional health but also Physical health. Warm touch calms cardiovascular stress, it activates our vagus nerve and which is closely linked with our compassionate response and a simple touch can trigger the release of oxytocin. It can also calms our heart rate and blood pressure. If we are deprived of touch it can aggravate depression and lowers our immune system. All forms of physical contact are calming and soothing whether its from a human or a pet.

Massage is another way of benefiting from touch, and it will stimulate the same experience the same physical, emotional and psychological response. It also helps to increase the activity of white blood cells that helps our body fight diseases and can help with reduction of cortisol.

If you want to benefit from a healing touch this winter please get in touch