What is Indian Head Message?

Indian head massage is a type of massage that ages back approximately 4,000 years from Indian heritage and can be linked to the Ayurvedic texts which talk of how ‘when used in conjunction with herbs, spices and aromatic oils, massage had an important medical function and could not only “strengthen muscles and firm skin”, but also encourage the body’s innate healing energy.’ (champissageinternational.com)

The techniques involved were passed down over the years, until ‘a graduate of Bombay University and a qualified osteopath (from the College of Osteopaths, London)’ (Harper Collins Publishers) named Narendra Mehta, returned to India after noticing that body massage techniques were available in the UK, but they appeared to exclude the head completely, whereas in India, head massages were a common form of relaxation for adults and children alike. On returning to India, he continued his studies, including the ancient Ayurvedic texts, and concluded that if the relaxation techniques of Indian Head massage were combined with the ‘three higher Chakras (energy vortices) Visuddha, Ajna and Sahasrara,” in addition to the use of oils, then there was potential to stabilise the individual’s ‘energy system.’ (champissageinternational.com) This type of massage became known as “Indian Champissage™” and has now become a therapy widely offered alongside contemporary medicine.

How can it be incorporated into the workplace?

Indian Head Massage could be introduced into the office, as a therapy that takes place, at an employee’s workstation, in a more private area, or even offered at a wellness corporate event. It is a relatively short treatment, easily fitting into a lunch break, and no specialised equipment is required. Companies such as Joyful Living offer Indian Head Massages as part of their massage options, and state that it is ‘a very effective treatment ideal for the workplace, making it one of the most widespread employee benefits and the most common massage therapy offered at work.’ See website for more details on what services can be offered and options for how they can tailored to suit the individual business – www.joyful-living.co.

From a medical perspective, each employee should complete a medical questionnaire before treatment begins, and if there are any concerns or worries, or if an employee has any medical conditions, then it is always best to consult a medical professional first, ‘as certain therapies are not appropriate for certain conditions.’ (Joyful-Living.co)

What are the benefits to massage in the workplace?

The benefits of introducing massage into the workplace highlights that the employers are prioritising employee health and are investing in their wellbeing, whilst still staying ‘cost effective and has high return of investment’ for the employer. (Joyful-Living.co). Massage can incorporate a number of practices and ‘techniques, and the type of massage given usually depends on your needs and physical condition.’ (The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health)

If employees feel relaxed and happy, this has the potential to create a healthy and happy working environment, boost productivity and encourage wellbeing, whilst all the while hardly impacting employee productivity or interrupting those around them as ‘Sessions are only a few minutes long, no longer than a coffee break.’ (Joyful-Living.co)

What are the benefits of massage to the individual?

According to the Brighton School of Massage, in addition to ‘the pampering aspect of the treatment, massage has many physiological and emotional benefits.’ They list the benefits which include, amongst others –

• improve lymphatic drainage
• relieve muscular tensions
• create a feeling of balance and well-being
• improve blood flow to the head and neck

** However, there are certain conditions that mean massage, in any form, is not appropriate. The individual should always consult their doctor if they have any concerns or are unsure, and to do so before the therapy session begins. **

References

1. https://champissageinternational.com/history-of-champissage/
2. https://www.harpercollins.com/blogs/authors/narendra-mehta
3. https://champissageinternational.com/history-of-champissage/
4. https://joyful-living.co/our-services/onsite-massage/indian-head-massage/
5. https://joyful-living.co/our-services/onsite-massage/indian-head-massage/
6. https://joyful-living.co/our-services/onsite-massage/indian-head-massage/
7. https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/tips/things-to-know-about-massage-therapy-for-health-purposes
8. https://joyful-living.co/our-services/onsite-massage/indian-head-massage/
9. https://brightonschoolofmassage.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/1.-Indian-Head-Massage-Lessons-pages-7-10.pdf