In today’s fast-paced world, stress and tension seem to be our constant companions. From the burdens of daily life to the weight of deadlines, expectations, and responsibilities, our bodies often bear the brunt of these pressures. This is where our signature, Crown of Essence Scalp Massage, comes to the rescue. Rooted in Indian tradition, and steeped in holistic benefits, our Crown of Essence treatment offers a soothing balm for the mind, body, and spirit. In this blog post, we’ll delve into the captivating world of Indian head massage, exploring its history, an array of benefits, and the techniques that make it an indispensable tool for relaxation and well-being.
Plus, on Friday, 24 November, Bohemian Beauty and The Manse Boutique Inn, Picton, are hosting the first Full Moon Festival, with Indian head massage services being provided by yours truly. Join us for an evening of ultimate relaxation with a 30-minute Indian head massage, access to the Grotto hot tub, a snack and a beverage, and complimentary robe, towel, and slippers. There are only 6 spots available! Contact spa_85mobile@gmail.com to book your spot before it’s too late. And read on below to find out more about the Beaver (Full) Moon in November.
History of Indian head massage
To truly understand the essence of Indian head massage, we must step back in time. This practice, also known as “champissage”, is deeply rooted in Ayurveda, the traditional system of medicine that has been nurturing the health of the Indian subcontinent for thousands of years. In Ayurveda, the head holds a special significance, housing the crown chakra, or “Sahasrara”, which is considered the gateway to higher consciousness. Indian head massage has been used for centuries for cleansing, relaxation, and medical purposes. Women used it to treat their daughters’ hair, using oils to keep their hair strong, lustrous, and in beautiful condition. Barbers incorporated it as part of the hair cutting process, as a means for refreshing their male clients. The tradition has been passed on from one generation to the next.
Indian head massage was isolated to India until Narendra Mehta travelled to England in 1973 to study physiotherapy. Mehta started offering Indian head massage in England, and it eventually spread to other Western countries. As a blind man, Mehta used his heightened sensitivity to identify other areas related to the head that would benefit from massage, expanding the practice to a more holistic massage of the head, neck, and shoulder region.
Benefits of Indian head massage
Indian head massage has an important medical function, strengthening muscles, firming skin, improving circulation, and encouraging the body’s innate healing ability.
Benefits include:
Stress Reduction: Perhaps the most well-known benefit of Indian head massage is its ability to reduce stress and induce relaxation. By releasing built up tension in the head, neck, shoulders, upper back, and jaw, it promotes a profound sense of calm.
Improved Circulation: The gentle massage techniques help to increase blood flow to the scalp, neck, and face. Enhanced circulation can help to relieve tension headaches, improve memory and concentration, promote overall brain health, and glowing skin. It can also stimulate and encourage hair growth.
Hair and Scalp Health: Stimulating the hair follicles through massage can encourage
hair growth and improve the condition of your hair. It also helps to balance sebum production, keeping your scalp healthy and preventing dryness or excessive oiliness.
Pain reduction: Indian head massage is extremely effective at reducing muscular aches and pains, especially in the neck, shoulders, upper back, and jaw. This is invaluable for people who spend long hours at a desk, engage in physically demanding activities, or clench their jaw and grind their teeth.
Enhanced Sleep Quality: By promoting relaxation and reducing stress, Indian head massage can help improve the quality of your sleep. It’s a natural remedy for insomnia and restless nights.
Detoxification: The lymphatic system benefits from Indian head massage, aiding in the removal of toxins and waste products from the body. This detoxification process supports the overall health and vitality of the body.
Indian head massage Techniques
The various techniques used in Indian head massage are as diverse and rich as its history. A skilled practitioner will typically use a combination of gentle and firm movements to ensure a comprehensive and harmonious experience. The following are some of the fundamental techniques:
Effleurage: Commonly used at the beginning and at the end of a session to relax and prepare the recipient. Effleurage involves gentle, sweeping strokes that cover the entire scalp, neck, shoulders, upper back, and face.
Petrissage: This technique involves using the fingers and thumbs to knead the scalp, neck, shoulders, and upper back, releasing muscle tension. It’s a particularly effective technique for relieving headaches.
Tapotement: This rhythmic tapping motion, often done with the fingertips, stimulates circulation and invigorates the scalp. This motion can also be performed on the recipients’ shoulders. upper back, scalp, and face. The practitioner will sometimes perform this technique on the back, upper shoulders, neck, and scalp by lightly tapping with the edge of both hands placed in a prayer position.
Friction: The practitioner uses their fingertips to apply pressure in a circular motion, focusing on specific areas with knots or tension. This technique can be used on the scalp, neck, shoulders, and upper back. This technique can also be used very gently on the face.
Other techniques sometimes involved in the treatment include gentle tugging of the hair and light squeezing of the head between the practitioners’ hands. All techniques are done with care and are not meant to be painful.
What to Expect
Experiencing the magic of our Crown of Essence treatment is an unparalleled treat. The session typically takes place in a quiet, dimly lit room. It’s an option to remain fully clothed, allowing the treatment to be provided in most situations, and for those who are not comfortable being undressed. Alternatively, you can allow the practitioner access to the bare skin of your shoulders and upper back, by disrobing and wrapping a towel around your torso. The treatment can be performed in a comfortable chair, or laying down on a massage table, clothed or undressed, as when receiving a massage.
Essential oils enhance the scalp massage, and, depending on the type of oil used, can nourish your hair and scalp.
It’s essential to communicate your preferences and any specific concerns with your practitioner before and during the session. If you have a particular focus, such as relieving headaches, they can tailor the massage to address your needs.
Our Crown of Essence Scalp Massage is 30, 45, or even 60 minutes of exquisite relaxation, and complements all of our other services, particularly our relaxation massages and reflexology treatments.
The Beaver Moon
The Beaver Moon in November reaches peak illumination early in the morning of Monday, November 27. If you aren’t an early riser, the moon will be almost full the night before. You can find out exactly when the moon will rise (or set) in your location by checking The Old Farmer's Almanac Moonrise and Moonset page.
November is the time of year when beavers begin to take shelter from the long winter ahead. November’s moon names typically highlight the actions of animals preparing for these colder days.
The Beaver Moon represents the season we begin to retreat to escape the chill outside. That is why Bohemian Beauty is teaming with The Manse Boutique Inn, Picton, and PEC Reflexology for the first Full Moon Festival on Friday, 24 November between 5:00pm and 9:30pm. Be one of 6 people to be pampered with a 30-minute Indian head massage, and enjoy the warmth of The Manse’s Grotto hot tub with a snack and beverage. Complimentary robe, towel, and slippers included. $115+tax per person. Book now by emailing mobile_spa85@gmail.com to reserve your spot.
Conclusion
The Crown of Essence Scalp Massage is so much more than a mere spa treatment, or head rub. It’s a holistic practice that traces its roots to ancient traditions and is designed to calm not just the body, but the mind and spirit as well. And just as the hands of a skilled practitioner work their magic, you’ll find a renewed sense of balance and tranquility in the midst of life’s daily chaos.
So, relax, renew, and rejuvenate, and enjoy the age-old wisdom of Indian head massage by booking your spot for our Full Moon Festival on Friday, 24 November, or by booking your Crown of Essence treatment at one of our Partnerships or in the comfort of your own home! Your head, body, and soul will thank you for it.
Disclaimer: Reflexologists do not prescribe, cure, or diagnose. Reflexology should not be used as a substitute for medical advice. If you have any concerns about your health, please contact a qualified medical practitioner.
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