Head Massage is Non-intrusive and Convenient
Indian Head Massage is a practice based on the Ayurvedic techniques and involves work on the upper back, shoulders, neck, scalp and face. Champissage, as it is also known, was brought to the west by Narendra Mehta. It is gentle, safe and non-invasive and just about anyone would benefit from a treatment. Head Massage, can be administered fully clothed. Therefore, many people find it less intrusive than a full body massage. This therapy is also known as Chair Massage, or Office Massage, and is very convenient since it can be performed virtually anywhere.
Benefits of Indian Head Massage
Indian head massage is particularly beneficial for alleviating stress, tension, fatigue, insomnia, head-aches, migraine and sinusitis, increase mental clearness, and for promoting relaxation. It is also useful for relieving: tension headaches, eyestrain, ear problems, insomnia, neck and shoulder stiffness, hair loss, hair thinning, scalp tension, intellectual fatigue, and anxiety.
A Powerful Preventative Practice
Indian head massage is a deeply relaxing practice. As a relaxation technique, it is a powerful preventive instrument in today's stressful lifestyle. Indian Head Massage is most efficient when used as a preventative tool, but it is extremely helpful even as a treating method.
Indian Head Massage Techniques
Champissage focuses on the upper area of our body: the superior back, shoulders and neck, skull and face. The techniques include general massage techniques as well as techniques specific only to Champissage.
Upper Back Massage
Upper Back - Palm friction
Using the heel of your palm, make clockwise circles on the upper back. Make the circles on both sides of the spine trying to cover as much as possible. This relives tensions and breaks up knots.
Upper Back - effleurage
Using your entire palm, point your fingers upwards, start from the mid section of the back and glide your palms towards the neck. Once neck area reached, continue onto shoulders. This relaxes the upper back muscles and the shoulders.
Shoulder Massage - a tension Reliever
Light thumb compression
Rest your hands on the shoulders and walk your thumbs lightly down the midline of the neck and shoulders.
Shoulders Petrissage (kneading)
Place your hands on both of your subject's shoulders near the neck and gently squeeze the muscles between your palm and your fingers. Do not use your thumbs. Apply light pressure; this area is sensitive for most of the people.
Neck Massage
Neck Kneading
Place your hand on your subject's neck and gently squeeze it. Do not grasp between your thumb and your palm, you rather use only the palm to apply the squeeze. You can use any for the hands. This stroke is improving the blood circulation in brain.
Neck stretching
Place your right hand on the right shoulder, and begin a gentle side stretching right. The stretching has to be done in a slow motion and the extension should be in the limits of comfort. Repeat this on the left side. Alternate the sides a few times. Keeping one hand on the shoulder, continue with stretching forward - backward in the same slow motion supporting your subject's back. Continue the stretching with alternative rotations; one clockwise the next one counterclockwise; Repeat this several times. This is a slow motion move. Proceed with extreme caution and if your subject complains about dizziness stop the procedure.
Ear Massage
Ear pulling
Ear massage will help reduce the stress, improve digestion, and normalize body temperature adjustment. Pull the ear backward with light force. Squeeze the ear between thumb and index applying a light pressure. Pull the earlobe downward with light force and release.
Effleurage behind the ears
Place the thumbs on the bone behind the ears. Applying a moderate pressure, (moderate effleurage), move your thumbs downwards to the neck until you reach the shoulders. This feels great and helps the release of endorphins. Ideally, you use some lubricant with this move.
Skull Massage Techniques
Eyebrows friction
Starting from between the eyebrows, rub with both of your middle fingers along the eyebrows to the temporal bone. When you reach the temporal bone search for a small cavity and do a small circle fingertip friction with your thumbs. This is an excellent instrument against headaches and fatigue.
Third Eye Stimulation - Head Massage
This is a miraculous technique to clear the mind and regain the focus: Place your both indexes between eyebrows on each side of the nose. Massage in a circular motion with light pressure. Massage for a few minutes.
You can find more Head Massage Techniques with pictures and descriptions.
Dorian is a Complementary Medicine practitioner who promotes touch as a life changing instrument. He contributes with articles about Head Massage.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dorian_Bodnariuc
http://EzineArticles.com/?How-to-Do-an-Indian-Head-Massage&id=3845767
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