Indian women have long known the secret to long luxurious hair: a regular head massage with warm spices and oils massaged gently but firmly into the scalp. Many also say that regular massage removes gray hair. Sounds good? These days, people get head massages not only to add volume and oiliness to their hair, but also to make them feel better in general.
Relax your mind and reap the benefits of an Indian scalp massage.
The Hindi word for head massage is “champi,” and many people practice this “champissage” technique in conjunction with meditation, yoga, and other forms of relaxation. While in the West massages traditionally concentrated only on the head, shoulders and back, in India the head was considered the first path to relaxation, so apparently it all makes sense.
The name, however, is a bit of a misnomer as the massage is not just focused on the head or scalp. It also targets the neck, shoulders, and face (some people refer to it as the “natural facelift”), relieving any muscle or tension-related issues that have built up in those areas.
Proponents of the technique, based on ancient Ayurvedic medicine, say it can actually benefit other parts of the body as well, and when used with certain oils, it can get rid of gray hair (see below). As the practitioner concentrates on specific acupressure points in the aforementioned areas, it is claimed that they can improve a wide range of ailments throughout the body.
Benefits of Indian Scalp Massage
Indian head massage not only relieves stress, but can also “stimulate the body to heal itself and slow the rate of progression of the prevailing condition,” according to Amarjeet Bhamra, president of the Institute of Indian Head Massage.
Advocates of Indian scalp massage and followers of Bhamra say that this technique can:
Help promote a general feeling of relaxation and well-being.
Relieves tense, knotted muscles and other sites of tension in the body.
Help get rid of toxins in the body.
Improve circulation and make the lymphatic drainage system work more effectively.
Make you more alert and increase your ability to concentrate.
Helps with joints and other stiffness in the body.
Relieves headaches associated with muscle tension or stress.
Others say that it can help alleviate specific ailments, although there is little scientific evidence that this is the case. Problems that they believe can be solved with this massage include:
insomnia
eyestrain
tinnitus
migraines
Hair and skin condition
Depression
lethargy and boredom
gray hair
typical treatment
If you’re visiting a medical spa for an Indian head massage, you don’t have to strip naked. You can even get the massage while sitting in a chair, which is why some people prefer it over more traditional massages. It also works well in a corporate setting for this reason.
A massage usually lasts 30-40 minutes and is followed by a short health consultation. Keep in mind that these massages are not substitutes for traditional medicine, and are commonly seen as a relaxation technique and not much else, although some people use them for hair growth.
While essential oils can be added to enhance treatment, if you are pregnant, trying to conceive, or have a specific medical condition, tell your doctor beforehand. Some oils are not recommended during pregnancy or for people with certain medical problems.
Purported benefits for hair
Indian scalp massage is sometimes used for people looking to receive benefits for their hair. In this specific circumstance, oils are used to moisturize the hair and keep it healthy. They include almond oil, gooseberry oil, sesame oil, mustard oil, coconut oil, neem oil, and more. Believers in the hair benefits of this massage believe that it can:
Strengthen the roots
Helps get rid of dandruff
Manage psoriasis on the head
Make hair overall shinier and lustrous.
Stops the graying process, if neem oil is used, and helps protect hair from sun damage.
Neem is an evergreen tree that grows mainly in India. An oil made from the pressed seeds and fruits of this hearty plant is said to have myriad benefits, including warding off insects, preparing cosmetics, and helping with rheumatic disorders. In Ayurvedic medicine, neem has traditionally been used in the treatment of everything from acne to leprosy.
Studies have shown that neem can cause problems trying to conceive, or even an abortifacient effect, meaning it can cause a miscarriage. Products made from neem are generally thought to be safe for pregnant women and those trying to get pregnant, as long as they consume some of the substance. Soaps, shampoos, etc. neem facts are considered safe.
DIY massage
Indian scalp massage is generally considered to have widespread benefits, the main one being that it relaxes and calms, relieving muscle tension and stress. It has been practiced for hundreds of years and is as common in some countries as a back massage in the United States and is often performed by family members who do not have specialized training.
If you’d like to try it yourself, there are many practitioners who offer variations of the massage, often for a hefty fee. Then again, you might want to invest in a family-size bottle of inexpensive coconut oil-based conditioner and have a friend rub your head for an hour.
Choose a massage oil you like, then have them start at the neck, using circular motions with their fingertips while applying light up and down pressure. Move your fingers toward the center of the head and do the same, working toward the forehead. Then ask them to place their thumbs on either side of their head next to their ears and move them gently but firmly in concentric circles.
Finally, have them massage your entire head, working your way down to your head and shoulders. Ask them to focus on areas that feel tense or tight; tell your partner what feels best and be their guide. As long as they are gentle and listen to you, you can’t go wrong.
Having a massage at least twice a week will produce the best results in the long run. And remember, it will be your turn to give a massage next time, so take careful notes…
