How to Guide: Sensational Indian Head Massage

The healing benefits of massage therapy have made their way into mainstream acceptance in non-western communities for centuries. In recent years, the wonders of massage therapy have come to the forefront of western culture and alternative medicine. Indian Head Massage is one of the lesser known massage therapies in comparison to Shiatsu, Swedish Massage and Aromatherapy Massage. Experienced the sensational benefits and soothing relaxing synonymous with an Indian Head Massage therapeutic session for yourself.

Indian Head Massage Step by Step Guide

Equipment Required

1. Chair

2. Massage Oil

3. Towels

4. Candles (optional)

Step #1 -Position the Chair

Place the chair in a position that allows you to massage your client or volunteer comfortably. Set the mood for your massage. Stereotypically, candles and soft music set a calming and conducive setting for every type of massage.

Step #2 - Shoulder massage

Start the massage by placing your hands at the base of the neck and shoulders. Gently apply pressure to the shoulder muscles in an outward motion. Paying close attention to the trapezius muscle to induce the process of calm and relaxation. Once you have worked your hands in an outward motion from the shoulder muscle reapply them to the neck and base of the neck. While continuing to apply squeezing motion to the muscles repeat the process up to three times.

Step #3 -Neck Massage

Using the thumbs at the base of the neck area, proceed in a circular motion over the left backbone just beneath the collar line then in the same circular motion move your thumbs across the backbone to the right. The pressure applied should never cause discomfort, but instead be at a suitable degree to ensure the massage client or volunteer is completely relaxed.

Step #4

Return your thumbs to the center then proceed with the same circular motion up the back of the neck repeating the process up to two or three times.

Step #5

Using the forearm, apply pressure to the sides of the neck. Rolling the forearms outwards and towards the shoulder area while rotating the wrists. At the same time, use the forearms to apply even more pressure by lifting the forearms then placing them inches from the neck. Return the forearm to the center and repeat the process up to two or three times.

Step #6 - Neck Massage

Focusing on the neck area, stand at the side of the chair. Apply pressure to the base of the neck with the back side of the hand. Place the other hand on the forehead, Apply slight pressure without causing discomfort so that the head does not move forward during the neck massage process.

Step #7

Spread the thumb so that the fingers are folded under and apply pressure to the back of the neck without actually applying pressure to the vertebrae.

Step #8

Pause at the hair line for a few seconds then proceed to apply pressure on the back of the head starting from the base of the neck. Apply circular motion moving upward the neck to the head to relieve even more tension. Repeat at least five times.

Step #9

Once step #7 is complete and the back of the hand finishes at the hairline, the hand should be pause for a few seconds at the hairline. Gently tilt the head forward then gently tilt the head backward, and repeat this process 3 times.

Step #10 - Scalp Massage

Return to the position behind the chair to begin massaging the scalp area. The hair of your client or volunteer must be free of clips and pins to allow the hands movement to flow uninterrupted. Next spread the fingers and begin to work them through the hair at the sides of the head.

Step #11

Loosen the fingers tips at the top of the head to allow the palms of the hands to apply gentle pressure to the scalp. Move the hands and fingers around the entire scalp for complete coverage and relaxation for as many as 5 times.

Step #11.

Place one hand on the forehead and the other hand at the back of the head then move the back hand back and forth. Alternate the hand placement and repeat this process on both sides of the head.

Step #12 - Forehead massage

Next begin stroking the scalp with the fingers tips drawing the head gently back. Extend the index and middle fingers to make small circles across the temples at the side of the head. Move the hands towards the center of the forehead 3 times.

Step #13 - Finishing strokes

Complete this process by gently stroking the top of the forehead then move towards the back of the head. Gradually decrease the pressure with each stroke. Then finish with a floating like motion for the hands in the finally stroke before removing the hands for the head entirely. Watch the Indian Head Massage techniques video here.

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