Indian Head Massage is an ancient form of massage focusing on head, neck, shoulders, scalp and face. Stimulating yet soothing, this massage works on the top 3 chakras. It relieves tension and tightness in these areas and promotes anxiety and stress relief and helps mental clarity. It can aid in headache relief, sinusitis and tinnitus.
How does Indian head massage relieve stress?
In a variety of ways. Any massage will typically release feel-good hormones such as serotonin, dopamine, and oxytocin. These neurotransmitters have a positive effect on our mood and our health. Serotonin helps to regulate mood, appetite, and digestion. Dopamine is connected to the reward system in our brain and low levels are linked to low energy and motivation. Oxytocin is the bonding hormone that is released by touch, it`s released during childbirth to help bond mother and child and also during massage! Massage also decreases the hormones that signal danger to the body. These hormones get released when we are under stress – adrenaline, cortisol and norepinephrine are the main hormones associated with the fight, flight or freeze response. By decreasing these hormones and increasing the feel-good ones massage is a very effective stress relief tool.
Interestingly, the type of massage received will have an effect on the balance of these hormones. A lighter pressure and shorter massage will actually increase levels of adrenaline, cortisol, and norepinephrine as the sympathetic nervous system is activated. This is the “fight or flight” system. This may sound like a negative but actually this branch of the nervous system is extremely necessary and we need a little of this stress response for motivation and awareness. The key is that the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system (rest and digest) are balanced. This is why I will assess what a client needs in an Indian head massage treatment. If a client is fatigued, lacking energy and feeling sluggish, some more stimulating techniques (and maybe oils if appropriate) can be used.
This massage will also be stress relieving for the obvious reason that physical tension is held in these areas a lot so releasing this will release stress.
Does Indian head massage use oils?
It is completely up to the client. While having a base oil such as coconut, almond or sesame mixed with an essential oil blend to match the client can add to the healing element of the treatment it is not necessary. The oils can help to bring about the desired effect of relaxation or stimulation and help nourish the hair and promote growth. However, there is definitely still a lot of benefit to having a treatment without oils. For this reason, it is a great treatment to receive on a lunch break or if you have an event or somewhere to go after.
If you’d like to make an appointment for indian head massage in Cork City Centre, please contact me today on 085 7721617 or email me at lindsay@misneachtherapy.com
When I’m performing Indian Head Massage, I may also combine it with other treatments, including Holistic Massage, to help unblock energy, release tension, promote ease and basically allow you to relax and enjoy!