When it comes to sybaritic pleasures, our poor bonces are often left out in the cold. But heads can be home to a lot of stress. Tension headaches, teeth grinding, jaw pain, and sore eyes are typical symptoms and, according to Nicola Robinson, a professor of complementary therapy at Thames Valley University, they can be alleviated by an Indian head massage. She says that “our nerves travel up and down the spinal cord to and from our brain, so the head is a key place to focus when managing stress.”
What’s it all about?
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An Indian head massage is pretty much how it sounds. Rather than massaging knots of tension out of your shoulders and back, the therapist kneads your scalp with her fingers. It’s a short, punchy treatment that left me feeling calm but invigorated. Donna Robbins, a complementary therapist and teacher, says “we use a chopping technique called champissage (where the English word shampoo comes from), hair tugging to stimulate the scalp and follicles, as well as pressing on marma, or pressure points.”
Ouch factor
Are you joking? This is bliss. I was scarcely conscious for most of it so writing about it now is a bit of a stretch! It’s great for people who find a normal massage intimidating or invasive, as the recipient can be fully clothed and have it sitting or lying down. And you needn’t worry about coming away with greasy hair as the therapists don’t always use oil. However, some do use Ayurvedic oils, chosen for specific symptoms, making the experience more complete and leaving your hair as nourished as your head.
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Clock-watching
This treatment can easily be slipped in to a lunchtime. It takes only 20 minutes, and because you don’t have to change into a robe you’ll still have time for
your sarnies. I’m not the only one to become a convert; Indian head massage is becoming increasingly popular in the corporate environment because it is a quick and easy relaxation fix.
Frequency
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As often as you fancy, but once a week is perfect.
Trick or treat? Definitely a treat. For some reason a head massage feels far more intense than a normal neck and shoulders or body massage.
Verdict
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I’d definitely do it again. And at £20 it won’t break the bank, and despite being quite brief its intensity means that you really feel like something has happened.
Appointment:
I had my Indian head massage at Calmia, a London shop/spa. Marylebone High Street, London W1, 0845 0092450; www.calmia.com
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CLAIRE McDONALD