Head Massage Ancient Stress Relief Technique


Who is She? She's Newsletter Window Shopping Gift Certificates Tell-A-Friend Contact She The Power of Music Songs for the Soul Love and Stress Answers from the Love Nest Pajama Party Head Massage Ancient Stress Relief Technique Girlfriends Getaway in San Francisco Meditation Source of Love	Wisdom to enrich your life Links to past articles on the left Head Massage An ancient stress relief technique for contemporary stress Interview with Susan Allen Indian Head Massage is becoming more popular in Canada. Recently, I met with Susan Allen, a trained practitioner, to speak with her about the process and its benefits in reducing stress and aiding relaxation. Deborah: Susan, many of our readers may be unfamiliar with Indian Head Massage. Can you describe for us what it is and what is involved? Susan: Historically, head massage evolved from Ayurvedic texts dating back 4000 years and the rich tradition of family grooming that was passed down from generation to generation on the Indian sub-continent. Head Massage was more recently developed from the ancient practice to become a new formalized, western therapy, and then introduced to England in 1981. Deborah: What benefits can someone expect to receive from a head massage? Does it help relieve any particular symptoms? Susan: A head massage treatment promotes relaxation and encourages energy to flow more evenly in the body. Relieving accumulated tension in aching muscles, improving mobility in the neck and shoulders, stimulating and improving the circulatory and lymphatic systems, calming the nervous system and generally encouraging us to feel more relaxed, revitalized and alert are just some of the many specific benefits to mention. Even a 5-minute “rub” is enough to interrupt the build-up of tension and change our mind-state for the better. It’s particularly effective for relieving symptoms of everyday stress including headaches, stiff neck, tense shoulders, eyestrain, TMJ (temporomandibular joint or “aching jaw”) fatigue, anxiety, insomnia etc. Deborah: How is a head massage given? Susan: To receive a head massage, a person sits in a chair, fully clothed, with the practitioner standing behind him or her. A full treatment can take approximately 35-45 minutes and consists of a flowing sequence of non-invasive, gentle, firm and rhythmic movements that primarily focus on areas of the body that are most vulnerable to stress and tension (upper back, shoulders, upper arms, neck, head and face). Some practitioners may choose to use oils, but they aren’t required as part of the treatment. Deborah: Can anyone give a head massage, or must they be trained? Susan: If someone is to give a head massage as a formal practitioner then certified training is a must. However generally speaking, massage is a safe therapy with a few exceptions, and so in theory anyone can give a head massage. The question is will the massage be a pleasure to receive and contribute to a sense of well-being? Deborah: Does the training take a long time to complete? Susan: Training courses vary depending on the reason why someone is taking the course. For personal or informal use, there are short courses available that teach a variety of simple yet highly effective head massage techniques and sequences, which can be done on yourself or shared with others. A head massage course increases the “giver’s” awareness of what movements, sequences, pressure etc are appropriate to maximize the benefits for the “receiver”. These courses emphasize the ability to treat ourselves well all the time, and reflect the historical use of Head Massage as an integral part of Indian family health, rather than perceiving head massage as an indulgence or an occasional treat. However, to become a qualified Head Massage practitioner, a 3 to 4 day intensive course plus case studies and a written and practical examination are required. The Canadian Centre of Indian Champissage and the Institute of Indian Head Massage offer certification courses in Canada. Deborah: Where can our readers go for a treatment? Susan: Head massage is becoming more popular and you may find it available at select spas, hairdressing salons, or from practitioners who provide a mobile service. Some companies are now offering it as part of their employee appreciation events. Deborah: Can you give us one simple manoeuvre that we can do on ourselves without any special training? Say something to relieve a stiff neck from spending too much time at a computer? Susan: A stiff neck is not uncommon to computer users because many of us stick our chin forward a little when we are concentrating on the screen, which affects our alignment. Consequently our neck muscles tense up to take the full weight of the head. So it’s important to increase our awareness and remember to gently tuck our chin whenever we notice that it’s sticking out. Also, adjust the height of the monitor so you don’t have to tilt your head when you’re looking at the screen. Finally, here is a simple technique to mobilize soft tissue and loosen up the neck muscles: Tilt the head back very, very slightly to slacken the neck. Place one hand across the top of the neck to cup the vertebrae at the top of the neck. Now grasp the flesh between the fingers and heel of the hand and gently pull away from the neck. Allow the skin to slide from your grip until there is nothing left to hold. Repeat the movement, this time grasping the middle of the neck and then again at the base of the neck. Repeat the whole sequence as many times as feels appropriate. Deborah: Thank you Susan. I’m feeling better already! Susan Allen is a certified practitioner of Head Massage who teaches basic techniques for informal and personal use. She also sees clients on an individual basis. Her email address is headmassagevancouver@hotmail.com If you have any questions about head massage, please send them in to Susan.
Head Massage Resources *For Personal and Informal Training:* Community Head Massage Circle Britannia Community Centre, 1661 Napier Street, Vancouver Sunday 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm January 14, February 11 and March 11 Learn to give and receive a simple head massage sequence to increase the sense of wellbeing in your community. No experience necessary. Course fee $5/per session. To register call Britannia at 604-718-5800 Head Massage for Everyday Stress Britannia Community Centre, 1661 Napier Street, Vancouver Tuesdays 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm Starting January 16 Learn and practise numerous techniques and sequences for yourself, friends and family. Course fee $88 (8 sessions). To register call Britannia at 604-718-5800 *Certification* To find a certified practitioner in your area, or to inquire about becoming a certified practitioner, contact The Canadian Centre of Indian Champissage or The Institute of Indian Head Massage
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