Massage features within ancient Indian Ayurvedic texts dating back over 4,000 years as a method of strengthening muscles, firming the skin and encouraging the body's natural healing abilities. Head Massage was originally developed by women in India as a way of caring for their long lustrous hair. A vigorous head massage ("champi") was also incorporated into treatments offered by barbers to male clients. In India, massage is an important part of everyday life and massage skills have been handed down through the generations.

The concept of Indian Head Masssage as a complementary therapy was introduced to the UK by Narendra Mehta. When he came to London to study physiotherapy in the 70's Narendra was dismayed to find that head massage which he had grown up with, was not practiced or even heard of.
He noticed the high levels of stress experienced by many people, particularly those working for long hours in an office environment and felt that Head Massage could offer a quick and pleasant way of alleviating stress and tension. He went on to develop his own unique method which he called "Champissage" and introduced this therapy to the UK at the Mind, Body, Spirit Festival in 1981.
Since then, Indian Head Massage has gone from strength to strength as people realise and experience the benefits of this therapy.

Q. What are the benefits of Indian Head Massage?
A. Indian Head Massage is easy to perform and requires no equipment. The client does not have to undress and it can be performed without the use of oils or creams. As well as relaxing the areas of the body which are most vulnerable to stress and tension (upper back, shoulders, upper arms, neck & head), the massage also encourages the flow of blood to the scalp, leading to higher levels of alertness and in some cases, promoting hair growth.

Q. What benefits have you seen with Indian Head Massage amongst some of your clients?
A. I have found this treatment to be very beneficial for clients suffering from sleeping problems, particularly if they have the treatment in the evening and then relax before going to bed.
As well as relaxing the body, it encourages the mind to let go of worrying thoughts which can prevent sleep.
I have one particular client who has been coming to me regularly for the past 3 years. He is a young man in his thirties who on his first visit was extremely distressed that his hair was thinning.
I noticed that his scalp was very dry and said that although I could not guarantee a cure for his thinning hair, the massage would improve its condition. He enjoyed the first treatment and continued to have regular weekly treatments. As time went by, his hair loss stopped, his scalp became less dry and he became less stressed. Naturally he was delighted and he still continues with his weekly treatments which have now become an important part of his life.

Q. What advice would you like to give to people who would like to learn Indian Head Massage?
A. Try a taster course first or have a treatment from a professional therapist to see if this is something you would like to do. When you decide to do a professional course, make sure the qualification will be recognized by the major insurance companies.

Q. Which qualifications are recognised in the United Kingdom?
A. The Diploma from the London Centre of Indian Champissage is recognised in the UK and internationally and the course is taught in many countries around the world. Therapists who trained in this method will use the letters LCICI (London Centre of Indian Champissage International) after their name.
ITEC (International Therapies Examination Council) qualifications are also recognised as are qualifications provided by VTCT (Vocational Training Charitable Trust).

Q. Where did you learn Indian Head Massage?
A. I was very lucky to have studied with Narendra Mehta and then to have the opportunity to work with him at his London Centre of Indian Champissage. I learnt a lot from him and I am proud to remain as one of his tutors, passing on his wonderful method of treatment to others.

Q. Where do you teach?
A. I teach ITEC (International Therapies Examination Council) accredited courses in Indian Head Massage in Morley College, London and Merton College, Wimbledon. I also teach Narendra Mehta's intensive Indian Champissage course in various venues in the UK and Ireland. In addition I also offer corporate treatments in several offices in central London, and treat private clients in south west London.

Q. What other therapies do you practice?
A. I also practice Holistic Aromatherapy which I studied at the Tisser and Institute in London, Reflexology, Ear Candling and Facial Rejuvenation. I run professional training courses in Facial Rejuvenation and Ear Candling. Further details of these can be found on my website www.head2toemassage.co.uk

Q. What oils are commonly used in Indian Head Massage and what are the benefits?
A. Oils condition the scalp and the hair and can add to the relaxation effects of the treatment. Tension sometimes causes hair loss and an oil massage can help to stimulate hair growth. Oils are not always necessary or desired and their use will depend on the particular wishes / needs of the client. In some cases, essential oils can be blended with base oil for the scalp massage. The aromatic effects of the oils are enhanced by the fact that they are being used on the head, close to the olfactory tract and so the molecules do not have far to travel. In addition, the clients breathing will usually be deeper and more relaxed due to the effects of the massage resulting in more effective inhalation.

Oils for a basic scalp massage are usually chosen because they moisturise the skin, condition the hair, stimulate hair growth and are neutral in scent. In India mustard oil, almond oil, coconut oil, sesame oil, and olive oil are traditionally used.

Mary E. Dalgleish January 2006
www.head2toemassage.co.uk
www.indianchampissage.com

Thank you Mary for taking part in the web interview!

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