Indian Head Massage (IHM) is a dynamic, energy-based massage focussing on clearing and moving energy by making use of pressure points and massage strokes.  IHM works through the body’s energy systems as well as on the physical structures, focusing on the head, upper back, shoulders, upper arms, neck, face, and scalp – while the client remains seated in an upright position.  Benefits include improved circulation and lymphatic flow, thus clearing toxins from muscles; the restoration of muscular flexibility and fluidity, the relief of neck and head tension, headaches, and eye strain; and finally, as it stimulates hair follicles, improvement of hair and scalp conditions.

Physical benefits may include:

• Whole body relaxation

• Relief of muscle tension in head and neck; general and specific:

• Breakdown of fibrous adhesions (knots)

• ‘Loosening’ of the scalp

• Increase in oxygen uptake in the tissues

• Increase in blood circulation, lymph circulation and lymph draining

• Increase in toxin release

• Restoration of flexibility and fluidity of movement

• Improvement in skin suppleness and underlying muscle tone

• Stimulation of hair follicles, and relief of hair disorders associated with stress: Hair loss, Alopecia, Dandruff, Psoriasis, Scalp tension

May provide relief from disorders such as:

o   Earache

o   Eye strain

o   Tinnitus

o   Aching jaw from clenching or grinding teeth

o   Sinusitis and congestion

o   Tension headaches, migraines

o   Neck and shoulder pain or numbness

o   Anxiety

Mental benefits may include:

• Increase in oxygen flow to the brain, allowing for clearer thinking

• Stress relief

• Improvement in concentration

• Increase in mental clarity

• Promotion of emotional well-being through the power of touch and relaxation

• Relief from insomnia

• Decrease in depression and anxiety symptoms

Energy benefits may include:

• Boost in energy

• Release of energy blockages that cause or contribute to illness

• Energy points in the scalp and ears correspond to proper functioning of the whole body

• Meridians and Marma points throughout the head and face are stimulated

• Ayurvedic principles of health are balanced, relieving excess or insufficient ‘dosha’ energy (there are three types of dosha energy: vata, pitta, kapha)

• Feelings of tranquility and peacefulness

• Release of stagnant or depleted energy