Therapies to target postural tension and stress
Since becoming a therapist, along with lower back pain, I have found an increasing amount of clients suffering with facial tension, TMJ, bruxism (teeth grinding and clenching), headaches and neck and shoulder tension. I offer a curated range of massage treatments to target all of these issues:
- 30 min back, neck and shoulder massage
- 30 min Indian head massage (seated or lying down)
- 45 min back, neck, shoulder, face OR scalp massage
- 60 min back, neck, shoulder, face and scalp massage
Back, Neck and Shoulder Massage
Using the skills and experience I have gained over the years as a sports and remedial massage therapist combined with a holistic approach, I will tailor your massage, using a pre-blended oil of your choice, to the areas of concern, in a relaxing and therapeutic way, to leave you feeling less tense, more free and mobile and relaxed. Longer sessions of 45 or 60 minutes also include face and/or scalp massage.
Indian Head Massage
Indian head massage helps to release stress that has accumulated in the tissues, muscles and joints of the head, face, neck and shoulders and to leave you relaxed, rejuvenated and uplifted. I offer two options for this massage – either seated or lying down on the massage couch. Both are highly relaxing and beneficial and target all the same areas, but using different techniques:
SEATED INDIAN HEAD MASSAGE
One of the benefits of seated Indian Head Massage is convenience, as the treatment takes place fully clothed and oils are not necessary – perfect for when time is short. This also makes it more accessible for clients with restricted mobility,
A range of movements are used, including frictions, kneading and compression over the neck, shoulders and upper back, plucking and squeezing across the scalp and gentle stimulation of the pressure points on the face. It can be tailored to the client’s individual preferences, e.g. spending more time on a particular area and less on another, or omitting altogether if preferred.
COUCH INDIAN HEAD MASSAGE
Unlike traditional Indian head massage, this treatment takes place on the massage couch using your choice of pre-blended oil applied to the neck and shoulder regions, which many people find more relaxing than being seated and also enables me to incorporate more effleurage (gliding strokes) and pettrisage (kneading) strokes to these areas.
An optional hot towel facial cleanse using Botanicals skincare products is also included with this treatment.
Both seated and supine treatments can also be combined with back massage, reflexology or reiki to enhance your treatment further.
A brief history of Indian Head Massage
Indian head massage or “champissage” is based on the Ayurvedic system of healing which has been practiced in India for over a thousand years using the upper Chakras (energy centres) in the body. Massage is an important part of Indian culture throughout a person’s life. In addition to the holistic effect of Indian head massage it also has a direct effect in stimulating circulation in the scalp and encouraging healthy hair. Traditionally, Indian head massage is used in conjunction with seasonal oils to strengthen and condition the hair. Indian barbers also traditionally use massage (champi) as part of the treatment they give to male clients.
The idea of Indian head massage was brought to the western world by Narendra Mehta in the 1970s. He also went on to incorporate neck, shoulder and upper arms in the treatment for maximum benefit. The treatment we now know and love has evolved and adapted and is much more gentle than the traditional treatment you may have in India.
