Indian Head Massage

Ayurveda, Traditional Indian Medicine 

History and traditional methods 

 Ayurveda, translated as the science of life or longevity from Sanskrit, also known as the mother of all healing in India, is an ancient illness prevention system which has at its core finding a balanced and stable routine according to the individual mind, body and spirit together with massage techniques. Historical evidence was attesting, in the past 5000 years ago in India, such the inscriptions and books the Ayurvedic healing process. 

The Compendium of Susruta is one of the fundamental texts of Ayurveda alongside the Charaka-Samhita, dated between the 5th and 6th centuries BC. ​(McGuiness, 2012)​ 

Ayurvedic Energetic Principles  

With Ayurveda is treated the mind and body according to the person’s Dosha using a combination of diet, detoxification, herbal prescriptions, meditation, yoga, Ayurvedic massage, lifestyle routine and behaviours which stimulate positive response. A person’s Dosha type is determined at conception, however this may change with the age, the time of the day and night or seasons. ​(McGuiness, 2012)​ 

Ayurveda is based on the principle of the 5 elements: Ether, Air, Fire, Water, Earth. The elements are constituents of everyone and everything in the universe. As picture below shows, each element has its own related sense in the person. Each person can have a more prominent dominance of two elements and this will determine their Dosha.  

Moreover, the substances within our body are seen as “good” and “bad” for our system. The “good” ones, called Dhatus, are things like plasma, blood, fat, bones and bone marrow and the “bad”, called Malas, are the waste products, urine, faeces, sweat. ​(Nish Teswar, 2015)​​ (McGuiness, 2012)​ 

Factors that affect constitutional balance in an individual 

To achieve homeostasis or Prakruti, according to Ayurvedic medicine, there must be a balance within the elements, Doshas, Dhatus, Malas and Agni. When an imbalance arises and the Doshas get accumulated, inevitably there will follow illness.  

Doshas and Tri-dosha  

As said before Doshas are determined by the physical appearance and the mental patterns of the person. The universal elements dominant makes up each of Doshas. Although we are a combination of the three, Tri-doshas. The predominant dosha in the person will tend towards excess and must be contained to achieve good health and a positive approach to life that together will give us longevity. ​(McGuiness, 2012)​ 

Vata Dosha is made of air and ether and the main characteristics are dryness, light, cold mobile and active. For these reasons the imbalance can be seen in a range of discomforts or illness caused by these characteristics. Either in excess or in deficit the dosha therefore the elements air and ether will translate in the body as dry hair, dry skin, poor circulation, constipation, dehydration, etc. In the mind, the imbalance can be noted by excessive talking, can’t shut down the mind, agitation, dizziness, fear. 

Pitta Dosha is made of fire and water and the main characteristics are heat, sharp, light, liquid, oily. For these reasons the imbalance can be seen in a range of discomforts or illness caused by these characteristics. Either in excess or in deficit the dosha therefore the elements fire and water will translate in the body as eczema, red skin, rashes, heartburn, loose stools. In the mind, the imbalance can be noted by excessive ego, anger, restlessness, workaholism, controlling, burnout, criticism, judgemental. 

Kapha is made of earth and water and the main characteristics are heaviness, slowness, cool, oily, thick. For these reasons the imbalance, can be seen in a range of discomforts or illness caused by these characteristics. Either in excess or in deficit the dosha, therefore the elements earth and water will translate in the body as coughs, allergies, sinusitis, weight gain, slow metabolism, mucus. In the mind, the imbalance can be noted by stubbornness, overly emotional, depression, lethargy, hoarding. 

Prakruti therefore is the person’s balance or homeostasis, and Vikruti is the opposite, imbalance and out of alignment of the person, according to its Dosha. ​(Nish Teswar, 2015)​ 

Basic energetic actions of Indian Head Massage 

Indian Head Massage is an ancient practice in India, passed on in the family and performed both within the family and as a treat in the barber shops. The idea behind the kneading, rubbing and squeezing the soft tissue and the muscles of the head is to unlock the energy channels and the junction points. In Ayurvedic medicine, the vital energy called Prana passes through the energy channels, called Nadis and the junction points that are called Marma points. Using the acupressure and acupuncture on these points has the potential to restore vitality and balance throughout the whole body.  

 In the West the Head massage is often offered in conjunction with neck and shoulders massage to alleviate the tension accumulated within the shoulders area.​ (Nish Teswar, 2015)​ 

Techniques and Products used in Indian Head Massage 

The use of oils on the hair and scalp nourishes and helps release the tension in the muscles and nervous system. In Ayurveda the choice of the oil is determined by the individual’s Dosha. ​(McGuiness, 2012)​ 

Common oils used in the West are Almond, Coconut, Sesame, Mustard, Olive. In India they have been using a wider variety of oils and that includes Amia, Neem, Pumpkin seed and Shikakai. ​(Nish Teswar, 2015)​ 

Techniques used are kneading, rubbing and squeezing, acupressure on the Marma points and stretching the muscles. ​(Nish Teswar, 2015)​ 

Contra-actions occur during and after the massage and are dizziness, perspiration, increased vitality, tension headaches, skin rash, increased mucous, tiredness, emotional release, tenderness in the muscles, vivid dreams may occur afterwards. 

Physiologically, the head massage is mainly targets the musculoskeletal system by stimulating the face, scalp, neck and shoulder muscles. 

Muscles involved are Occipitalis, Frontalis, Auricularis anterior and superior, Zygomaticus, Nasalis, Risorius, Transversus mentis, Platysma, Sternocleidomastoids, Upper Trapezius, Trapezius, Semispinalis capitis, Splenius, Levator scapulae, and Deltoid. Bones involved are the Skull, Frontal Bone, Mandibula, Maxilla, Zygomatic and Nasal bone, Scapula, Humerus, Clavicle, Upper vertebrae.

Check out your predominant Doshas Quiz.