Indian Head Massage

Indian Head Massage is a part of the Ayurveda tradition from India. Head massage (or champi) comes from the Indian tradition of using oils to massage and groom the hair. The roots of the hair are connected to the nerve fibers, and the oils calm the nervous system as well as nourishing the hair.



Used on the scalp, face, neck, shoulders, and upper arms to stimulate or relax the body, champi massage can provide relief for headaches, eye strain, and joint and muscle tension. Energetically, this massage balances the top three chakras.

You sit, fully clothed, in a comfortable chair. Oil may or may not be used.

Some therapists may start treatment at the scalp and face before moving to the shoulders and upper back. Others begin with a deep kneading and probing of the neck and shoulder muscles then work with the scalp, squeezing, rubbing, and gently tapping.

Learn more about this massage with this article at Massage Massage, this book about Indian Head Massage, or with this video.