10 Simple Steps to Self Indian Head Massage
Indian Head massage is a wonderfully relaxing way to administer much needed self care. It relieves tension and stress in the upper body and improves mobility and posture. IHM opens up and unblocks the upper chakras bringing calm and focus to thoughts, improves communication skills and enhances your natural intuition.
Self massage creates a period of time to go within and connect deeply with yourself, to tune into what your body needs and to release the cares and worries, the stress and strain of the day. It can become a wonderful form of meditation for those who struggle to meditate in the more traditional ways.
Massage can be a great way to wake up, loosen up and begin your day, to break up your daily routine or a relaxing way to finish your day and to aid sleeping.
In some very lucky workplaces it is a service provided for employees as it has been proven to improve concentration and productivity.
Preparation
Creating the right space in which to prepare is important;
For me sound and scent is an important trigger for visualisation so I tend to ‘theme’ these according to what I am doing. Sometimes I visualise myself sat in a beautiful rose garden, I burn rose incense and I play relaxing non vocal music to trigger a deep state of relaxation.
Once seated comfortably I begin by clearing my mind and dropping myself into a deep meditative state. I do this by slowing my breathing, breathing deeply into my stomach area.
As I breathe in I focus on drawing in positive energy (I see this as a peach coloured mist) , as I breathe out I release negative energy and the stress and strain of the day (I see this as grey smoke).
As I work with attunement energy systems I run my Chakra and Aura Flushes through myself. As this is flowing; opening me up and allowing me to be more receptive to the upcoming massage I begin a progressive relaxation technique. Beginning with my toes I tense up with the in breath and release and relax with the out breath. I work upwards through each of the muscle groups in my body until I reach my head.
Massage Instructions
Self massage can be broken down into ten simple steps.
Unless stated below if you aim for about one minute on each step that should provide you with a good overall massage. I have added directions for using oils, but if works just as well without.
- When including the use of oil in your treatment, choose a carrier oil and add a drop an essential oil which will relax you. 1 drop of essential oil to 30 ml of carrier oil is a good ratio to work with. Pour a drop of your chosen oil blend into the palm of your hand and then transfer this to the crown on your head.
- Now pour a little more into your hand, this time rubbing both hands together to evenly distribute the oil. With your hands at either side of your head massage the oil into your hair working towards the crown area. Work towards the front and rear of the head until the oil has been evenly distributed over the complete surface of your head.
- Using the pads of your fingers and thumbs (not nails) massage all over your head, this action will create warmth and friction and will begin the relaxation process in your head muscles.
- This time move through your hair by gripping large clumps of hair by the root and tugging it gently but firmly from side to side. Keep your knuckles close to your scalp while doing this. This action will help to increase the flexibility across your scalp.
- Now place the heel of your hands against your temple area and apply firm pressure as you make slow large circular movements.
- Now we move down to the neck area, so with your head tilted forward squeeze and roll the muscles at the back of your neck using alternate hands. Begin at the base of the skull and work downwards repeating this process several times.
- Now position your thumbs on either side of the base of your skull, this is just under the area known as the occiput. Using a firm movements rub in a circular fashion.
- Now moving onto the shoulder area begin with your left upper shoulder, or the one you have best mobility in, and squeeze the muscle tissue near the neck. Move along the full length of your shoulder, down your upper arm and finishing at your elbow. Repeat this step twice more and then move onto your other shoulder and arm.
- Still working in the same area using your right hand palm on the base of the left hand side of your neck, rub firmly downwards along the your shoulder and upper arm until you reach your elbow. When you have repeated this twice more move to your left side and use your right palm to complete the process. This technique will aid with the removal of toxins as well as improving muscle tone, mobility and increase the circulation in that area.
- Now as you come to the end of your self-massage finish by gently rubbing both hands over your whole head and onto your face. Take a few minutes now to get your bearings maybe enjoy a glass of water and gently stretch your neck, shoulders and arms before you stand up and move around.