Indian Head Massage Courses
This is a two day work shop where you will learn how to work the traditional areas of the upper back, neck, head and face. If you are trainer in reflexology you could also incorporate some simple hand reflexology to make the session longer and even more effective. Indian Head Massage can either be done over cloths or working directly on the skin with oils. Both forms will be taught so that both you and your clients have a choice.
The basic Indian head massage training work shop is available as a certificate course. You also have an option to extend this to a diploma course for students with prior knowledge of Anatomy and Physiology and client management skills. Students of the School of Holistic Reflexology will have acquired these through their 7 unit level 3 Diploma Reflexology Course.
The course will include:
Massage
Massage is the manipulation of the soft tissue of the body through stroking, rubbing, kneading or tapping. There are various different techniques that can be used with varying effects.
The stimulating work aims to encourage blood and lymph flow to muscles and organs bring new nutrients and to remove toxic waste.
The lighter touch techniques help to stimulate nerve pathways and energy flow.
The overall effect being to relieve mental stress and tension, ease muscle tension and spasms, improve muscle and skin tone.
Reflexology
Reflexology is not generally included in an Indian head massage treatment but some practitioners like to be able offer this. It can feel more complete and nurturing as well as beneficial. A simple hand reflexology massage will activate all the organs in the same way as a foot reflexology treatment does.
Reflexology works on the principle that there are reflexes on the hands and feet that relate to all of the organs and systems and parts of the body. Both the hands and feet are each divided into 5 vertical zones as is each side of the body. An organ reflex is found in the same zone on the hands and feet as it is found in the body. Hence the hands and feet can both represent the whole body. When these reflexes are stimulated through pressure, energy flow is improved to the actual body parts.
Kinesiology
Kinesiology is a way of using muscle responses in the skeletal muscles of the body to detect and correct imbalances within the body. Each muscle is associated with one of the twelve acupuncture meridians and related organ. In order to improve blood and lymph to these organs kinesiology uses neuro-vascular and neuro-lymphatic points. These are like electrical switches that can be used to stimulate the physical blood and lymph flow.
The neuro-vascular points that stimulate blood flow to the organs are situated on the head and these would be held lightly for a minute or two.
The neuro-lymphatic points that stimulate lymph flow to the organs are situated over all parts of the body however the points for the brain are at the base of skull. All of these are stimulated vigorously.
Another kinesiology technique is called Emotional Stress Relief (ESR). It is a method of integrating left / right brain activity in order to put problems into perspective. The left brain deals with logic and form and the right, concepts and feelings. When the two are integrated you can get a more balance viewpoint on any problem. The points relating to the brain are found on the forehead, like 'horns'. They are lightly held while the brain tries to sort out problems and reduce any stress.
In kinesiology the ears are regarded as aerials. If they get scrunched up after sleeping it can affect your balance and hearing. By unfurling the ears during the Indian head massage it can be a simple yet beneficial way to improve concentration and balance.
Acupuncture
Auricular acupuncture is a way of stimulating the whole body just through the ears. You can visualise the ear like an upside down foetus with all of the organs and parts represented. When you massage the whole or part of your ear it will help your whole body.
Acupuncture is based on the fact that there are 12 meridians of energy that take the energy around the body to the different organs. These are divided into 6 yang and 6 yin meridians and organs.
The six yang relate to the small and large intestines, urinary and gall bladders, stomach and triple warmer thermostat. They have one end of their meridians on the face, which is stimulated during the face massage
The six yin relate to the lungs, heart, sex organs, spleen, kidneys and liver. They have one end of their meridians on the upper torso and some of these are stimulated during the extended massage.
Both yin and yang meridians have half of there meridians end on the hands. These will be stimulated during the extended treatment through hand reflexology.
There are also two central meridians, which reflect the energy and central nervous system. These end at the top and bottom lips, again stimulated during the face massage.
All of the meridians have acupuncture points along them that are traditionally stimulated through needles. In the case of an Indian head massage treatment they are stimulated through pressure. There are many on the head and face and special ones along the spine. The acupuncture points situated either side of the spine are known as back-shu points and each one relates to one of the internal organs. The upper ones are the easiest to access and relate to the lungs, heart, and liver. These will be stimulated during the back massage.
Reiki
At the end of the session the upper chakras (heart, throat, 3rd eye and crown) can be held to allow the flow of reiki energy to re-balance them. The flow of reiki energy will also flow naturally throughout the session to enhance the whole treatment. If you are not reiki attuned it does not matter. You can still send healing into these areas.
Click here for the Indian Head Massage Chart
Indian Head Massage Course fees
The cost of the 2 day Indian Head Massage Training is £100. In order to acquire the Diploma you will need to show evidence of Anatomy and Physiology and client skills and to complete 4 case studies and perform a treatment on the tutor at a time that is convenient to you.