Welcome to Indie Head Massage. We have heard so many names given to this: Indian Head Massage, Champissage, Hot Oil Scalp massage… they are all the same thing. CMTO requested for the purpose of collecting CEUs, before the change to the Quality Assurance Program (QAP) on September 5, 2019 to STRiVE.

At East Mountain Massage, we chose to use Indie Head Massage for the benefits! All techniques  are approved by CMTO which help to promote increase circulation, those who suffer from Sinus problems, Headache and Migraine sufferers, as well as those who suffer from Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) dysfunctions. The added benefit of a person’s hair soaking in the oils, is also a great advertising addition.

History

Indie Head Massage, AKA Champissage AKA Hot Oil Scalp

Featured snippet from the web: History of Indian Head Massage (Champissage) Around 600 BC Indian Head massage (champissage or champi) was first documented in the texts of Ayurveda (Knowledge of Life). Generally it is said the women of the family originally practised champi. It was derived from ancient grooming rituals.

Massage has always played an important part in Indian life. It features in the earliest Ayurvedic texts, which date back over 4000 years. These ancient texts describe that, when used in conjunction with herbs, spices and aromatic oils, massage had an important medical function and could not only “strengthen muscles and firm skin”, but also encourage the body’s innate healing energy.

Today, Indian infants often receive a daily massage from birth until they are three years old to keep them supple and in good health. From three to six years of age, they are massaged once or twice a week. After six years of age, they are taught to share a massage with family members. Massage occurs across the generations in India as an integral part of family life. Indian Champissage™ springs from this rich tradition of family grooming.

Head massage has been practiced for over a thousand years. The concept was originally developed by women who used different oils according to the season (coconut, sesame, almond, olive oil, herbal oils, buttermilk, mustard oil and henna) and individual needs to keep their long hair strong, lustrous and in beautiful condition.

Barbers practiced many of the same skills with their male clients. They used to visit individual homes, cutting hair and often offering champi (head massage) as part of the treatment. It was customary for most people from the king down to have someone attend to them in this manner.

Treatments offered by barbers differed from the massages performed by women. A champi was an invigorating scalp massage designed to stimulate and refresh the individual and was not considered part of a beauty regime. The word ‘shampoo’ comes from the Hindi word ‘champi,’ meaning ‘massage of the head.’ Regular head massage, as practiced by woman to beautify their hair, was soothing and relaxing. They would use natural oils to keep their long hair strong and healthy.

The barbers’ skills evolved through the ages. They were handed down from father to son in much the same way that women kept alive the tradition of hair massage and grooming by passing the techniques from mother to daughter.

Nowadays, it is very common to go to a barber’s shop, receive a wet shave and have a head massage thrown in as part of the treatment. Head massage can be seen in many locations in India from Calcutta to Bombay: on street corners, in markets and, of course, on the beach.

Benefits of different oils

Coconut oil: helps to delay the occurrence of wrinkles because it has antioxidant vitamin E, known to protect the skin cells from damage over time. The Vit E also soothes eczema, psoriasis, and sunburns. The anti-viral/anti-fungal benefits help treat bug bites. It has 3 fatty acids: Capric acid, lauric acid and caprylic acid. Each of these acids kills candida, a common cause of fungal infection on your skin

Sesame oil: This oil is rich in omega 6, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, iron and vit B & E which have been used as products of beautification. it can provide you with glowing skin by maintaining skin flexibility, keeping it soft and supple.

Avocado Oil: The beta carotene, protein, lecithin, fatty acids, and vitamins A, D, and E found in avocado oil help moisturize and protect your skin from damaging UV rays and also increase collagen metabolism.

Olive Oil: high in antioxidant content and it helps maintain scalp and hair health. It prevents the hair from cell damage and nourishes and conditions the hair at the same time to improve its quality. The massage improves the circulation of blood in the scalp and nourishes the hair follicles as well

Grape Seed Oil: When applied to your hair, grapeseed oil adds moisture, strength, and shine. Try massaging a couple of tablespoons of grapeseed oil (using more or less, depending on the length of your hair) into your hair and scalp before shampooing. Grapeseed oil is used as a natural remedy for baldness.

Contraindications

• Allergies: plays a key role when someone is allergic. Always inform them of which oil you are using
• Heat Intolerance: those who have rosacea, eczema, and psoriasis
• Skin Type: thin skin, like the elderly, may not tolerate heat
• Medications: some medications can interact negatively with heat
• High Blood Pressure: those who have high BP
• Surgeries: avoid those who have had surgeries