Have you ever tried Indian Head Massage (IHM)? I’m a huge fan. I discovered the relaxing benefits of Indian Head Massage after I was required to be a practice subject many years ago. Immediate conversion followed. Now I use IHM as part of my pre-menstrual regimen.
I find it helps dissolve the tension that mysteriously gathers in my head, neck and shoulders. It also gives my face a wonderful toning and relaxing treatment, not to mention the amazing feeling of my hair being massaged and gently pulled. It’s a heavenly experience, and one that helps prevent any pms symptoms from accumulating and turning me into a monster.
What to expect from a session:
A good therapist will keep notes, take your medical history and contact your GP. Then you will discuss what to focus on in this particular session.
Next: Enter heaven.
The session will usually last between 20 minutes to 1 hour. The therapist will begin with massaging your shoulders, neck, arms and upper back. You might find yourself seated rather than lying down, and the massage can be performed over the top of your clothes.
I prefer to remove my clothes and to have a liberal amount of oil used in my treatments, I relax better that way and the session has a greater impact. My favourite oils are evening primrose, avocado, jojoba or calendula oil – or a mixture of these.
Or I might use an aromatherapy mix for a particular purpose, for instance with camomile to help me sleep, or rosemary to help me stay alert. Sometimes my therapist incorporates a bit of shea butter also, and it becomes a wonderfully rich treatment.
Then the therapist will massage your scalp, hair and face.
What is does:
The treatment should feel calming, re-stressing and relaxing. It should not be painful or uncomfortable, be sure to communicate with your therapist in order to get the pressure you need.
It can sometimes be a bit tricky to let go of tension, so this therapy is a great way to practice letting go.
There is also a lot of lymphatic drainage in IHM, so it can help boost your immune system and support you through tough times.
IHM is great for headaches and can help both ease and prevent them, which is good news for all of you who suffer headaches as part of pms.
IHM is also great for reducing swelling or puffiness to the face and neck, and I know people who refer to it as a mini-facelift.
IHM might not be suitable for everyone though, so be sure to discuss any health conditions or concerns with your therapist and your doctor.
A good therapist will be balance your chakras, soothe your aura and ground you. You can use IHM to help cope with life changes, a stressful life, recovery from illness or preparations for a challenging time – it’s up to you and how you use it. I prefer to use it to ease pms tension and prepare me for my menstruation, so that I can enjoy it and really be present in the moment.
Finding the community of Cycle Harmony has made a huge difference to me. I am delighted to be writing to you from the Red Tent and hope to share thoughts and experiences you recognise, or find useful to ponder upon. I look forward to working with you all in exploring what it is to be women, and hope to hear from you. ~ Vild
Hi Vild. Your articles are always inspiring and informative. I like the idea of getting a massage and its welcome anytime..anyone would agree???
Are there any particular therapists who can give this massage or can anybody do it?
Thank you, Vild. I really enjoyed reading this – I’d no idea that IHM incorporated parts of the body other than the head! Lol. I find when I’m worried about something, I get this throbbing in the back of my head, like a pulse. Lately, I have been asking my massage therapist to focus on neck and shoulders, but I like the idea of my hair being gently pulled and massaged. I might suggest it next time!