INDIAN HEAD MASSAGE

Introduction

Indian Head Massage is a unique massage treatment. It is a safe, simple, yet

effective therapy that not only promotes hair growth, but also provides relief from
aches and pains. It is renowned for relieving symptoms of stress. It has many
advantages, including the following:

1. No need to undress

2. Oils are optional particularly if requested by the client

3. Versatile. This is an ideal treatment for the less able-bodied client and
can easily be performed on a client in a wheelchair. It can be carried
out anywhere there is a comfortable upright chair that allows shoulder
massage.

4. Cost effective: The full treatment takes approximately 30 minutes

5. Suitable for all It’s suitable for all ages. It can be used effectively to
calm small children with hyperactive tendencies, it can relieve exam
stress, it is proven to alleviate stress with busy Executives; helps to
calm and promote good sleeping patterns. Indian Head Massage is
calming and soothing for the elderly and disabled, it can safely be used
on pregnant women.

6. Usable anywhere: The treatment is invaluable as an introduction to

massage, and can be carried out in varied environments, i.e. your
home, the workplace, nursing or residential care homes, and even at
the office.

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A Brief History of Indian Head Massage

Massage has been a major part of medicine for at least 5000 years, and
significant in the Western Medical Traditions for at least 3000 years. It was
primarily administered by Physicians and was the first and most important of the
Medical Arts.

On the Indian subcontinent, massage has been practiced for over 3000 years.
Knowledge of massage came from India to China, and was based on finding the
various points on the body where pressure, rubbing, and manipulations were
most effective. Records indicate that ancient Hindus, Persians, and Egyptians
used forms of massage for many ailments. The Ayurveda (Art of Life), a sacred
book amongst Hindus, was written about 1800 BC. It included massage,
amongst its hygienic principles.

The family traditions of massage in India dates back to the beginnings of

Hinduism, which as been the main religion of India for almost 2000 years, and
still claims the loyalty of 80% of Indians. Today this centuries old tradition is still
as important a ritual as taking food, and plays a central role in the life of the
family.

Newly born infants are massaged daily from birth to the age of 3, which promotes
bonding. The mother of the newly born infant herself receives ceremonial
massages daily for a minimum of 40 days after the birth. The child will continue
to receive massage twice or three times a week until the age of about 7. At this
age the child will begin to learn the massage techniques, partly from
experiencing massage and partly from watching other family members carry out
massage. He / she will gradually be encouraged to take an active part in
massaging other family members.

Massage is also given ceremonially prior to a wedding. The bride and groom
receive massage from members of their respective families as an essential part
of the preparation ritual.

For Indian housewives, massage forms part of their social activities. When the
chores are finished in the afternoon, they will meet for a gossip and to enjoy a
head massage. The stimulating effects of massage are seen as a benefit to the
elders of the family, whereas the calming effects are valued dealing with
hyperactive children.

Massage skills have evolved through the ages and have been handed down from
parent to child right up to the present day. Even the word ‘shampoo’, comes from
the Hindi word ‘champi’. Being ‘champi-ed’ meant having your head massaged.

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Using Oils

The general term for Head Massage in India is Champissage. In the West this
term has been adopted to denote a form of hacking used in Indian Head
Massage: this uses a cage-like hand position. This form of hacking is unique to
the Indian Head Massage treatment. In India, Champissage oil is used for both
men and women to keep their hair lustrous and well conditioned. The oil is
applied to the head and is absorbed into the roots of the hair. It strengthens the
hair, in part by removing dryness, which is responsible for brittle hair and some
scalp disorders. It also softens the skin of the scalp, which promotes hair growth,
slows down hair loss, and encourages vibrant, shiny hair.

Applying Oil

First point of application

Measure 8 finger widths back from the eyebrows (this will bring you inside the
natural hairline).

Second point of application

Crown of the head.

Third point of application

Uppermost part of the spine as it meets the occipital bone.

Oils to use

Traditional oils

- Sesame Oil
o Most popular choice among Indian families. Reduces swelling,
relieves muscular pains, strengthens and moisturizes the skin. May
irritate sensitive skin, if this happens, use alternative oil.

- Mustard Oil (not recommended)

o Stimulating and warming oil

- Almond Oil
o A light oil, suitable for normal hair and scalp conditions

- Coconut Oil
o A medium to light oil, moisturizes the skin, encourages healthy hair
growth, helps hair to become vibrant and alive. Oil is usually solid
at room temperature, liquify it by placing the bottle in warm water.

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 - Olive Oil
o A heavy strong smelling oil for excessively dry hair and scalps
- Jasmine Oil
o Preferred by many Indian women for its beautiful perfume and for
the shine it gives their hair

Other oils that can be used

- Evening Primrose Oil

o Any skin type, very good for dry hair, scalp, and skin. Benefits for
eczema and dermatitis, nourishing, soothing, promotes healings

- Avocado Oil
o All skin, hair, and scalp types. Very beneficial for sensitive,
dehydrated, and dry conditions, penetrative and soothing. Relieves
any conditions that itch

- Grapeseed Oil
o Very light and gentle emollient. All types of hair, skin, and scalp
conditions

- Hazelnut Oil
o Absorbs well, very good for stimulating the circulation, used on oily
hair, scalp, and skin types

- Wheatgerm Oil
o All skin types, very beneficial for inflamed and ageing skin
conditions, nourishing, soothing, and promotes healing.

Essential oils are extremely concentrated and should never be used directly on
the skin; always blend with a base oil.

Essential Oils for hair

Greasy hair clary sage, camomile, lemongrass

Dry/damaged hair ylang ylang, sandlewood, rosewood
Normal hair geranium. Lavender, rosemary
Light hair lavender, lemon
Dark hair sandlewood, patchouli, ylang ylangh
As a rinse/tonic rosemary, petitgrain, ylang ylang
Growth juniper, rosemary
Itchy scalp cedarwood, tea tree
Dandruff patchouli, tea tree (use with jojoba)

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How does it work

The head, neck and shoulders are important energy centres within our body. If
you are feeling stressed or angry, tension tends to accumlate.
The tension can later show up as a stiff neck and shoulders, as eye strain and
sometimes even as hair loss. Indian head massage involves working with a firm
and gentle rhythm to help unknot blockages and relieve this uncomfortable build-
up of tension. However, it’s effect is not just physical: it works on an emotional
level too, calming the spirit, promoting relaxation and relieving stress. It tackles
he physical, mental and emotional effects of stress in a unique and particularly
effective way.

As the head, face and neck store a great deal of the anxiety, emotion and tension
that accumulates in everyday life, touching these areas through massage will
help to melt away troubles and open the paths of communication and
understanding. If people massaged ach other’s head and hair on a regular basis,
the world would be a happier and more loving place. The head and hair are
extremely sensitive as the face and scalp are crowded with nerve endings.
This makes them extremely receptive to touch. Massaging the head and hair is
soothing and deeply relaxing.

The power of touch

Touch is essential for stimulating our nervous system and promoting healthy
physical development. It is also critical for our mental and social development.
Touch is an instinctive, natural language that we all speak and understand.
One of the wonderful things about massage is that it is a formalized touch, it
gives you permission to touch someone within established and defined
boundaries

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Massage Benefits and Manipulations

Massage is one of the most enjoyable and relaxing activities one can experience.
It is both mentally and physically relaxing. The therapeutic touch relieves stress
and tension, leaving a good feeling of well-being and increased energy levels.
Indian Head Massage benefits the client both physically and psychologically.
The treatment manipulates the soft tissue and muscles as well as the nerves.
The massage manipulations can have either a stimulating or relaxing effect,
depending on the technique carried out.

Psychological Benefits

If too many physical or psychological strains are put upon us, the normal
balances of the body become upset. Some common illnesses are stress related.
Combined with other factors such as poor diet and lack of sleep, the stress level
can become too high and result in exhaustion. .

Massage offers one of the best ways to deal with stress. It can help to reeducate
the body, reminding us how to rest and relax. When the body has been re-
balanced and the immune system boosted, the body is better able to fight off
infection and begin recovery.

Massage is soothing. Clients may experience the following benefits:

1. The mind can take a break and with increased oxygen to the brain,
concentration and alertness afterwards often improve.

2. Tension often brings with it emotional disturbances. These can be

alleviated by applying massage. As the client feels relaxed and
secure, barriers may break down and emotions may be released. As a
result, clients’ depression, low self-esteem, and feelings of
hopelessness may have been alleviated.

3. The physical touch and uplifting effect of the massage can help clients
to feel more confident.

4. Energy levels are usually increased as energy that is blocked by

tension is released and allowed to flow freely.

Physical Benefits

Indian Head Massage involves the treatment of the face, neck, scalp, and
shoulders. This type of massage can help produce the following effects:

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 1. General relaxation

2. Improved blood circulation

3. Improved lymphatic flow, which aids removal of waste products and

toxins and thereby assisting the immune system

4. Reduced muscular tension – massage breaks down nodules and

adhesions in the muscles and releases toxins from tense muscles

5. Regenerated skin – layers of the skin are stimulated which improves

their cellular function

6. Softer skin - sebaceous secretions are stimulated and the removal of

dead skin cells is accelerated

7. Reduced stiffness in the neck and shoulder region, which relieves pain

8. Stimulated nerve endings – which relieves muscular pain and fatigue

When applied to the scalp, Indian Head Massage encourages hair growth and
the facial muscles help to relieve sinus problems, eyestrain, headache, and
insomnia.

Massage Movements

The movements performed in Indian Head Massage, are classified in 5 groups:

1. Effleurage

2. Petrissage

3. Percussions (Tapotement)

4. Frictions

5. Vibrations

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Contra-indications to treatment

The following contra-indications are relevant to Indian Head Massage:

1. Any recent head or neck injury, including whiplash

2. Severe bruising in the area to be treated

3. Epilepsy

4. Recent hemorrhage

5. High blood pressure

6. Migraines

7. History of Thrombosis or Embolism

8. Diabetes

9. Any dysfunction of the nervous system

10. Skin disorders

11. Scalp infections

12. Cuts / abrasions in the area to be treated

13. Recent operations

14. Chronic ME (Myalgic Encephalomyelitis)

15. High temperature, illness, or fever

16. Any infectious disease

17. Intoxication

18. Aneurosia (localized dilation of blood vessels such as blood vessels in the
temple / forehead area in the elderly)

Patients with these disorders may only be treated with the permission of the
Medical Doctor / Physician.

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Skin Conditions and Disorders

On the skin are many microorganisms such as bacteria and fungi, these are of
different sizes, but none can be seen without a microscope. Some
microorganisms are harmful because they can cause disease (these are said to
be pathogenic).

An infectious disease is usually passed by one person to another by airborne

droplets usually caused by coughs / sneezes.

A contagious disease is passed by direct / indirect contact, i.e. touching the

infected area or using materials such as towels used by the infected person.

A non-pathogenic organism is one that is not harmful. Many microorganisms are

in fact beneficial to us and contribute to our general health.

Terminology
Lesion
A visible sign on the skin surface of injury, disease, or disorder

Disease
An infectious, transferable, pathogenic condition

Disorder
A non-infectious, non-pathogenic condition of the head, scalp, or skin

Allergen
A substance that provokes an allergic reaction in hypersensitive people, and to
which other people do not react. Allergens are usually proteins taken into the
body in food or drink, or chemicals, which come into contact with the skin surface

Parasite
A living plant or animal that survives by feeding off its hosts, another plant,
animal, or human.

Infestation
An infestation of small animal parasites, which live in the folds of the skin or any
of the hairy areas of the body

Naevus
Abnormal skin pigmentation, such as birthmarks

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Three Main Types of Micro-organisms

Bacteria
When present in an infectious condition, bacteria are involved in the production
of yellow pus

Viruses
Classed as parasites, viruses must have living tissue to grow and reproduce.
They multiply within a tissue cell until they burst the cell wall and invade other
cells. This process continues, spreading the infection.

Fungi
Fungi such as moulds and yeasts are also parasites. Fungal diseases may be
spread by direct / indirect contact.

Diseases of Skin

Inflammatory Diseases:

Acne
Acne is a chronic inflammatory disease of the sebaceous (oil) glands and hair
follicles. The scattered lesions caused by acne can manifest as single or multiple
bumps generally called nodules or papules. The lesions are associated primarily
with the sebum-producing glands that surround hair follicles in skin that is visibly
greasy. Lesions are typically distributed to the face, neck, chest, shoulders, back
and upper arms.

Dermatitis/Eczema
Both dermatitis and eczema refer to superficial inflammatory diseases of the skin.

Contact Dermatitis (CD)

Contact dermatitis is an inflammation caused when your skin comes in contact
chemical allergens or mechanical irritants.
Primary-irritant CD is a non-allergic skin reaction to an irritant. Lengthened or
repeated exposure to the irritant is necessary to cause skin damage.
Allergic CD is a delayed hypersensitivity dermatitis. This a cell-mediated
hypersensitivity reaction to allergens in the environment. Some causes of
allergic CD include: poison ivy, industrial chemicals, various drugs, latex, hair
dyes, and some metals.

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Atopic Dermatitis
Atopic dermatitis occurs in people who have a lower natural threshold to resist
itching. The threshold to resist itching is genetically determined. One factor in
this disease may be a dysfunction in the immune system.
Atopic dermatitis usually begins in childhood. It is common in the Western World
and is associated with a family history of asthma or hay-fever.
Lesions are produced primarily by scratching. With intense scratching, the
lesions develop redness, weeping, and scaling. Lesions most often occur on the
neck, behind the knee, and the inside of the arm at the elbow. Factors that
exacerbate (worsen) the dermatitis include: sudden changes in weather, stress,
wool, furs, and irritant chemicals.
Individuals who suffer from atopic dermatitis must avoid factors that cause or
exacerbate the condition. Treatment usually involves topical agents such as
corticosteroids, anti-infectives, or UV therapy.

Seborrheic Dermatitis (SD)

This disease is seen most often in areas of the body that have many sebaceous
(oil) glands, such as the scalp and eyebrows. It appears as an accelerated,
immature epidermal (outer skin layer) growth. Its noninflammatory counterpart is
dandruff.
SD is one of the skin signs associated with HIV infection. Infantile SD (diaper
rash) usually occurs within the first three months after birth. Infantile SD does
not appear to cause itching. The infantile SD lesions are responsive to topical
corticosteroids. Some ointments include an antifungal agent as well to prevent a
candidal (fungal) infection.
Fungi appear to play a role in the inflammation of SD. SD is treated by using
special shampoos and topical corticosteroids or antifungal agents.

Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a common, chronic, genetically determined dermatitis. It consists of
pink or dull-red elevated lesions that have a characteristic silvery scale. Lesions
may be small individual points or large fused patches. The classical locations for
lesions are the scalp, knees, elbows, umbilicus (belly button), and the sacral
area--the area at the base of the spine, between the hipbones. Psoriasis may be
accompanied by joint pain.
Psoriasis may be, at least in part, an autoimmune disorder (where the immune
system falsely recognizes portions of the body as "foreign"). Risk factors that
indicate a higher chance of acquiring psoriasis include: stress, infections, certain
medications, immunologic factors (HIV), and family history. There is some
association with arthritis.
Topical treatment is preferred when less than 20% of the body involved.
Medications used to treat the condition include corticosteroids, topical coal tar,
salicylic acid, Vitamin D derivatives, etretinate, methotrexate, and cyclosporine.

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Viral Infections

Herpes Simplex
The lesions produced by the herpes simplex virus are commonly known as the
cold sore or fever blister. They are caused by herpes simplex type 1 virus. The
virus cannot be eliminated once it is acquired. It continues to be present in
nervous tissue throughout your life.
The herpes-simplex lesions may appear anywhere on the body. Most often, they
are seen on the lips, oral and genital areas. Eruptions may be caused by stress,
fever, sun exposure, common cold or injury.
Active lesions are infectious to the patient and to others. Recurrent lesions are
often preceded by a tingling sensation in the area. Lesions usually clear in 7-10
days. Currently, there is no cure for herpes simplex type 1. Treatment is directed
at symptomatic relief. Antiviral agents can shorten attacks by decreasing viral
replication.

Chicken Pox (Varicella)

This disease is caused by the herpes zoster virus. Chicken pox is a highly
contagious, airborne virus. It affects children much more often than adults. The
incubation period is 10-20 days. General symptoms include fever, headache,
anorexia, malaise, and lesions. The lesions appear as small, pink, raised spots
surrounded by a reddened halo.
Treatment includes keeping the lesions dry, and relieving the itching to prevent
people from breaking the lesions open and spreading the virus.
Usually the lesions cause no significant scarring. Sometimes a small pock-mark
may be left after the lesion has healed.

Herpes Zoster
This is often referred to as shingles and occurs most often in the elderly. This
acute disease occurs when the dormant virus (Varicella) becomes active. The
active virus produces intense itching, pain and grouped vesicles along a
unilateral dermatome (generalized area associated with a specific nerve). The
virus remains dormant along nerve tracts, and is thought to migrate to the
surface when activated. The vesicles usually crust and clear in about 2-3 weeks.
Several antiviral drugs such may be used to shorten the duration of the infection

Warts
Warts are raised, well-defined growths with an irregular gray surface. The warts
seen on the hands are called verruca vulgaris or the common wart. The human
wart virus is transmitted by direct contact, but may be autoinnoculated by razors
in shaving, for example. Warts almost always regress spontaneously but
sometimes they are removed by freezing, by the use of topical salicylic acid, or
OTC wart removal treatments.
Verruca plantaris tends to grow on the soles of the feet. Warts on the feet are
painful because of the irritation of walking. These warts tend to grow inwardly.

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Condylomata acuminata are large, pink or purple lesions located primarily in
warm moist anal or genital areas. Although commonly known at venereal warts,
they do not necessarily arise from sexual contact.

Rubeola (Measles)
This disease usually begins with fever, malaise and the symptoms of a cold.
This stage lasts about 24 hours. This initial stage is followed by a second stage,
which lasts 4-7 days, and which causes fever, chills, headache, photophobia,
and dry cough. The measles lesions begin as small bumps on the rear of the
roof of the mouth or (classically) behind the ears on about the 3rd to 7th day.
Spots then appear on the face, arms and torso. The virus is spread by direct
contact with secretions of the nose and throat of an infected person. Treatment is
symptomatic. Vaccination is available for prevention and is normally required for
school attendance.

Rubella (German Measles)

Rubella is a highly contagious viral disease transmitted by contact with nasal or
oral secretions of an infected person. It causes a mild fever and malaise (feeling
of bodily discomfort) about 4-5 days before lesions appear. The lesions manifest
as small, irregular, pink spots or bumps that usually appear on the face before
spreading to the entire body. These lesions fade within 2-3 days.
Vaccination is very effective and is usually given to children at the same time as
the rubeola vaccine. Vaccination of post-pubertal women is avoided if pregnancy
is confirmed or suspected. Pregnancy should be avoided within the first 3 months
after vaccination.
Rubella is especially dangerous in pregnant women. The virus can cross the
placental barrier and infect the fetus, resulting in severe birth defects.

Bacterial Infections

Impetigo
This acute bacterial infection occurs on the surface of the skin. It manifests first
as vesicles that contain a light, yellow fluid. The vesicles rupture and form a
golden crust.
Impetigo usually occurs in children. The infection can be transmitted between
humans. The infection can also be transmitted from one site to another on the
same person. Causes of impetigo include streptococci and the staphylococci
bacteria. Poor hygiene, tropical climates, and improper sanitation can contribute
to infections. Topical treatment may resolve mild infections, but most cases
require oral antibiotics to resolve.

Folliculitis
Staphlococci are usually the culprit of this bacterial infection of hair follicles. The
basic lesion is a red spot or bump surrounding the hair follicle. Poor hygiene can
contribute to folliculitis. If not treated properly, with appropriate antibiotics, the
infection can extend into deeper skin layers.

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Furuncle & Carbuncle
Boils (furuncle) usually develop from an infected follicle. Irritation and poor
hygiene can contribute to boil development. Usually these lesions appear as a
small reddish bump that is tender.
A carbuncle is a larger staphylococcal abscess that drains from the furuncle
lesion. These occur most often in the elderly, the ill, or in diabetics. Systemic
antibiotic therapy is usually necessary to cure carbuncles.

Fungal Diseases
Common superficial fungal diseases of the skin include ringworm, athlete's foot,
and jock itch. Moisture and heat are contributing factors to these infections.
Common fungal diseases invade the superficial layers of the epidermis, hair, and
nails. They cause scaling, redness, itching, fissures, and vesicles. Treatment
usually involves local therapy with anti-fungals.

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Development
Experience has taught us that massage could bring tremendous relief from aches
and pains, not only in the head, but also in other parts of the body. So after much
research in India a therapy was developed and formalized that would bring the
greatest relief to the multitude of problems concentrated in the head. The therapy
has been extended to include the neck, shoulders and upper arms.

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Massage Routine

Sitting Position

The spine should be straight, the legs uncrossed, and the feet flat on the floor.
The arms should be relaxed and the hands resting comfortably in the lap. If
possible, clients should be asked to remove their shoes.

Preparing

1. Centering

• When you are ready to start, stand behind your client with your feet planted
hip width apart.

• Take a moment to focus your mind. Relax, and very lightly place your hands
on top of the client’s head. Ask the client to breathe slowly and deeply with
you, in through the nose and out through the mouth. Do this three times.

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2. Head-rock Stress Detector

• Move to stand on the left of the client, moving your left hand to rest
upon the forehead, and over the hairline, and gliding your right hand into
position across the nape of the neck.

• Gently move the head forwards and then backwards, returning it to

the upright position.

• The head should move more easily now.

At this point you can now apply the oil to the clients head if
using oil.

Pour some oil into your hand and apply it to the top of the head (on the crown).
Pour some more oil into your hand and rub it between both palms.

Massage the oil into your head, starting from the sides and working towards the
top. Next, work your way towards the front and back of the hed, thus covering
your entire head. This will distribute the oil evenly.

Now gently massage the whole of the area with your thumbs and fingers,
releasing any tension by friction and rubbing.

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3. Head Roll

• Place one hand under the client’s chin and the other at the back of the
head, just below the crown. Gently roll the head in a semi-circle. Try and
support all the weight of the head.

• Retrace the line of the arc going in the other direction, do this movement
three times. Gently return the head to the upright position

Shoulder Massage

4. Thumb Sweeps

• Place the little fingers of both your hands on the outer corners of
the top of the shoulders. Fan your fingers out and reach down the back as
far as possible with your thumbs.

• Draw your thumb to your little finger, describing a semi-circle.

Repeat, sweeping to the ring or middle finger, and then to the index finger.
As you make these three sweeps, work towards the base of the neck.

• Lastly, place your thumbs on either sides of the spine, opposite the
base of the scapula. Push upwards, ending at the occipital bone.

Repeat this stroke three times.

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_

5. Heel Rub

• Using the heels of your hands and starting at the base of the scapula,
describe a horizontal zigzag between the spine and the scapula. Change to
vertical zigzags along the area above the scapula, working out towards the
shoulders.

• Relax your hands and glide smoothly down to the starting point.
Repeat these strokes three times each.

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6. Pressure points

• Place the palms of your hands at the corners of the shoulders with thumbs
resting in the hollows

• Now using medium pressure, inch your thumbs towards the base of the neck,
stopping to apply pressure every time.

• Pull thumbs back to starting point and repeat three times.

________________________________________________________________

7. Thumb Pushes

• For this movement, work over the top of the shoulder from the back to the
front.

• Place your thumbs at the shoulder corners, above the scapula, and gently
push forward over the ridge of the trapezius muscle.

• Carry out each movement three times before moving on to a mid point,
followed by the last series of movements at the base of the neck.

• Use the thumbs only with both hands together, working from the shoulders to
the base of the neck. Carry out each movement three times then move on.

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________________________________________________________________
8. Finger Pulls

• Using your index finger, perform the opposite movement to the thumb
pushes, drawing your finger over the top of the shoulder. You may feel move
balanced if you place your thumbs behind the shoulders as an anchor,
drawing your fingers towards it.

• Move along in three stages, working your way towards the shoulder corners
once again.

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9. Champissage Hacking (karate chop using both hands simultaneously)
Champissage is a gentle form of hacking. Hold your hands in a praying position,
then relax them, leaving the heels of the hands and fingertips in contact. Use
this “cage” of fingers and a loose wrist movement to gently perform this
sequence.

• Starting at the base of the scapula, and following its shape to the shoulder
corner, progress along the top of the shoulder to the base of the neck. Return
along this path to your start position.

• Glide across the spine and follow the same pattern on the opposite side.
Carry out each pattern three times on each side

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10. Pick up and Hold
This sequence is performed over the top of the shoulder along the trapezius,
taking care not to nip the skin.

• Pick up the muscle at the outer corners. Hold it for a few seconds, then
release it and move along towards the neck to a mid point between the outer
corner and the base of the neck. Pick up the muscle and hold it again.

• Move to the base of the neck to perform the last movement.

Carry out this whole sequence three times

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________________________________________________________________
11. Smoothing Down

• Starting at the shoulder tips, use the whole of your palmar surface to make a
long sweeping movement: along the shoulder, up the neck until you reach the
occipital bone (just below the ears), and back again to the starting point. Use
a gentle pressure on the upward sweep, releasing it on the way down. This
movement should flow.

• You may also wish to smooth the trapezius across the back of the shoulder.
With your forearms placed together, and the backs of your hands facing the
client, make a loose fist. With a rolling movement, turn both arms together
and move outwards towards the client’s arms, ending with your palms facing
the client.
Carry out this movement three times.

12. Ironing Down

• Linking directly from your last movement, and still using the palmar surface of
the whole of your hand, carry the movement down the arms to the elbow, and
up to the shoulder again on the lateral line.

• Repeat on the anterior and posterior line of the upper arms. Use gentle
pressure from the elbows up to the shoulders, releasing pressure as you go
downwards.
Carry out each movement three times before moving on.

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________________________________________________________________
13. Heel Roll

• Using both hands together, place your hands around the upper arms near the
shoulder joint, with the heel of your hand behind and your fingers in front.
Roll the heel of your hand around the arm towards the fingers.

• Repeat this at a mid-point, moving down the arm, and again just above the
elbow.

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14. Squeeze and Pick Away
Clasp your hands, interlocking the fingers. Turn your wrists so that the palms
face the client.

• Standing at the side of the client and facing the forearm, pick up the deltoid
between the heels of the hands. Gently squeeze it and lift it away, letting the
muscle slip out of your grasp.

• Follow the same pattern of movements as in 13.

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Carry out the movements three times at each point.

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15. Shoulder Lift

• Slide your hands down the upper arms and hold the forearms just under the
elbows.

• Keeping the arms close to the side, lift the arms upwards as far as is
comfortable, and gently return them to the resting position.
This movement helps to relax the shoulder joints.
Carry out the lift three times.

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 Neck Massage

16. Grasp and Pull Back

• Stand to the side of the client, and place one hand on the forehead, just
overlapping the hairline.

• Tip the head slightly backwards.

• With the other hand, grasp the back of the neck just under the occipital bone.
Spread your hand as far as possible.

• With a slightly upward movement, draw your fingers and thumb together in a
picking movement.

• Repeat at the mid-point and at the base of the neck.

Carry out each movement three times.

________________________________________________________________

17. Thumb Pushes

• Stand to the left of the client. Lean the head slightly to the right, supporting it
with your left hand on the client’s forehead above the right eye (this will relax
the muscles on the right side of the neck, where you are going to work using
your right hand).

• Using the pad of your thumb and firm, but not heavy strokes, work across the
side of the neck. Start just under the ear, then move to a middle distance,
and lastly to the base of the neck.

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________________________________________________________________

18. Finger Pulls

• Maintaining your stance as for thumb pushes, complete the movement by

drawing your index finger from the front to back across the same areas of the
neck as before. Start at the base and end under the ear (you may find it
useful whilst doing this movement to place your thumb at the back of the neck
to act as an ‘anchor’.).
Carry out each movement three times, before moving on to the next area.

________________________________________________________________

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19. Repeat thumb pushes and finger pulls: opposite side

• Repeat the movements 17 and 18 on the opposite side.

________________________________________________________________

20. Friction under Occiput

Use the pads of the fingers for this movement. Bend the hands at the knuckles,
trying to keep your fingers as straight as possible. Let the movement come from
a bent elbow, to resemble the movement of a windscreen wiper.

• Support the head along the forehead, using the opposite hand.

• Using a horizontal friction movement, work across the back of the neck on the
occipital bone. Move from ear to ear.

_______________________________________________________________________
_

21. Heel-of-hand Rub

• Stand to the side of the client, and support the head at the forehead.

• Use the heel of your hand to execute a vertical friction movement along the
base of the occipital bone.
The friction movements carried out in steps 18 and 19 help to relieve congestion
that can lead to headaches.

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________________________________________________________________
Scalp Massage

Heel rub on back of head

• Place the heel of your hand behind the head and the other hand on the
forehead. Rub quickly and lightly up and down right across the back of
the head.

• This relieves tension in the muscles at the top of the neck and often
tension headaches.

_______________________________________________________________________

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 22. Shampooing the scalp

• Place your hands on either side of the scalp, little fingers on the temples
and thumbs at the back of the head.

• Now in a claw like pose, use the fleshy pads of your fingers to make small
anticlockwise movements all over the scalp. Keep the fingers fairly rigid so
that you can feel the scalp moving beneath them. Slow, deliberate with
firm, even pressure. Coverage of entire scalp.

24. Tabla Playing

• Using a drumming action, gently cover the whole head.

• If you wish, gentle champissage can be used across the back of the head,
where tabla playing is difficult.

Hacking (Champing)

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 • Hold both hands over clients head, fingers facing forward or inward
depending on where you are working on the head at the time. Keep wrists
and finger very loose.

• Make light quick alternating hitting movements all over the top of the head
in this way.

________________________________________________________________
23. Windscreen Wiper

• Stand to the side of the client, and support the head at the opposite side.

• Use the heel of your hand to describe a short, quick, wiping friction
movement.

• Starting around the ear, make your zigzag movement from the hairline to the
nape and back again, describing semi-circles as you move gradually up the
scalp towards the centre of the head.
Change sides and repeat

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________________________________________________________________

21. Whole-hand Friction

• Stand behind the client and rest one hand over the temple area.

• Thread the fingers of your other hand through the hair at the opposite side of
the head just above the ear with your fingers towards the top of the head, so
that the whole of the palmar surface is in contact with the scalp.

• Move your hand quickly up and down, using firm but gentle pressure.

• Move to the temple area and repeat. Reduce pressure in this area.

• Finally, move to a point slightly behind the ear and repeat. Pressure can be
increase here if you wish.
The object of these movements is to stimulate and refresh by moving the scalp
up and down, helping to increase the blood supply to this area.

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________________________________________________________________
22. Hair Ruffling

• Using the pads of your fingers and a loose wrist action, gently ruffle the hair.

• On short-to-medium hair, this movement can be done successfully using both

hands together. With long hair, however, you may prefer to treat each side of
the head separately.

________________________________________________________________
23. Land and Lift (plucking)

• Make a lose claw shape with your hands. Using the pads of your fingers,
gently land on the scalp and quickly lift away but gently grabbing tufts of hair
at the same time.

• Repeat this movement lightly all over the scalp.

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 25. Raking the Scalp

• Still in a claw shape, rake the fingers through the hair, running along the
scalp. Use both hands together.

• Fingernails can be used, if the client wishes. Care should be taken to ensure
that no scratching of the scalp occurs.

________________________________________________________________

26. Squeeze and Lift

• Stand behind the client. Place your hands on either side of the head, just
above the ear. Thread your fingers through the hair if necessary, to ensure
that your hands are resting on the scalp, your fingers should be pointing to
the top of the head.

• Using both hands together, gently squeeze the head and move the scalp
upwards, then release.

• Repeat the same movement at the temple area and just behind the ear.

• Close your fingers, gently trapping the hair between them, to help move the
scalp upwards and down.
Carry out the movement three times in each area.

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_______________________________________________________________________
_
Gather and tug

• Push your fingers through the hair on both sides of the head. Curl your
fingers into fists keeping the back of your fingers against the scalp getting
as much hair as you can.

• Gently tug on the hair, continue until you have covered all of the head.

27. Circular Temple Frictions

• Using the pads of the index, middle, and ring fingers, describe a circle around
the temple area. For the best effect, the circles should go upwards as you
pass over the temple, and downwards as you come through the hair.
This is a calming and soothing movement, and should be done slowly and with
very little pressure.

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Face Massage

29. Pressure Points – Forehead

• Use the pads of the index or middle fingers, and start at a point just above the
inner eyebrow.

• Apply medium pressure. Hold for approximately 6 seconds, then release.

• Move up the forehead to a mid-point between the eyebrow and the hairline.
Apply pressure, hold, and release.

• Glide up the hairline. Repeat the pressure and release.

• Move outwards along the hairline about 12 mm, and work down to the
eyebrows in the same three stages.
Carry out all six movements three times.

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 _____________________________________________________________
_

30. Pressure Points – Eye Sockets

• This movement carries straight on from the last, moving to just under the
eyebrow at its inner end, onto the inside of the eye socket, and following its
shape.

• Carry on with your pressure, release, and glide movements as you complete
this sequence.
Carry out this sequence three times.

_____________________________________________________________
_
31.Pressure Points – Cheekbones

• Following on smoothly from the last movement, glide your fingers down the
sides of the nose to the indent at the sides of the nostrils. Feel for a point at
the end of the cheekbone and slightly under it. Continue to use the pads of
either your index or middle fingers for these movements.

• Perform very small, quick friction movements here, using both hands
simultaneously.

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• Finish the movement by sweeping lightly along the cheekbone to the ear.
Carry out the movement three times, depending on the condition of the client’s
sinuses.

Pressure Points – Cheekbones (Step Two)

• Find the point at the end of the cheekbone where it hinges with the lower jaw.
Make your final circular friction movement here.

• Finish with a gentle sweep over the ears.

________________________________________________________________
32. Ear Massage

• Beginning at the earlobe, using the thumb and fingers with small circular
movements, work your way up and round the ear.

• Squeeze gently all around the ear.

• Pull the lobe gently down – diagonally outwards, and horizontally outwards.

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• The ears can also be twiddled and gently flicked using the index finger and
thumb.

Facial Tapping

• Tap the
finger
pads very
gently all
over the
clients face and neck in a rhythmical fashion (similar to finger tapping
on a table- but much lighter). Work under the chin, as the jowl area
tends to slacken with age.

• This increases blood circulation and helps firm the facial muscles.

________________________________________________________________

34. Palmar Placing

• Place the heel of your hand gently over the ears, and cup the lower jawbone
with the rest of your hand. Your fingertips should just touch in the centre of
the chin.

• Swivel your hands gently round until the fingers lie over the closed eyes.
Your fingertips should now be just touching at the bridge of the nose.

• Move your hands upwards to cover the temples and the forehead area.

• Move up again, covering the parietal and upper frontal area.

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 35. Palmar Pressure Placing

• Repeat stages 3 and 4 of step 34. Use medium pressure and a lifting,
squeezing movement each time.

• Carry out each movement three times.

________________________________________________________________
36. Feather Fingertip Stroking

• Lay your hands on the face with the palms of your hands over the cheeks,
then, gently trail your fingers up and down the face. Starting position is the
same as 35

• Repeat this movement several times.

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________________________________________________________________
Restful darkness

• Place the palms of your hands over the client’s eyes with the fingertips of
one hand slightly overlapping the other, thumbs facing upward.

• Press very gently so that the client is in complete darkness but does not
feel restricted. Hold for thirty seconds.

________________________________________________________________

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Head rocking

• Repeat step 2 of the sequence with gentle head rocking, back and forth.
This gives you an idea of how relaxed is your client.

________________________________________________________________

Centering

• We center ourselves and our client, by repeating the very first step of the
massage sequence.

• Again getting the client to breath with you deep and slow, in through the
nose and out through the mouth.

_______________________________________________________

38. Brushing Down

• Stand behind the client.

• Using your fingers, start with your right hand placed on the scalp above the
client’s left eye. Describe a long, flowing movement over the top of the head,
down the neck, and along the top of the shoulder.

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• Lift your hand and repeat with the other hand on the opposite side of the
head.

• Repeat these movements alternately several times. Finish by floating both

hands off the shoulders together.

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 Muscles of the Face

Introduction:
-the face is defined as the anterior aspect of the head from the forehead to the chin
and from one ear to the other
-the face is determined by the underlying bones and the buccal fat pads
-the buccal fat pads in infants are large to prevent the cheeks from collapsing
during suckling, this is what gives them their pudgy appearance
-the muscles of the face exist in the subcutaneous tissue, and most connect to the
skull bones and the skin
-the skin is attached to the bones via skin ligaments (L. retinacula cutis)
Muscles of the Face:
-the muscles of the face change expression by pulling the skin (See Figure and
Table below)

(Figure 1)

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 -all muscles of the facial expression develop from the mesenchyme of the 2nd
pharyngeal arch
-all facial muscles receive their motor innervation from the facial nerve (CN
VII) which follows the muscular sheet derived from the 2nd pharyngeal arch
-due to their common origin, the platysma and muscles of facial expression are often
fused and the fibers of these muscles are often intermingled

Muscles of Facial Expression

Muscle Origin Insertion Main Action
Frontal belly of Epicranial aponeurosis Skin of Elevates eyebrows
Occipitofrontalis forehead and and skin of forehead
eyebrows
Some fibers arise near
A sphincter of oral
median plane of maxilla
Mucus opening, compresses
superiorly and mandible
Orbicularis oris membrane of and protrudes lips
inferiorly; other fibers
lips (i.e.-purses them
arise from deep surface
during whistling)
of the skin
Skin of upper
Frontal process of Elevates lips, dilates
Levator labii lip and alar
maxilla and infraorbital nostrils, and raises
superioris cartilage of
region angle of the mouth
nose
Incisive fossa of Skin of the Elevates and
Mentalis
mandible chin protrudes lower lip
Presses cheek against
molar teeth, thereby
aiding chewing;
Mandible,
expels air from the
pterygomandibular
Angle of the oral cavity as occurs
Buccinator raphe, and alveolar
mouth when playing a wind
processes of maxilla and
instrument; draws
mandible
mouth to one side
when acting
unilaterally
Closes eyelids;
Medial orbital margin, Skin around
palpebral part gently
medial palpebral the margin of
Orbicularis oculi closes lids; orbital
ligament, and lacrimal orbit; tarsal
part tightly closes
bone plate
them
Draws ala (side) of
Superior part of canine Nasal
Nasalis nose towards nasal
ridge of maxilla cartilage
septum
Platysma Superficial fascia of Mandible, Depresses mandible

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 skin of cheek,
angle of
deltoid and pectoral and tenses skin of
mouth, and
regions lower face and neck
Orbicularis
oris

(Figure 2)
Muscles of the Forehead:
-the frontalis is the anterior part (frontal part) of the occipitofrontalis which arises
from the anterior part of the epicranial aponeurosis
-the frontalis has no bony attachments; it’s actions produce elevation of the
eyebrows and produces transverse wrinkles in the forehead when a person frowns

Muscles of the Mouth, Lips, and Cheeks:

-the shape of the mouth is controlled by a complex set of muscular slips which are
described as follows:

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 -elevators, retractors, and evertors of the upper lip
-elevators, retractors, and evertors of the lower lip
-a compound sphincter around the mouth
-the buccinator in the cheek
-the orbicularis oris is the first sphincter of the digestive tract
-when the orbicularis oris is tonically contracted the mouth is closed
-when actively contracted the mouth becomes narrow and the lips pucker (i.e.-
whistling)
-during articulation the orbicularis oris presses the lips against the teeth
-while eating the orbicularis oris works with the tongue to hold food within the
teeth
-the levator labii superioris alaeque nasi attaches superiorly to the maxilla
-this muscle divides the two slips that attach to the alar cartilage of the nose and
the upper lip and elevate both theses structures
-the mentalis raises the skin of the chin during the expression of doubt
-the buccinator attaches to the alveolar process of the maxillae and mandible,
opposite the molar teeth, and to the pterygomandibular raphe (A tendinous
thickening of the buccopharyngeal fascia which gives rise to the buccinator
anteriorly)
-the fibers of the buccinator intermingle with those of the orbicularis oris
-this muscle is active during smiling and keeps the cheek out while chewing
-working with the tongue on the lingual aspect, the orbicularis oris
anteriorly, and the buccinator laterally, food is held in place during chewing
-the buccinator is active in any action in which the cheeks must be held in place
(i.e.- whistling, trumpet playing, eating, etc.)
-the depressor anguli oris depresses the angle of the mouth; posterior fibers of the
platysma aid in this movement
-the levator anguli oris attaches superiorly to the infraorbital margin and inferiorly
to the angle of the mouth
-this muscle elevates the mouth at the corners
-the zygomaticus major which has it’s origins at the zygomatic process attaches at
the corners of the mouth and draws the angle of the mouth superolaterally (i.e.-
during smiling)
-the zygomaticus minor is a narrow muscle which passes obliquely from the
zygomatic process to the orbicularis oris
-when contracted this muscle raises the upper lip, such as when showing
contempt or to deepen the nasolabial sulcus when showing sadness
-the levator labii superioris helps the zygomaticus minor deepen the nasolabial
sulcus as well as its functions to raise and evert the upper lip
-the depressor labii inferioris, which is found lateral to the mentalis, draws the lip
inferiorly and slightly laterally

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 -the risorius arises from the platysma and the fascia of the masseter and attaches to
the fascia covering the parotid gland inferoanterior to the ear and at the angle of the
mouth
-this muscle draws the corner of the mouth laterally when smiling
-the platysma is a sheet-like muscle arising from the fascia covering the superior
parts of the deltoid and pectoralis major muscles and attaches to the inferior border
of the mandible
-from its point of attachment the platysma tenses the skin producing vertical
ridges under great stress and releases pressure on the superficial veins
-from its origin the platysma helps to depress the mandible and draw the corners
of the mouth inferiorly
-the platysma is innervated by the cervical branch of the facial nerve

Muscles around the Orbital Opening:

-the orbicularis oculi closes the eye and wrinkles the forehead vertically upon
contraction
-the fibers of this muscle connect to the medial orbital margins and the medial
palpebral ligament; they are arranged in concentric circles around the orbital
margin
-the orbicularis oculi consists of three parts:
-1) Lacrimal Part: draws the eyelids and lacrimal puncta medially; the
lacrimal puncta presses into the lacrimal lake which allows capillary action
to drain the lacrimal fluid
-may exert traction on the lacrimal fascia leading to dilation of the
lacrimal sac (Moore’s Clinically Oriented Anatomy mentions this but
states that it is probably unlikely)
-2) Palpebral Part: gently closes the eyelids to keep cornea moist
-3) Orbital Part: strongly closes the eyelids (e.g.-squinting); over time this
muscle leads to the development of “crow’s feet” see in later years
-the lacrimal part of the orbicularis oculi is deep to the palpebral part and is
often considered to be a part of it
-innervated by the zygomatic branch of the facial nerve
-the corrugator supercilii arises from the orbital part of the orbicularis oculi and the
nasal prominence and attaches to the skin of the eyebrow
-this muscle draws the medial end of the eyebrow downward and wrinkles the
forehead (e.g.- a face demonstrating concern)

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Muscles Around the Nose:
-the muscles around the nose are supplied by the facial nerve
-the nasalis, which is the main muscle of the nose, consists of a transverse part
(Compressor naris) and an alar part (Dilator naris)
-the compressor naris arises from the superior part of the canine ridge on the
surface of the maxilla and passes superomedially to the dorsal aspect of the nose
-when contracted causes compression of the piriform aperture (nostril)
-the dilator naris arises from the maxilla superior to the compressor naris and
attaches to the alar cartilages of the nose
-when contracted this muscles causes nostrils to widen (“flaring the
nostrils”)
-this muscle also draws the nostrils downward
-the nasalis is supplied by the buccal branch of the facial nerve
-the procerus is a small slip of muscle which is continous with the frontalis muscle
-it passes from the forehead to the bridge of the nose
-when contracted this muscle draws the medial part of the eyebrows inferiorly
-the procerus is supplied by the buccal branch of the facial nerve
-the depressor septi has its origins on the maxilla superior to the central incisor and
inserts into the nasal septum
-aids the dilator naris in widening the nostrils
-the depressor septi is supplied by the buccal branch of the facial nerve

49