Massage Therapy Journal Spring 2026

40 • Massage Therapy Journal

AMTA Continuing Education

The Basics of Indian Head Massage IHM, also known by the portmanteau “champissage” ( chämpi —the Indian word for massage in many dialects + massage ), is based on the ancient Ayurvedic form of healing that dates back almost 4,000 years. This practice was a part of Hindu daily life. Ayurvedic translates into the “knowledge of life.” In this form of healing, the mind and body are believed to be intricately connected and thus can influence one another. The belief is that IHM reduces headaches, improves physical well-being, and helps increase mental and emotional wellness. Ayurveda is the oldest surviving complete medical system in the world. Many use the practice for physical harmony, healing, vitality and relaxation. We in America are slowly realizing the benefits of this modality. Traditionally, IHM was used at weddings and births. But now, many babies still receive the massage to keep them in good health. Champissage focuses on acupressure or marma points along the face, head, neck and shoulders. There are several ways to perform this technique, which makes adding IHM to your toolkit easy. The great thing about IHM is that you do not need any tools or equipment. You can even perform this modality on yourself! In a spa setting, you may want to incorporate oils to condition a client’s hair, though that addition isn’t necessary, as IHM loosens hair follicles and increases the client’s own natural hair oil. A typical Champissage session lasts about 30 minutes, relaxing the client’s shoulders, neck, scalp, face and ears, and focusing on the client’s sense of peace and calm. “Almost every mother in the Indian subcontinent has practiced scalp massages, which has become both a customary and integral part of her family life.” – Amarjeet Bhamra, president of the Institute of Indian head massage. “With the kind of desk work we do now, we’re all collapsing our bodies inward on a daily basis. Indian head massage helps to open us up again, unblock the higher chakras (Marma-Acupressure points), and release muscle tension in the neck and

• Place index fingers near the bottom of the earlobe, slowly moving in the direction of the nose. Find the hollow spot, about one inch toward the nose, and apply pressure for 30 seconds. • Press the fingers of both hands to the areas just below the temples, close to the upper rims of the ears. Applying slight pressure, slide your fingers down to the client’s clavicles. This motion will stimulate the lymphatic fluid. • Increased circulation near the acupressure point near the earlobe may help to lift the cheekbones. Chin • Slide the pads of your fingers along the lower jaw toward the earlobes. • Place your index finger at the center of the chin and apply pressure for 30 seconds. • Move your index finger to the bottom of the chin, about one inch up from jawline, and apply pressure for 30 seconds. • Move your index fingers up the jawline until you feel the indentation and apply pressure for 30 seconds. • Press the fingers of both hands to the areas just below the temples, close to the upper rims of the ears. Applying slight pressure, slide your fingers down to the client’s clavicles. This motion will stimulate the lymphatic fluid. • Applying pressure around the chin and jawline may tone the muscles and prevent jowl sagging. The A-Zone • Put your fingers under the chin. • Slide your fingers from the chin to the nose to the temples, slightly pulling the skin sideways. • Press the fingers of both hands to the areas just below the temples, close to the upper rims of the ears. Applying slight pressure, slide your fingers down to the client’s clavicles. This motion will stimulate the lymphatic fluid.

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