The techniques illustrated and explained offer many health benefits, including:Easing sleep disturbancesReducing stressEasing muscular tension, headaches, and eye strainPromoting increased blood circulation to the head and cephalic regionEnhancing scalp health
Practitioners can also achieve psychological and spiritualbenefits, including:Increasing asense of human connection between giver and receiverCreating ameditative mood that encourages deep sleepRelief from mild depression or life burnout/overwhelm through therelease ofendorphins
Potential beauty benefits include:Improves the condition of skin and hair by increasing blood circulationProvides nutrients to theliving cells of the skin and hairGives the receiver a refreshed and younger looking appearanceNourishinghair oils can further increase and customize your beauty efforts along with the massage
The book also addresses safety considerations, including vital areas of caution in the neck and head and when it might be unwise to practice Indian head massage, and cautions with regard to herbally infused oils.
Each chapter covers an important area related to head massage techniques in depth, including foundational principles of ayurveda and how Indian head massage is part of ayurvedic practice. You'll find:A basic review ofDoshas, including details on how to discover your unique, elemental body type-Pitta, Vata, Kapha, and combinations of theseMarma or vital energypoints of the head and neckPreparation tips with a supply list, mood, space, and lighting considerationsPreparing the body and mind to give/receive an Ayurvedic Indian head massage-hygiene, stretches for the arms,shoulders, and handsTypes of massage movements used in Indian head massage, described step by step-nerve strokes, effleurage, petrissage, frictions,tapotement
Also covered:Self-care rituals with an introduction to touch, step-by-step protocols, communication with partner about pressure and comfortHair oil recipes, including everyday hair oil recipes, tips on creating your own recipes, authentic beauty hair oil, headache relief hair oil, mid-day energizing hair oil, peaceful sleep hair oilIncorporation of rituals, including authentic beauty rituals, step-by-step protocol to enhance one's own natural beauty, headache relief ritual, step-by-step protocol to reduce tension headaches, mid-day energizing rituals, step-by-step protocol to stay alert during the day, peaceful sleep ritual, step-by-step protocol to enhance sleep
The book ends with an Ayurvedic Dosha-type quiz to help understand your personal prakriti or constitution.
ThePress Here! seriesoffers contemporary takes on traditional hands-on healing practices for a new generation of practitioners. These introductory guides feature easy-to-access organization, clear instructions, and beautiful illustrations of each technique. Other Press Here! topics include reiki, reflexology, chakras, and acupressure.