Jain Spirit 2004 06 No 19

Author(s): Jain Spirit UK
Publisher: UK Young Jains

Page 41

LIFESTYLE 39
MASSAGE CALMS THE SOUL
NINA A. SHAH EXPLAINS THE PRACTICAL BENEFITS OF AN INDIAN HEAD MASSAGE
Often today, the root of our illness lies in our head. Modern lifestyles lead to considerable mental and emotional instability. As a result, headaches are very common, and so is stiffness of the neck and the shoulders. These areas are not easily reached by physical exercises but could be helped by external massage and relaxation. The resulting calmness can help you regain your balance and strength, bringing better quality to your daily life. Left unchecked, these symptoms can lead to more pain and stress in the future for the sufferers.
ndian Head Massage is becoming increasingly popular in the West. The technique is based on the ancient Ayurvedic healing system and has been practised in India for over a thousand years. The client sits on a chair fully
clothed, and various massage techniques are used on the shoulders, neck, upper arms, scalp and the face. The masseur works in a rhythmic way, stimulating the blood circulation and relaxing the muscles at the same time. Toxins are dispersed from tense muscles and flexibility improves. The treatment can last up to forty-five minutes and it really helps if the massage is conducted in a therapeutic environment.
In general, head massage is suitable for the whole family, and in the old days was a family ritual. It was traditional to apply natural vegetable oils to keep hair beautiful, thick and lustrous. This application was extended to a head massage, which stimulated the flow of blood to the hair follicles. This in turn improves the supply of nutrients needed for healthy hair growth. There are several physical and mental benefits which result from a good massage:
• It relieves migraines and headaches
• Promotes good sleep • Eases stress and induces deep relaxation • Removes toxins from tensed muscles
• Improves concentration and clearer thinking
• Relieves neck and shoulder pain.
In Jain philosophy, acceptance of our condition is central. If we have an illness, the best thing we can do is to accept it and acknowledge it. Then, given the right treatment, healing becomes easy and effective. I have been treating clients at my clinic for some time now and the results have been significant. After treatment, they have a very good sleep and wake up feeling relaxed and recharged the next day. Massage involves no pills or unknown side effects, the benefits are immediate and often transformative.
What is so unique is that Indian Head Massage also works on levels far more profound than just the physical. Champissage, an advanced head massage, also balances the body's subtle energy and harmonises the energy centres (chakras). Indian Head Massage is simple, effective and can awaken the soul. Find a qualified practitioner in your area and experience the difference!
Nina A. Shah is an alternative health practitioner based in Colchester, UK email: nina.shah@ntlworld.com