Though an ancient tradition, the Indian head massage has regained popularity among all age groups because of its numerous benefits on health making it more and more relevant for today.

Benefits of Indian head massage range from increased hair strength, better hair growth, slowing down hair graying. It offers great benefits for the hair and scalp, besides relieving stress, depression, and improving concentration. The therapy has now extended to include not just the head, but the face, neck, shoulders, back and arms. By focusing on the areas, which tend to ‘hold’ stress and tension this gentle form of massage can now offer a far greater range of physical and mental health benefits.

The head is the centre of the nervous system. The brain is the first organ to form in the process of foetal development. It is larger and heavier than any other organ. The head massage performed with oils during the first few months of life is excellent for the infant’s brain and eyesight development. In the later years, it performs several functions like relaxing the tense nerve, stimulating hair follicles and bringing about total relaxation. Soothing oils most commonly used for the head massage are almond oil, coconut oil, mustard oil, olive oil or sesame oil.

The Indian head massages are increasingly popular not only due to the numerous health benefits it offers but it can increase income of beauty parlors,  salon owners and masseurs.

• Head Massage
• Benefits of Head Massage
• Indian Gooseberry

Shiatsu: How does it work?

The massage therapist uses fingers, palms, knuckles, elbows, knees and thumbs to apply pressure to acupressure points called as tsubos on the meridian to generate Qi or energy. This is as good as acupucture without using needles along the body’s energy channels.

The therapist should apply pressure when the receiver exhales as this is the time he/ she is most relaxed. Thumb and palm pressure techniques are safest and easiest to control. The therapist should always keep both hands in contact with the receiver – one hand to apply pressure and the other hand near the area being treated.

A shiatsu massage session lasts for almost 1 hour and the actual treatment takes 35 to 45 minutes.

The diagnosis process involves four steps similar to the Chinese method of diagnosis:

1. Bo-shin or Looking
2. Setsu-shin or Touching
3. Mon-shin or Asking
4. Bun-shin or Sense diagnosis which involves intuitive abilities of the therapist.

Shiatsu treatment incorporates various techniques to release energy blocks which cause specific problems and for pain relief. The therapist may rotate and manipulate several body parts to relieve specific pain problems or stimulate points to improve circulation, digestion and chest problems. He/ she may apply pressure with fingers and often rub specific points to open up a blocked meridian.

Shiatsu therapy procedure lasts for 4 to 8 sessions preferably every week. More therapeutic sessions may be needed to treat chronic imbalance. This is also a preventive therapy which helps you maintain good health. This motivates a lot of people to continue with Shaitsu sessions for general health and well-being, even after initial treatment course.

Benefits of Shiatsu

Shiatsu massage helps to improve overall health as it relieves stress, calms nerves, stimulates circulation and boosts immunity. It specifically benefits stress related tensions, anxiety, illnesses, insomnia, skin irritations, constipation, back pain, headaches, digestive and reproductive systems.

Besides these, shiatsu corrects posture and behavioral imbalances and improves the mind-body connection. Sometimes even one shiatsu session can cure a problem as it stimulates energy flow along channels. This should be followed with regular exercise, a healthy diet and positive lifestyle changes.

It is recommended to be given by a qualified therapist rather than self shiatsu therapy. Shiatsu is safe and highly beneficial both for the giver and receiver and useful even for pregnant women.  Shiatsu massaging effectively complements other medicinal approaches for treating various cancers, heart disease, HIV and AIDS.

• Types of Massage
• How Does Massage Work
• Massage Therapy

Regular massages can have immense benefits on health and life.

Massage oils can be combined with aromatic essential oils to derive optimal benefits of an aromatherapy massage. The scents of essential oils can loosen stiff muscles and calm you. Your aromatherapist or massage therapist will choose the right oil for you based on your therapeutic health condition and skin/ hair type.

What Not To Do Before Massage

1. Do not wear jewelry, fitting or tight clothes. Loose fitting or comfortable clothing with no ornaments is desired.
2. Do not have a heavy meal before massage. Keep your tummy relatively empty.
3. Do not drink alcohol or smoke before therapy as it can hinder eliminate of body toxins and be ineffective in detoxifying your body.
4. Do not undergo a massage therapy session if you have any serious medical conditions or a flu or fever. Once you have recovered from your illness, use massage treatment to get your system back in balance.
5. Do not use cosmetics, body sprays or deodorants.
6. Do not get massaged in a poorly ventilated room. Make sure the noise levels and temperature are well adjusted to your requirement.
7. Do not soak in a hot tub. A cool shower or wash is desirable.

During Massage Session

1. Make sure you feel comfortable. Adjust your surroundings; light, sound, ventilation and clothing till you reach your comfort level.
2. When massage treatment starts, make sure you inform the massage therapist or masseur whether the pressure and strokes are heavy or light, too quick or too slow. Every individual has a different temperament and preference, so give your feedback to help the therapist understand your needs.
3. The aromatherapist or masseur should focus on the treatment first and then on any conversation. Most people prefer quiet ambience or at the most, soothing music in the background. Some people like to talk or have the therapist speak to them. Adopt whatever works best for you.
4. Stop and wait for sometime if you feel short of breath or experience tiredness especially if you are giving yourself a massage.

After the Massage Therapy Treatment

1. Lie still on the massage table for sometime after your massage is over. Do not get off the bed instantly. It is likely that you may fall asleep after a relaxing massage session. Thats perfectly fine. Give yourself some time before you get back on your feet again.
2. Do not expose your skin to harsh sunlight or strong lights when you have massage oils or essential oils on your body. Some oils interact with the sun rays to give allergic reactions.
3. Keep yourself well covered and warm. A bathrobe or a warm dressing gown can be kept ready to slip into after your massage is over. Massage stimulates your blood circulation which takes heat to the surface of your body; similar to effects of exercise.
4. Avoid smoking even after massage. Give your body a chance to detoxify itself completely.
5. Drink plenty of water after therapy. First drink a glass of water right after the massage session. Herbal teas are also good. Staying well hydrated aids your kidney to get rid of body wastes.
6. Eat light meals. Stay away from over processed foods throughout the rest of the day.

• Massage Oils
• Types of Massage
• Make Your Massage Oil

Swedish massage combines European folk massage with oriental techniques from Middle East and utilizes modern anatomy and physiology knowledge. This was first developed by a Swedish gymnast in the late 19th century. In Western countries, Swedish massage is the first systematic application of therapeutic massage. Swedish massage techniques involve applying pressure on muscles and relaxing them.

Goals of Swedish Massage

• Swedish massage mainly aims to hasten return flow of deoxygenated blood from the veins and hence, toxic blood from extremities.
• It reduces recovery time from muscle strain as it flushes the tissues of uric acid, lactic acid and other metabolic waste products.
• Keeps ligaments and tendons young and supple by stretching them
• It improves blood circulation without increasing heart load.
• Stimulates and soothes the nerves and the skin simultaneously
• Reduces physical and emotional stress and highly recommended in stress management programs
• Has many specific therapeutic uses in medical remedial therapy

Basic Swedish Massage Techniques

Originally, there are five Swedish massage techniques who give soothing therapeutic healing effects

1. Effleurage: uses long, gliding strokes which move towards the heart to enable blood and lymph flow. These strokes involve using the thumb pads or the whole hand. The strokes begin from the neck and move down to the base of the spine. Alternatively, the strokes begin from the shoulder and move down to the fingertips.
   What does Effleurage do? Makes the masseur familiar with the person’s body
2. Petrissage: uses kneading and compression movements which roll, squeeze or press the muscles to enable deep circulation. Here, the massage therapist gently lifts muscles up and away from the bones, rolls, squeezes them with a little pressure.
   What does Petrissage do? Strives to improve blood circulation, clear out body toxins from nerves and muscle tissues.
3. Friction: The therapist uses thumb pads or finger tips to make deep transverse or circular motions near the joints and other bone areas e.g. sides of the spines.
   What does Friction do? Soothes out the knots which arise when muscle fibers clump together during healing. This makes muscles and joints more flexible.
4. Tapotement: uses hands to alternately tap or strike the muscles with brisk rhythmic movements. This stroke has many variations using tips of the fingers or closed fist or edge of the hand.
   What does Tapotement do? Invigorates and releases cramps and tension from muscles which are in spasm.
5. Vibration or Shaking: involves rapidly shaking the back or limbs with hands for a few seconds.
   What does Vibration do? Boosts blood circulation, improves muscle contraction and particularly benefits people with low back pain.

Benefits of Swedish Massage

Swedish massage is soothing, invigorating and a great stress reliever. It improves blood circulation, nerve functions, stretches and relaxes muscular and glandular functions. It promotes good health and wellness.

• Types of Massage
• Benefits of Head Massage
• How Does Massage Work

Dry or Sensitive Skin

Base Oil for Dry Skin: Take 10 ml of Jojoba oil (Almond or apricot kernel oil are fine too)
Essential Oils for Dry Skin:

1. Add either 2 drops rose or
2. 2 drops of sandalwood oil to the base oil or
3. 1 drop neroli oil and 1 drop of sandalwood oil or
4. 1 drop rose oil and 1 drop sandalwood oil

Alternatively, roman chamomile, ylang ylang and jasmine can also be used.

Normal Skin

Base Oil for Normal Skin: Take 10 ml of jojoba oil
Essential Oils for Normal Skin:

1. Add either 2 drops of geranium oil
2. 2 drops of lavender oil or
3. 1 drop of lavender oil and 1 drop of neroli oil or
4. 1 drop of geranium oil and 1 drop of neroli oil

Alternatively, sandalwood, jasmine and rose can also be used.

Oily Skin

Base Oil for Oily Skin: Take 10 ml of jojoba oil
Essential oils for Oily Skin:

1. Add 2 drops of geranium oil or
2. 2 drops of ylang-ylang oil
3. 1 drop of lavender oil and 1 drop of lemon
4. 1 drop of geranium oil and 1 drop of cypress oil

Alternative suitable oil is sandalwood.

Combination Skin

Base oil for Combination Skin: Take 10 ml of jojoba oil
Essential oil for Combination Skin:

1. Add 2 drops of geranium oil or
2. Add 2 drops of sandalwood oil or
3. 1 drop of ylang-ylang and 1 drop of geranium
4. 1 drop of neroli oil and 1 drop of cypress oil

Alternatively, other suitable oils are lavender and neroli oils.

Allergic Skin

Base Oil for Allergic Skin: Take 10 ml of jojoba oil
Essential Oil for Allergic Skin:

1. Add 1 drop of sandalwood oil and/or
2. 1 drop of chamomile oil

Facial Oil Application Tips

• Facial oils are best used after face cleansing at night so the oil can skin into a rested skin.
• The face massage need not be an elaborate job as done in a beauty parlor. It can be done in simple upward and circular strokes so that the oil is massaged into the face, neck and forehead gently. Take care to avoid getting the oil into your eyes.
• Let the oil stay on the face for at least 10 minutes or longer. The best time is to apply the oil while you relax in a tub of essential oils. Blot face with a tissue to remove oil residues before you get into bed. For a very dry skin, all the oil may get absorbed into your skin but still blot the skin. This avoids any excess oil from getting into the eyes and causing eye puffiness.
• Choose an oil which suits your current skin type and its condition. Normally if you are using oils to normalize a dry skin, monitor the progress of your skin health and change to a different oil based on the skin’s current health condition.

• Massage Oils
• Essential Oils
• Uses of Massage Oils I-O

Please note that jojoba oil is a hot favorite as it remains in the liquid form of wax and does not go rancid.

• Pour 1/8 cup of any of the above vegetable oils into a clean, sterilized jar.
• Add a few drops of essential oils (about 5-7 is good enough) one at a time with an eye dropper. Eye droppers usually come with the essential oil bottles. Do not use synthetic oils as far as possible, for best massage results.
• Close the lid tightly on the jar. Swirl the oil mixture in a clockwise direction. Do not stir.
• Label the jar and keep aside for future use or as required.
• Store the jar and your oils away from heat, light, moisture and air. You are advised to blend small amounts of oils and essences as base oils get oxidized quickly and smell rancid. Wheat germ oil (1 teaspoon) when mixed with an oil, acts as an antioxidant.

Massaging with Oils

Massage is the most effective and common form of treatment used by aromatherapists and masseurs. The combined benefits of touch and the therapeutic properties of the oil improve blood circulation and release energy trapped from strained muscles. The aromatic fragrance further invigorates and gives a feeling of wellness.

Research has shown that oils are quickly absorbed when applied on the skin. Heat enhances oil absorption into the skin, so a warm room and warm hands used to massage are essential in an aromatherapy massage.

Oils used in massage should be diluted or hot according to the health problem you want to treat. For a relaxing massage, a few drops of your chosen oil provide lubrication to facilitate the strokes. Stick to the recommended dilution based on the health ailment you want to treat. Oils are used to treat small troublesome areas. Use fingertips to massage gently. If the skin is broken, carefully dab the oil using cotton wool.

These essential oil blends are desired for a facial massage, that is, an aromatherapy massage for your hands and face.
Chamomile, Orange, Rose, Lavender, Peppermint

How to Make Your Choice of Essential Oil Blends

To make your massage oil, take some sweet almond oil and fill some 10 ml bottles. The bottles should come with a dropper dispenser for accurate measurements. The bottle color should be blue glass or amber colored glass so that the oil contents are protected from sunlight. This prevents the oil from going rancid and helps to preserve the oil. You can get these bottles easily from any pharmacy at a cheap price.

Use the 10 ml of carrier oil, for e.g. sweet almond oil with 5 drops of essential oil or a blend of up to 5 drops of different essential oils. (Note: maximum 2 drops of peppermint essential oil are advised)

Your natural aromatherapy massage oil is ready for you to begin your massage therapy.

• Massage Oils
• What You Need to Know About Massage
• Head Massage

Legs & Feet

• Start with the Legs: Use your whole hand to softly caress each of your baby’s leg. Press gently on the thighs. Flex the legs slightly till the knees press the thighs gently.

• Foot Massage: Massaging the foot can be so relaxing. Apply soft pressure on each toe, then the foot and then return back to the toe. You may be surprised to know that sometimes a foot massage can reduce stomach pain. Caress all the toes gently. Use circular movements at the heels.

• Squeeze Toe: Use your fingertips to squeeze each toe.

• Stretch Toe: Gently stretch the top of the foot by pulling back at the balls of the foot.

• Feet Pressure Points: Use your thumb to press all over the bottom of the foot. The nerve endings which connect with other parts of the body get stimulated. It is a good idea to gently massage sensitive body areas in your baby, to avoid any pain. Massage your baby’s heel firmly – if there have been a lot of heel pricks to draw blood in case of hospitalization. This breaks up any leftover scar tissue and eliminates fear of having his/ her heels touched.

• Toes to Ankle: Stroke the top of the foot moving from the toes first and then to the ankles.

• Circular Massage Movements: Make circles around the ankle with your thumb and forefinger.

• Rolling Massage Movements: Use your hands to roll the legs from knee to ankle. This creates a warm, soothing friction when your hands move over the skin. Gently squeeze each toe with fingertips. Stimulate nerve endings on bottom of foot. Make a circle around the ankle.

Shoulders and Arms:

• Use your fingers and thumb to form a ring around your child’s arm. Caress around the armpit and go down the length of the arm. When you reach the elbow, take care as it is a sensitive area.

• Practice slow turning movements at the wrist. Take utmost care when following these exercise movements.

• Stroke from the shoulder to alternate side. This can improve coordination. Move your hand from the shoulder to the fingertips. Repeat this several times.

• Use your thumb to stroke your baby’s palm.

Stomach:

• Move your hands clockwise starting just below the ribs. Massage stomach with circular movements. Take care not to massage the genital area.

Back:

• Turn your baby around with face down. Begin with slow large hand movements which start with head, then neck, back, legs always in one direction. Use soft strokes on your baby’s shoulders, back and massage with your fingertips in circular movements.

• Do not massage your baby’s spinal cord. Let your baby feel the warm sensation of your hands over it, without any spinal massage. You can make small circular motions on your baby’s back.

• Begin massaging the top of the legs gently and work your way down towards the foot. When you reach the feet, start massaging again from the top and move downwards. Go once again back to the head and proceed towards the toes with slow soft massage movements

Face:
Turn your baby gently to face you. Start a face massage without any extra oil.

• Begin at the center of the baby’s forehead with your fingertips and move along the eyebrows. Be very gentle! With your thumbs, lightly move along the bridge of the nose to move up to the forehead.

Jaws:

• Use very gentle movements and soft strokes to massage the front part of the neck.
• Then massage the back portion of the neck slowly and move down to the shoulders. Softly put both hands on your baby’s shoulders.
• Caress the baby from the neck to the shoulders moving in the direction of the chest.

Baby Care: Tips to Remember

• Repeat these baby massage exercise techniques whenever you want to share a few special moments with your baby.

• This baby massage exercise should be done when you and your baby have adequate time. If your baby does not cooperate, do not get impatient. Just, try again later.

• Remember that mid morning sessions are best for a baby massage. A massage close to feeding time, that is, just before or right after feed can upset your baby.

• Follow the massage with a warm water bath to relax your baby and induce good sound sleep.

• Remember that massage can be started at any age. I’m sure you have a lot more questions about infant, baby and child massages – for e.g. when to massage, why to massage, how long to massage and so on. Make sure you read Baby Massage FAQs section on this site as well.

• Before a Baby Massage
• Step by Step Face Hand Massage
• How to do Massage Step by Step

What is the right time to massage a baby?
Choose a time when both you and your child are calm and relaxed. Usually, a half hour after feed is desirable. Mid morning massage sessions are best. A massage right after feed can cause regurgitation or upset the baby.

When is the right age to start a baby massage?

Massages can be started at any age. Infant massages can last for 10 mins a day initially and gradually increased to 30 mins a day when they reach 1 year of age. Benefits of infant massage can extend even during childhood. Child massages can be continued beyond infancy.

Why massage everyday?
A baby gains a huge amount of life experience everyday. To a baby, touch is important for growth, for development and to gain understanding slowly, that they have a body with arms and legs. It is also the only time that you connect with your baby without other distractions. It is the quality time that you spend with your baby that nurtures and strengthens the parent-infant bond.

How long should the baby massage last?
Around 20-30 minutes massage should be good. You can give your baby, a complete body massage in this time. Give some time to yourself and your baby to learn and get used to the massage strokes. Finally both you and your baby will set your rhythm of optimal comfort.

Why learn a particular massage routine?
Touch is an important means of communication – an expression of love and care which allows you and your baby to connect deeply to each other. Thus, infant massage can be a daily ritual. It has a rhythm which is hard to duplicate in other ways. It allows the mother to focus attention and bond with her baby.

Why to set a massage routine?
A set routine helps you and your baby understand what to expect and enjoy the deep, satisfying and relaxing experience. Doing the exact same thing over and over on a daily basis, lets the mother flow with the rhythm. She can stop worrying about ‘how’ to do it and just enjoy the experience along with her baby.

What if your baby doesn’t seem to enjoy the massage?
Most babies love being massaged. It is rare to find a baby who doesn’t enjoy being massaged. If your baby doesn’t seem to like the massage, it is likely that you are not doing it the right way. You may be using hard massage strokes which the baby finds uncomfortable. Begin with gentle, soothing touches and once your baby is used to them, you can proceed to firmer strokes. Your baby will demand more of it once it gets used to your touch.

It may require persistence to get your child into a massage rhythm with you. At first, the baby may be uncomfortable, just as when you get a back rub you become more aware of the discomfort in your body and then feel relaxed. Offer your baby short massages a few times a day. Make it enjoyable, soothing and desirable instead of trying too hard.

What happens when your baby gets older?
It is very likely that once your baby becomes 6 months of age, he/ she would get hooked on to the soothing massage therapy routine. As babies get older, they tend to get more playful and may dislike being tied to a routine for long.

The massage routine would need to be modified to something that works best for both of you. Your baby is likely to get occupied with whatever task they are trying to learn, during the growth and developmental stages. This results in your baby not wanting the massage. Once this stage passes, they may settle for the massage routine again. As a mother, you would need to adapt to a changing routine.

Some children may want a bedtime routine for the massage, while other children get active and never stop once they are up and running. Toddlers like to smear themselves with body lotion. Older children may want a back-rub, or leg rub as a part of the bedtime routine.

Massage Oils or Dry Massage?

Massage oils not only lubricate and ensure a smooth glide but also have positive health benefits on your baby. For more information about this, read the baby massage oils section.

How to bond better with your baby during a massage session?
Focus your attention on your little one and let go of worries and distractions. It may be a good idea to talk softly to your baby and listen to their response. Often babies respond with non-verbal mouthing, facial expressions or body language. Stifle the urge to talk non-stop. Communicate with your hands and facial expressions. Practice listening with your whole body and senses. Wait for your baby to respond. Breathe deeply and keep your hearts connected.

• Before a Baby Massage
• Baby Massage
• Baby Massage Technique Step by Step

Baby massage techniques are simple and easy to learn. There is no right or wrong technique. These are basic guidelines. Oftentimes, the guidelines are altered to suit your individual needs in congruence with that of your baby.

• Make sure that the room temperature is warm (around 75-80 degrees Farenheit)
• Undress your baby completely before a massage. In case of cold weather or humid weather, cover the baby with a blanket especially the body parts which are not being massaged.
• Place the baby on a soft surface for a high comfort level and secure feeling. Surround your baby with little pillows for support.
• Rub your hands with some cream to keep them supple and warm especially in cold weather. This rules out the possibility of touching the baby’s bare body with ice cold hands.
• An oil massage is preferred over a dry massage.
  
  Research has shown that massage oils have more positive effects on neonatal infants. They display fewer stress behaviors (clenched fists, grimacing) and lower cortisol levels (stress hormones) when massaged with oil versus a no oil massage. Which baby massage oils to use will be covered separately in another section.
• The massage should start with soft gentle touches from the head and move towards the toes – starting first on the head, face, shoulders, arms, chest, stomach and then legs. Some masseurs start with the feet upwards as well.
• If you are a new mother and unsure about the massage technique, it is a good idea to start the massage from your legs and feet (the least vulnerable body part) and then move upwards. You are less likely to go wrong when you start with the feet and as you move upwards you will be more confident of yourself.
• Massage the foot with your thumb, stroking from heel to toe. Massage each leg in turn using gentle strokes from the hip to the ankle.
• Speak softly to your baby and look tenderly at him/ her while you massage your baby. This stimulates the baby’s senses and establishes a better visual tactile communication process and improves bonding. This strengthens the physical-emotional bond between the mother-child.
• Do not keep a rigid routine, try being flexible as far as possible. Let your baby change positions if he/ she wants to. Do not force your baby to stick to a particular position.
• End the massage followed by a warm water bath to relax the baby and put him/ her to sleep.

• Baby Massage
• Baby Massage FAQs
• Baby Massage Technique Step by Step

In the United States, Eskimos, the natives of Alaska have a rich history of baby massage treatment. In Fiji, mothers massaged their babies with coconut oil right after a bath. In East Africa and Nigeria, infants were massaged between 1 to 12 months. Maoris, the natives of New Zealand are traditionally known to massage their babies. In India, baby massages are done between 1 and 6 months and often extended up to a year. Newborn baby massages are quite common too.

Thus, baby massage is a simple and beautiful ancient art used to express love and establish a deep emotional bond baby-parent bond. The art of infant massage has been passed down from generations especially from a mother to her daughter and still practiced in Eastern countries as a part of normal child care.

The key benefits of baby massage to the infant are:

• Stimulation
• Relaxation
• Relief
• Interaction

The key benefits of baby massage to the mother are:

• Bonding
• Recognition
• Entertainment
• Stress Relief

• Baby Massage FAQs
• Before a Baby Massage
• Baby Massage Technique Step by Step