What Indian head massage is
Indian head massage has roots in Ayurveda, the traditional medicine system of India, where head and scalp massage has been part of everyday family life for centuries. In the West, it's adapted into a therapy that typically includes the shoulders, neck, upper back, scalp, face, and arms – not just the head.
It's a practical, no-nonsense therapy. No incense required. You can keep most of your clothes on. And it tends to leave people feeling noticeably lighter when they stand up.
What happens in a session
Unlike some Indian head massage practitioners who work with you seated in a chair, I work with you lying on a treatment couch. Most clients find it more comfortable and more relaxing than sitting upright.
We'll start with a short conversation – how you're feeling, anything specific you'd like me to focus on, and whether you're happy for me to use oil. Oil is traditional for Indian head massage, particularly on the scalp, and it works well for the hair and scalp itself, but if you'd rather not have it in your hair, we can skip it or use it only on the neck and shoulders. It's your call.
The session includes work on your back, shoulders, hands, arms, and face, alongside the scalp and head – a broader routine than the name might suggest.
A standard session lasts 60 minutes. A first appointment is 90 minutes at the same price, to allow time for the initial consultation.
Who it may help
Clients often come for:
- Tension headaches
- Neck, shoulder, and upper-back tightness
- Mental fatigue and that "wired but tired" feeling
- Poor sleep
- Eye strain, particularly from screens
- Jaw tension
- Stress, and general low mood after a long week
As with all my therapies, Indian head massage is a complementary treatment. It's not a replacement for medical care, and I'd always encourage you to speak to your GP if you have a specific health concern.
Additional techniques I may use
Where it suits the session, I may incorporate:
- Cupping – for releasing tension in the upper back and shoulders
- Sound therapy (tuning forks) – for a subtler, vibrational element alongside the massage
- Sports massage techniques – where you have specific muscular tightness
- Kinesio Taping – applied after sports massage, where appropriate, to support recovery between sessions
- Facial reflexology – incorporated into the face portion of the massage
These are offered at no extra time or cost. Which ones are right for you depends on what your body seems to need on the day, and we'll talk about it before we begin. Read more about add-on therapies.
Session length and price
| Session | Duration | Price |
|---|---|---|
| First appointment (includes full consultation) | 90 minutes | £40 |
| Follow-up session | 60 minutes | £40 |
| Children (2-12 years) | 30 minutes | £20 |
| Loyalty card – book 6, get the 6th free | — | — |
See the full prices page.
My training in Indian head massage
I hold a Level 3 Certificate in Indian Head Massage from the Penny Price Academy and Winchester School of Aromatherapy, accredited by the Federation of Holistic Therapists (FHT).
I'm a member of the FHT, a full member of the Association of Reflexologists (MAR), and fully insured. Read more on the about page.
Frequently asked questions
Is oil used during Indian head massage?
Traditionally yes, and I prefer to use it where the client is happy to. It softens the work on the scalp and is particularly good for the hair. But it's entirely your choice – we can skip it completely, or use it only on the neck and shoulders so your hair stays clean.
Do I need to undress?
You'll be asked to remove your top so I can work properly on your shoulders, upper back, and arms. You'll be covered with a towel at all times and you can leave underwear on. If you'd rather keep a vest or thin layer on, that's fine too.
Will it leave my hair greasy?
If we use oil, your hair will feel oily afterwards and you'll want to wash it that evening. Some clients come straight from work and prefer no oil for that reason. Just let me know.
Can it help tension headaches?
Many clients come specifically for tension headaches and find the session helpful, particularly where the tension is linked to shoulder and neck tightness. That said, I can't promise a specific outcome, and if you have persistent or severe headaches, please speak to your GP first.
Is it seated or lying down?
I work with you lying on a treatment couch. Most clients find this more comfortable and more relaxing than a seated session.
As a mum of two very active boys, the lockdown situation has certainly taken its toll on me. I chose Gemma Holistics and I have had a combined Indian head massage and reflexology. I have left her beautiful place totally relaxed and calm. She has also managed to free me from a pain in my neck that I was suffering from. Thank you so much Gemma. She is a truly professional and thorough therapist.
Olatz, Winchester