Indian Head Massage

Release the tension you've been carrying in your shoulders, neck, and head

Indian head massage — known traditionally as Champissage — is one of the most effective therapies we offer for people who carry their stress in the upper body. It focuses on the shoulders, neck, upper back, scalp, and face, using a blend of firm massage, kneading, and gentle acupressure to release the tension that builds up from long hours at a desk, long days on your feet, or a long-running stress load.

At RP Therapies, it's offered in a quiet, warm treatment room at our purpose-built therapy centre.

A little history

Indian head massage has been practised within Indian family life for more than a thousand years, passed down from mother to daughter and barber to customer. It was brought to the West in the 1970s by Narendra Mehta, who formalised the Western version now taught professionally across the UK.

Done well, it's genuinely excellent — not a "scalp tickle," but a proper therapeutic massage focused on the half of the body where modern life does the most damage.

What Indian head massage may help with

Clients most often book when they're experiencing:

• Tension headaches and eye strain

• Tight shoulders and neck from desk work or driving

• Poor sleep linked to carrying stress in the upper body

• Sinus heaviness or congestion

• Hair and scalp dryness or tightness

• General anxiety held as physical tension

• A need to simply down-tools and switch off for an hour

What happens in a session

You'll arrive at the centre and we'll have a short chat about any problem areas, recent injuries, and anything you want me to focus on (or avoid).

You then sit comfortably in a supportive therapy chair, fully clothed apart from top layers over the shoulders. I work through a full sequence covering:

• Upper back and shoulders — releasing deep-held tension

• Upper arms — loosening the "carrying" muscles

• Neck — gentle, careful work

• Scalp — stimulating, rhythmic techniques that most people adore

• Face — slow, smoothing pressure points across forehead, temples, jaw, and around the eyes

• A quiet finishing sequence to settle the energy

Oils are optional — I'll ask before the session whether you'd like to include them in the scalp work, or keep things dry (useful if you're heading back to work afterwards).

Who is it for?

Indian head massage suits almost everyone — particularly:

• People who spend their working day at a computer or driving

• Anyone with persistent neck and shoulder tension

• Clients who'd love a massage but prefer to stay clothed and seated

• Those who find scalp work deeply relaxing

• People on a lunch break who want a proper reset

There are a handful of conditions we need to know about before we proceed (recent neck or shoulder injury, certain skin conditions, some medications) — please mention anything relevant when booking.

Session details

• Duration: 45 minutes standard / 60 minutes extended

• Location: RP Therapies, our purpose-built therapy centre

• Investment: £35 standard / £40 extended

• Oils: Optional — please let us know your preference when booking

• Booking: Evenings and weekend appointments are available

What to wear

Anything comfortable. You'll stay clothed throughout, with just the top layer (jumper, coat, scarf) set aside so we can work properly on the shoulders and neck. If you can wear a top so your shoulders and neck are accessable even better!

After your session

You may feel delightfully floaty, sleepy, or a little "tender" in the shoulders for a few hours — all normal signs that tension has let go. Drink plenty of water, take it gently, and expect to sleep well that night.

About your therapist

Indian head massage is delivered by Richy ("Dickie") Parton, holistic therapist and Usui Reiki Master, from the RP Therapies purpose-built therapy centre.

Ready to book?

If your shoulders have crept up toward your ears and you haven't properly let them drop in weeks, this is the therapy for you.

Indian head massage is a complementary therapy and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your GP for medical concerns.