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Press Here! Ayurvedic Head Massage for Beginners gives simple step-by-step guidance on how to incorporate Indian head massage into you and your family’s everyday routines to enhance overall well-being and beauty.
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 spiritual benefits, including:
Increasing a sense of human connection between giver and receiverCreating a meditative mood that encourages deep sleepRelief from mild depression or life burnout/overwhelm through the release of endorphins
Potential beauty benefits include:
Improves the condition of skin and hair by increasing blood circulationProvides nutrients to the living cells of the skin and hairGives the receiver a refreshed and younger looking appearanceNourishing hair 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 of Doshas, including details on how to discover your unique, elemental body type—Pitta, Vata, Kapha, and combinations of theseMarma or vital energy points 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.
The Press Here! series offers 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.
From the Publisher
ABOUT THIS BOOK: This contemporary take on a traditional practice makes Ayurvedic head massage accessible to all, whether you are treating yourself or a friend or family member.
BASIC PRINCIPLES
In this chapter you will learn what Ayurvedic head massage is and how it can help you, and find out about the principles of doshas, chakras, and marmas.
BEFORE YOU BEGIN
Before you begin you will take a few steps to prepare your space, yourself, and, where relevant, your massage receiver. This chapter also looks at the various strokes you will be using in your massages.
HERBAL HAIR OILS
I have created herbal oil mixes designed specifically to be used with the rituals described in Chapter 4, should you want to. Learn how to make them here, and discover the ingredients you can use to make your own herbal hair oils.
FOCUSED MASSAGE RITUALS
This chapter contains eight massage routines designed to address particular areas of concern or for general well being. Follow the step-bystep instructions to massage yourself or a partner. Use regularly to feel physically, spiritually, and mentally nourished.
PROPS, SUPPO RTS, AND BRACING: Ayurvedic head massage requires very little equipment, and is typically done best in a sturdy, upright chair, without arms.
STRADDLE CHAIR
The receiver will usually sit in the chair facing out, but may find it more comfortable to sit facing the back of the chair instead. Place a large cushion between them and the chair back, covered with a towel for protection if you are using hair oil.
ROLLED TOWEL
Create a comfortable place for the receiver’s head to rest during compressions, shampooing, and frictions by using a rolledup towel. Place the rolled towel on your chest or belly and encourage the receiver to lean back onto it, so they don’t strain their neck muscles during the massage.
BRACING: FOREHEAD
Use the forehead bracing technique to give the receiver support while applying strong strokes to the back of the neck. Stand to the receiver’s left shoulder and cup their forehead in your left hand. Tilt their head forward slightly to rest in the palm of your hand. If you’re left-handed, stand to your partner’s right shoulder and use your right hand for support while you work with your left.
BRACING: NECK
You can use this support technique while doing frictions and shampooing. Stand behind the receiver. Bend your left arm at the elbow and place your upper arm on the receiver’s left shoulder. Lightly lean their head into the palm of your left hand to offer support while working on the right side. Switch the bracing technique to the receiver’s right shoulder and head, using your right arm and hand, when working on the left side.
Publisher : Fair Winds Press; Illustrated edition (March 16, 2021)
Language : English
Hardcover : 128 pages
ISBN-10 : 1589239784
ISBN-13 : 978-1589239784
Item Weight : 15.2 ounces
Dimensions : 6.75 x 0.7 x 8.65 inches
