Client Profile
Name: Jan Age: 42 years
Occupation: mature student and homemaker
Jan is a mature student with two girls of 17 and 14 years of age. She is currently training to be a counsellor and is on work placement at a local doctor’s surgery.
Her life is therefore very busy, looking after her two daughters, completing her studies and looking after their home. Despite her busy schedule, Jan does find some time to relax; she swims, goes for walks and loves reading.
Physically, Jan is fit and healthy with no medical conditions. However, she does
sometimes feel stressed out due to the pressures of her studies and running a home. She finds her neck muscles are often tight, in particular the right trapezius muscle often aches, causing her a degree of discomfort.
Jan’s energy and stress levels are average.
Treatment Objectives
Jan had never experienced Indian Head Massage before. The effects and benefits of the treatment were therefore explained to her.
After consultation, it was agreed with Jan that the treatment objectives were to: I help relieve muscular tension in the shoulders and neck
I aid general relaxation and relief of tension
I help uplift Jan psychologically and aid stress relief.
Treatment Plan
It was agreed with Jan that a course of three treatments would be given over a period of two weeks; the first two were given in a week, and the third in the following week. Coconut oil was to be used on the scalp as Jan’s hair and scalp has a tendency to dryness.
Account of Treatments
Treatment 1
On commencement of the first treatment Jan indicated that she was very tired mentally, as she had just returned from her work placement.
The treatment uncovered a lot of tension in the neck and shoulder area. The neck and shoulders were very stiff. A lot of deep breathing was suggested throughout the treatment to help ease tension. By the time we reached the scalp massage Jan was almost asleep.
After the treatment Jan reported that at the start she was aware of all her thoughts and her mind was not still; however, at the end of the treatment she felt calm, extremely relaxed but at the same time energised.
Jan was advised to drink plenty of water following treatment, to rest, have a light meal and to avoid alcohol or caffeine consumption. She was also encouraged to leave the oil on for a few hours following treatment before shampooing.
Jan did not have any adverse reactions after the treatment and reported that she felt quite energetic the next day.
Treatment 2
The second treatment was given three days after the first. Jan had been at college all day and was tired, but less tension was noticeable. She relaxed from the beginning and fell asleep. At the conclusion of the treatment, she felt relaxed, calm and contented.
Jan did not report any adverse reactions after her second treatment and reported that she felt relaxed but energetic the next day.
Treatment 3
The third treatment was given a week later. During this treatment Jan commented on the overall improvement she was experiencing and how the muscular tension had decreased to the point where it no longer caused her discomfort. She reported she was also feeling more relaxed and energetic.
Outcomes and Recommendations
The course of three treatments have proved very beneficial to Jan. During and after each treatment, the improvements have been visibly noticeable. Jan has also commented enthusiastically on how much better she has felt.
Further treatments were recommended to maintain Jan’s progress and condition and it was suggested that treatments were continued once fortnightly as a preventative measure against tension build-up.
Client Testimonial
‘The experience of the head was quite different from anything I had experienced before. I was aware of my tension during the first treatment and found the shoulder and upper arm movements quite strange. However, the pressure was just right and by the second and third treatments I knew what to expect and was much more relaxed. In the second and third treatments I actually fell asleep – something I never realised I could do sitting upright in a chair!
‘I think I slept better and definitely felt more invigorated in the days afterwards, and less tense.
‘I really enjoyed and appreciated the experience and shall definitely be continuing with regular treatments.’
Case Study 2
Client Profile
Name: Pam Age: 59 years
Occupation: retired librarian
Pam is a widow with two daughters and four grandchildren who she looks after on a regular basis. Although Pam is retired, she has quite an active social life playing tennis and swimming and she enjoys gardening.
Generally Pam is in good health and has no major illnesses, but sometimes suffers from sinusitis, headaches and disturbed sleep. She takes HRT and cholesterol tablets for which she has regular reviews with her GP.
During the consultation Pam revealed that she had manipulation on her left shoulder under anaesthetic two years ago. However, Pam’s current condition did not prove to be
contraindicated to treatment, although caution was observed when treating the shoulder and upper arm area. She did not present with any other conditions or considerations for treatment. Generally Pam has low levels of stress and medium energy levels, but recently has been experiencing low energy levels. While the benefits were explained to her, Pam mentioned her dry scalp and thinning hair.
Treatment Objectives
After consultation, it was agreed that the treatment objectives were to: I aid general relaxation
I improve congestion in the sinus area I improve scalp and hair condition I relieve muscular tension
I improve energy levels.
Treatment Plan
It was agreed with Pam to give a course of three treatments over a four-week period. The first and second treatments would be weekly and the third after a fortnight.
Account of Treatments
Treatment 1
Pam has never had any form of massage treatment before and was quite apprehensive. As a result she was unable to relax fully during her first treatment. She enjoyed the scalp massage and felt that the pressure points over the sinus area on the face helped to ease congestion. Pat commented that she felt relaxed at the conclusion of the treatment. She felt calm and she experienced no adverse reactions the next day.
Treatment 2
During this treatment the muscles in Pam’s neck and upper back felt very tight. She explained this was due to the fact she had been gardening during the day. Deep breathing was advised to help ease tension during the treatment. Pam was visibly more relaxed during this session and commented that her neck and upper back felt better.
Pam reported that she experienced a headache for a couple of days after the second treatment; this she felt was caused by congestion and the sinuses.
Treatment 3
The third treatment was given two weeks later. During the treatment Pam commented on how the pressure points over the sinus area helped and how the use of oil had helped with the dryness of the scalp and hair. Pam relaxed really well during this treatment and almost fell asleep.
Aftercare advice was given after each treatment: to drink plenty of water, rest, have a light meal and avoid consumption of alcohol and stimulants. Pam was also shown some simple massage techniques to use at home with oil for the long-term care of the hair and scalp condition.
Outcomes and Recommendations
The course of treatments has been successful for Pam. She felt relaxed after each treatment and indicated how they have helped with her sinusitis, sleep pattern and her hair and scalp condition. Pam also commented on how her energy levels have improved since treatments commenced.
Pam has requested that she continue with regular treatments for relaxation and body maintenance. Suggested frequency is once a fortnight.
Client Testimonial
‘The course of Indian Head Massage I have received has been a beneficial and new experience for me. Having never received a massage, I was unsure of what to expect and felt quite nervous to start with. Everything was so well explained, and the pressure was perfect for me. Although I felt relaxed after the first treatment, I was able to relax more fully on the second and third knowing what to expect. I would very much like to continue with regular treatment, as this seems an ideal way to relax. It has certainly helped to improve my sinusitis and headaches, and after each treatment I found I slept more soundly and woke feeling more refreshed.’
Case Study 3
Client Profile
Name: Kelly Age: 18 years Occupation: student
Kelly is completing her A levels in Maths and the Sciences. She is fit and in good health, but suffers from hay fever for which she takes antihistamines.
Kelly has never experienced Indian Head Massage before; however, due to exam stress she was keen to try the treatment for stress relief and relaxation.
Treatment Objectives
After consultation, it was agreed with Kelly that the treatment objectives were to: I help relieve muscular tension
I help relieve mental fatigue I promote psychological uplift I aid relaxation and stress relief.
Treatment Plan
It was agreed with Kelly that, due to her high stress levels at exam time, two treatments would be given in the first week and the third treatment given a week later.
Account of Treatment
Treatment 1
During the first treatment Kelly was unable to relax to start with; however, she began to relax with the neck massage and actually feel asleep during the scalp massage. A lot of tension was found in the neck and shoulder muscles. A little more time was devoted to treating the shoulder area and Kelly was advised to take plenty of deep breaths throughout the treatment to help ease tension.
Kelly was quite surprised how relaxed the treatment had made her feel and commented she could not believe she fell asleep sitting up. She felt calm, relaxed and energetic at the end of the first treatment.
She was advised to drink lots of water, to rest, eat a light meal following treatment and to avoid consumption of alcohol and stimulants.
Treatment 2
The second treatment was carried out after four days. Kelly reported that after the first treatment she felt relaxed and a bit tired the next day, but became more energetic as the day went on.
At the commencement of the second treatment, Kelly’s neck and shoulders felt much looser. During the treatment she relaxed and fell asleep, but during the face massage she was awake and alert. After treatment, she was keen to go to an aerobics class, but was advised against it and told to rest in order that the energy could be utilised in the body for the healing process. The same aftercare advice was given as that in the first treatment. Treatment 3
The third treatment was given a week later. Kelly reported that she had a slight headache the day after the second treatment, but also felt more calm and relaxed. She commented that she also felt dehydrated and felt better after drinking more water.
During the third treatment Kelly fell asleep soon after the treatment started but remained awake and energetic during the face massage.
Aftercare advice was specified as in the previous treatments.
The day following the third treatment, Kelly reported that she felt quite tired and lethargic in the morning. She also felt dehydrated but felt better after drinking more water. As the day progressed, she commented on how much more energetic she felt.
Outcomes and Recommendations
The series of treatments given have been successful for Kelly. She felt she was able to relax, unwind and relieve the mental fatigue she was feeling due to the pressure of her exams. After each treatment Kelly felt tired, lethargic and dehydrated due to toxins being released; however, after drinking more water Kelly felt much better – energetic, calm and relaxed. Kelly is keen to continue treatments for relaxation; suggested frequency would ideally be once a fortnight.
Client Testimonial
‘I thoroughly enjoyed my head massage sessions. I had never experienced a head massage before and found some of the sensations quite strange for the first time, yet at the same time they were very relaxing. While my back, shoulders and arms were being massaged I felt very lethargic and fell asleep every time these areas of my body were massaged. However, I found that when my neck, scalp and face were massaged I felt very energised and revitalised. The massage always left me feeling energetic and lively, yet calm and relaxed inside. During each massage I was aware that my body was relaxing, my heart rate slowed slightly and I fell asleep very easily as I became used to the
movements. I also noticed that during the massage I was unaware of time passing as I was so relaxed.
‘The days following the massages I sometimes felt quite tired and lethargic. I was also slightly dehydrated, but soon felt better when I increased my intake of water.
‘I feel the head massage sessions have enabled me to relax and cope with my increased stress levels at this time and therefore I feel I have really benefited from the treatments. I would also like to continue with the treatments regularly to maintain the benefits.’
In India massage has long been adopted as a daily practice in order to help maintain a healthy mind and body throughout the course of life. In the modern day of high stress levels in the western world, massage is a must for relaxing both mind and body, and recharging depleted energy levels. Indian Head Massage is uniquely different from other types of therapeutic massage practised in the West in that it is applied through the clothes to a client in a seated position and so there is no need for special or sophisticated equipment.
By the end of this chapter you will be able to:
I Understand the massage movements