Massage and the Nervous System
Like other parts of the body, the nervous system can often become overloaded with stress that can manifest in the body as pain, sickness and disease. Massage therapy is one of the oldest healing modalities in the world that is also the ideal solution to stress that may be causing havoc in your nervous system.
All massage techniques stimulate the nervous system the body's parasympathetic nervous system that is responsible for feelings of peace, rest and wellbeing. This in turn counteracts the exhausting stress and anxiety caused by the "flight or flight" mechanism of the sympathetic nervous system.
What is an Indian Head Massage?
As implied by the name, the Indian Head Massage is a form of massage therapy created in India thousands of years ago. It is deep style a massage derived from the Ayurvedic tradition that focuses on the head, shoulders and neck.
Through a variety of different techniques, the massage works to release any blocked negative energy in the nervous system that may be manifesting itself as disease or injury in any one of the seven Chakras (energy centres) of the body. It does so by applying pressure to certain points on the neck, shoulders and head that correspond to individual Chakras as practiced in reflexology. This unblocks them, allowing for a free flow of energy around the body, restoring the individual to optimum health and feelings of wellbeing.
How an Indian Head Massage Benefits the Nervous System
The indian head massage generally soothes the nervous system, creating relaxed feelings of well being. The application of pressure to certain points stimulates all vasomotor nerves, pain perception nerves, underlying joints, muscles and internal organs. Its effects on the nervous system depend on the points stimulated, and the consequent reflex reaction of each nerve.
Other benefits of Indian Head massage to the nervous system include:
- A soothed and restored autonomic nervous system, resulting in reduced levels of depression and anxiety
- Relaxation of tension in muscles that re-establishes good muscle condition via its effect on neuromuscular reflex pathways
- An increase in the production of feel-good, pain-killing neurotransmitters such as endorphins
- Reduced nerve entrapment and nerve root compression (caused by muscle tension)
- Reduced acute and chronic pain
- Relieved insomnia and feelings of restlessness
Other Benefits
An Indian Head Massage may prove beneficial by:
- Relieving built up tension that can often result in headaches, migraines, neck and back pain
- Detoxifying the body by stimulating lymphatic drainage
- Boosting overall immunity
- Improving circulation, which in turn increases energy levels
- Promoting clarity and increased concentration
- Soothes symptoms of asthma by calming the respiratory system
- Relieves Mandibular Joint Tension
- Increases muscle tone
- Relieves symptoms of sinusitis
- Boosts cerebral spinal fluid circulation
- Relieves sleeplessness, restlessness and insomnia
An Indian Head massage may also improve overall mental health by:
- Relieving symptoms of anxiety and depression
- Providing relief from stress and promotes relaxation
- Improving concentration levels
- Renewing energy levels
- Increasing feelings of peace, calm and well being
- Boosting memory capabilities
Tip
Whilst you are bound to feel great after our Indian head massage, there is a good chance you may not look great. Whether your massage therapist has chosen to use oils or not, your hair will look tussled and potentially like you haven't washed out your conditioner from a week ago! Make sure to take a hairbrush and band, or a hat to wear on the way home from your session.
Originally published on Jun 16, 2010
