Skip to content
MassageRadar

Indian Head Massage

Seated treatment of scalp, neck and shoulders from the Ayurvedic tradition

Indian head massage, or champissage, is given seated and clothed, which makes it one of the quickest and most accessible treatments to book. The therapist works the upper back, shoulders, neck, scalp and face with a combination of kneading, friction, pressure points and gentle tapping, sometimes with a little warm oil in the hair and sometimes without.

It has been part of family life in India for centuries and was brought to the UK in the 1970s as a formal treatment. The effect on tension headaches, eye strain, jaw tightness and the stiff neck and shoulders of screen work is immediate, and many people report better sleep and clearer thinking afterwards.

Sessions are 30 to 45 minutes, and because there is no undressing or couch, it is popular in offices, at events and as a mobile treatment. It is also a common add-on to a back massage or facial at salons and spas.

Also known as: champissage, head and shoulder massage, scalp massage.

Indian Head Massage by city

Therapists and venues offering indian head massage

Frequently asked questions

Is oil used in Indian head massage?

Sometimes. The traditional version uses warm coconut, almond or sesame oil on the scalp. Many UK therapists offer it dry so you can return to work or go out afterwards; ask which when you book.

Can I have Indian head massage at work?

Yes; it is one of the most common corporate wellbeing treatments because it needs only a chair and thirty minutes. Agencies and mobile therapists list office visits on their profiles.

How much does Indian head massage cost?

Usually £25 to £45 for a thirty- to forty-five-minute session, making it one of the cheapest treatments listed.