PROVISION OF 'INDIAN HEAD MASSAGE' TO PATIENTS:
Chat Issue Spring 2006
Indian Head Massage is a recognised massage therapy, based on the grooming traditions of the Indian Sub-continent that has been adapted to Western tastes. The massage involves the client sitting in a straight-backed chair, which gives access to the upper back; from the bottom of the shoulder blades upwards. The client stays fully clothed at all times.
The client has the procedure explained to them and is then introduced to the treatment starting with relaxation techniques; eg sitting comfortably and relaxed and concentrating on breathing in through the nose and out through the mouth. Massage techniques of emeurage (used to warm muscle tissues), petrissage and tapotement (more brisk, striking type actions) which raise erythema to prepare the muscles for deeper massage, are first carried out on the upper back and shoulders. Then effleu-age and petrissage are carried out on the neck, which then extend to the scalp, the face then the ears. The treatment finishes by lightly resting hands on the shoulders and gently talking to the client/patient, who will hopefully be in a relaxed state, so they will slowly become aware of their surroundings. They are not allowed to get up straight away, and are made aware that they should drink water to help the bodies systems to flush out the effects of having tension nodules broken down by the massage. Effective hand-washing techniques are carried out between each treatment.
Another member of staff, acting as chaperone, will be present at all times, to ensure a safe environment for patients and the qualified member of staff carrying out the treatment. Permission is therefore sought, through the mechanism of the Care Team Meetings, to allow patients to take part in this treatment as it obviously involves personal contact. A number of patients have shown a strong interest in the proposed treatment with others stating that they would like to know how these sessions work out before committing themselves
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