What you can expect

Indian Head Massage, or shirobhyanga/champissage, is a soulful, relaxing, and rejuvenating experience.

Hair and scalp health are nourished through the stimulation of hair follicles and optional addition of aromatic oils. If you have hair on your scalp, it is tousled and gently combed and shifted with fingers, gathered and released in repeating motions. If you do not have hair on your scalp, extra time will be spent using gentle pressure on certain areas to alleviate tension. The muscles of the face, neck, upper back and shoulders are massaged using pressure adjusted to your comfort and rhythmic strokes

Through mindful massage based on traditional massage techniques used in India, the network of important nerve pathways of the scalp and head can be balanced, helping to relieve insomnia, headaches, sinus problems, eye strain, and stress, and improving memory, focus, and mental alertness.

Energetic points or centres on the head, known as marmas (similar to acupuncture points in Traditional Chinese Medicine) can be stimulated and balanced through this treatment, bringing about a feeling of deep calm and clarity that lasts beyond the immediate experience of the massage. 

As a part of the offerings at Moon to Mountain Wellness, Savasana is an addition to the Traditional Head Massage. While all treatments conclude with a period of stillness and silence, this is an opportunity to allow more time and space for integration. (If you’ve ever wished you could have “just a little longer” resting on a practitioner’s table after a treatment, this is for you!

Savasana is the final physical posture in many yoga classes, and is typically lying down in a neutral position. Your body may be supported by props. Much more than a “cool down”, Savasana is an opportunity for integration and non-sleep deep rest.

After your traditional head massage, you will be assisted to a position of comfort, using yoga props and pillows as needed, and guided through a short meditation designed to lead you through your body and breath into this deeper rest. You will be offered a longer period of silence and stillness than is typical at the end of a massage service, and at the conclusion of this period will be guided back to an awake and alert state.

The Relaxation Foot Massage is a part of the “head-to-toe” package at Moon to Mountain Wellness. Your feet are warmed with towels and massaged with your choice of lotion, unscented oils, or aromatic oils. This service includes a relaxation massage of the lower legs to promote circulation and relieve tension. The Relaxation Foot Massage is not intended to treat or address any underlying illnesses or medical concerns.

Your treatment begins on a massage table lying on your belly. People who are pregnant are offered a side-lying position with supportive pillows. You may undress to your level of comfort, though it is recommended that the upper back and shoulders are bare if you would like oils during your treatment. As the treatment progresses you will turn over onto your back with blankets and pillows offered to maintain warmth and comfort. Your privacy is maintained at all times through draping of sheets and blankets.

Your appointment is scheduled with additional time before and after your service to settle in to the space and to integrate your experience. Allow 5-10 minutes on either side of your scheduled start and end time (for example, if your hour-long service begins at 10:00am, arrive by 9:55am and expect to leave by 11:10am)

Please plan to arrive with hair brushed and loose from braids, elastics etc. Hair products may be present in hair if they allow stands of hair to move relatively freely. Rigid and sticky hair products are not recommended. A sanitized detangling brush is available for your use if you wish after your appointment, but you may prefer to bring your own.

General hygiene and avoidance of strong scents (perfumes/lotions etc) prior to your appointment is kindly requested. The clinic space has washroom facilities available for client use.

Please don’t worry about falling asleep! It happens often and is truly an honor to facilitate. It simply means you are very relaxed and likely need the rest. Most people naturally drift out of this light sleep at the conclusion of their treatment. If not, I am always aware of the duration of the booked service and the ‘buffer’ times built in before and after. I will make sure you continue with your day at the expected time.

Please don’t hesitate to reach out via the secure contact form located on the home page, or by email at hello@moontomountainwellness.com