Indian head massages have been around for over a 1000 years. It seemingly grew up in Asia and was used by women to groom each other’s hair and has matured and grown into an extremely popular form of therapy that alleviates tension/stress and improves circulation in the upper back, neck, scalp and face – fantastic for combating the stresses and strains of the modern lifestyle – not a limit of potential clients! It is convenient for the client also, as they don’t even have to undress. So if you want to learn this therapy by undertaking one of the many Indian head massage courses, how might you go about it? What entrance requirements do you need to meet? What could the course involve?

Not sure if Indian head massage courses are for you? – well you could take an introductory course. There are a number of beauty and massage therapy schools that cater for this need. Normally if you can stand and use your hands there are not any other entry requirements to get on one of these therapy courses. Typically you attend over a few weeks in the evenings and by the end can answer simple questions about the anatomy of the skull, show a level of competence when massaging a subjects head, use all the basic therapeutic strokes and explain the origins of the therapy. These are not tough courses that result in any form of accreditation and to actually go into practise you would need to undergo further courses.

This massage therapy can be learned around your life with both in house massage therapy schools and distance learning schools providing courses. Indian head massage courses are usually directed to the already qualified therapist who wants to add more strings to his/her bow. However don’t let that frighten you off if you are only starting out, because you might be able to do other courses alongside (see later).

Distance learning is typically studied through videos, text books and practicing on relatives/friends whereas in house school training involves practical demonstrations and frequent practice with fellow students along with lectures and self centred learning. Because the in depth courses challenge you more, you will have to prove you are capable by meeting certain entrance criteria, so what are they likely to be?

Because you will need to study things like anatomy, physiology, psychological etc you will be expected to show you can cope with the level of academia, but occasionally you will need to prove at least you already have a qualification in this area. You might also have to have a completed course on health and safety under your belt for example. To get on Indian head massage courses, you will need to be extremely well presented and possess great communication skills. Often you will find that the Indian head massage courses will be targeted at post graduates of hairdressing, beauty or holistic therapy but if you are not, then you might be able to still attend the course if you undertake another related qualification at the same time.

The examining at the end of Indian head massage courses is likely to come in various forms from written papers and assessments to formal practical exams when you might have to prepare and perform a massage on a paying client who helps rate you. You will need to demonstrate understanding also of the types of oils/lubricants you use and how you would adapt techniques depending on the condition an individuals hair and skin. Also you are likely to be tested on your aftercare advice and might need to produce a portfolio. Finally additional expense over and above the cost of the course could be the textbooks and a uniform for practical sessions.