IHM and massage tables

[Rana]

Hi

Does anyone out there apply an Indian Head Massage with the client laying face down on a massage table, rather than sitting in a chair. I find some of my clients aren't able to relax properly sitting up.

 

[zosowill]

Hi Bjay

I never deliver a full Indian Head massage when the client is lying down as it is just impossible to incorporate all the moves. I do however incorporate a lot of the IHM moves when treating clients as part of the massage. As with any treatment it is about adapting it to your clients needs. Do you feel you can provide adequate treatment for those clients whilst they are lying down?

Good luck!

Jules [sm=wave.gif]

 

[Lissette]

I do a therapy called Tibetan Acupressure Head Massage which is performed with client lying down the whole time, either on a treatment table or reclining chair. In Tibet it would have been done with the the reciever's head lying in the lap of the giver.
I personally think it is much more relaxing to recieve than IHM, and also more comfortable to give as you sit down.
The techniques are different than IHM. There is a lot more face massage and a lot less shoulder/upper back, but the therapy is very adaptable and it is easy enough to do the upper back with the client seated before lying them down for the 'main' treatment. It also combines well with other therapies, expecially Reiki, Aromatherapy, beauty treatments like facials etc.
The Tibetan Acupressure points can also be incorporated into IHM routines. Also makes a great short treatment for events and pamper parties.

 

[Christina Leo]

Hi Jules

Thanks for your reply. No, I now know I'm not able to provide adequate treatment to a client laying down!!! Since posting my letter I managed to get my husband to be a guinea pig (which is virtually impossible as he's away a lot and never has the time or he's had a bottle of wine and too much food!). It's not very easy standing to the side, got a back ache!, and couldn't quite work it out if I stood at his head, got muddled up being back to front! [sm=scratchchin.gif] I think I'll stick to the normal way. It was just a thought really, you never know until you try. It's always nice to get other opinions too.

Hi Dotcom, I've replied to your email. Many thanks.[sm=wave.gif]

 

[BliTZ]

Hi bjay

Have you tried giving IHM with a portable headrest? They are great as they can lean against a couch or a desk (ie in the workplace) and when the client leans against it and rests his/her face against the "porthole" you can give very good effluerage/pettrisage strokes across the back and shoulders. I then gradually bring the client back into upright position and continue to perform the scalp and face massage. I find this works really well and you are not putting undue pressue on your own back. They are available now from most suppliers such as Beauty Express, Sally's and the FHT catalogue and they are sooooo easy to carry around with you!

Hope this helps

Sue

 

[feelingless]

Thank you Sue, I'll definately look into the portable headrests. I do a lot of home visits so I think one may be useful and more relaxing.

 

[Risa]

Have you tried getting your client to straddle a chair and rest their head upon a pillow to do the back movements. You can do a few of the head movements whilst they're like this and then sit them up and rest them back upon yourself to do the face movements.

I learnt how to do this as a chair massage and there's not much difference between it and the IHM.

Give it a go!