Indian Head Massage Training Courses in Singapore

Indian Head Massage Training Courses and Classes in Singapore

Indian Head Massage, also called Champi, Champissage, or Shiro Abhyanga (Shiroabhyanga), is part of the traditional Indian Ayurveda healing system, and has become a popular item on Spa & Wellness treatment menus around the globe.

The same counts for Singapore, where it’s not only readily available as a Spa treatment offering, but also as a training course option at several Spa & Wellness and Massage training centers.

What is Shiroabhyanga or Indian Head Massage?

This massage is one of the most used Ayurvedic massages for stress and pain relief. Indian Head Massage is a treatment of the head, neck and shoulders, applied also in more therapeutic conditions like, for instance, frozen shoulder, spondylosis, whiplash, and migraines, among other discomforts or illnesses.

Indian Head Massage is still very much integrated with everyday life in India, being traditionally a family ritual with the techniques passed down across generations. Until today you can see this modality being offered at a barber’s shop or even being practiced at weddings and births.

The treatment is given typically with the receiver sitting or lying down (face up) and fully clothed. The therapist uses hands and fingers to knead, rub and press the neck, shoulders, upper back and scalp using Ayurvedic balms and oils if necessary. A typical massage can last up to 45 minutes.

Training Course Curricula

The best known Indian Head Massage training curricula in Singapore that result in accredited completion certificates are those of ITEC and WSQ. These two types of study curricula are usually offered at Spa & Wellness academies. The third type of curriculum we find at Ayurveda schools and academies, which then are proprietary in-house certificate trainings.

ITEC Curriculum

ITEC is the International Therapy Examination Council, headquartered in the United Kingdom. ITEC provides leading international qualifications, specializing in Beauty & Spa Therapy, Hairdressing, Complementary Therapies, Sports & Fitness Training and Customer Service with centers in about 39 countries.

The Level 3 Diploma in Indian Head Massage consists of three main sections: Anatomy & Physiology, Indian Head Massage and Professional Conduct & Business Awareness. The training generally takes between 150 hours and 250 hours depending on the course provider.

Indian Head Massage subjects:

History and concepts of Indian Head Massage;
Effects and benefits of Indian Head Massage;
Recognizing common ailments & contraindications;
Learn the position of the chakras;
Massage technique application & draping procedures;
After-treatment follow up;
Efficient preparation of the workplace;
Client assessment & consultation;
Proper hygiene & professional image;
Keeping log records.

WSQ Curriculum

WSQ is the Singapore Workforce Skills Qualifications system, a national credential system that trains, develops, assesses and certifies skills and competencies for the Singaporean workforce. Training programs developed under the WSQ system are based on skills and competencies validated by employers, unions and professional bodies.

The WSQ curriculum for the Indian Head Massage course is called WSQ Provide Indian Head Massage. It’s a hands-on massage training, and provides the knowledge and skills in providing Indian Head Massage with Spa & Massage therapists as its target group. After this massage course, learners are able to apply Indian head massage services at spas or massage workplaces.

Indian Head Massage subjects:

Ensuring a safe and hygienic workplace, providing a suitable environment for Indian Head massage;
Purpose and types of oil used for Indian Head Massage;
Using a combination of traditional Indian and westernized techniques applied with the client in a seated position to promote blood & lymphatic flow to the head, neck and shoulders;
Meditation and deep breathing based on Eastern traditions to balance the higher chakras for relief of stress and tension;
Consultation with the client to confirm suitability for the treatment including assessing contraindications, carrying out visual assessment, benefits & effects, and reviews & updates of the client profile;
After-care advice to sustain the effects of treatment.

Proprietary In-house Curriculum

These curricula are created by the various individual Ayurveda schools and academies. Sometimes offered as a single training course, other times as part of larger Ayurveda training programs. The contents of these curricula differ from school to school.