Feeling stressed out? Suffering from sleepless nights? Fed up with aching muscles? Why not book yourself in for an Indian head massage and see what a difference it makes.

The 1,000-year-old massage technique was developed in India as a way of keeping hair in good condition. But it also offers other benefits, including relieving stress and insomnia, relaxing muscles, easing headaches and boosting the immune system.  

Last month in the blog post Haircare tips for luscious locks, I wrote that I was off to book an Indian head massage – and I meant it! So yesterday I set off to the reCentre in Balham for my appointment with therapist, Jessica Stone.

To begin with I filled in a health questionnaire and then Jessica asked me what I wanted from the treatment. I explained that I was hoping it would ease my neck pain and broken sleep – and benefit my quest to grow my hair, of course. 

Usually Indian head massage is a treatment given while seated, however, for a more relaxing experience Jessica asked me to lie on a massage table. After a hard day’s work and being squashed up on a tube it was lovely to chill out. Jessica began by working on my back, and then moved on to my shoulders, where I could feel lots of knots.

The best part of the treatment was the actual head massage, where Jessica worked on different pressure points to release tension. By this time I was in a completely calm state and experienced a lovely sense of well being, which was a world away from how I was feeling a few hours before, when jammed against a businessman’s armpit on the underground. 

Following the treatment I drank lots of water, as Indian head massage releases toxins from the body and it’s important to flush them out. When I glimpsed my reflection I was expecting my hair to resemble a bird’s nest, but it just looked healthy and full of body.  Interestingly, my sinuses had been bunged up and I could feel them becoming clearer. Plus, the tension in my neck had eased up and I felt so relaxed that I actually had a good night’s sleep.  

Indian head massage is definitely one of my favourite beauty treats and next on my list is a hot stone massage. I am planning on having one of those when I go on holiday to Morocco next month – so expect a full report! 

What are your favourite beauty treatments? Share them in the comments box below…

Party season is almost upon us, and there’s no way I want to miss out by getting the festive lurgy. So my plan is to boost my immune system and keep germs at bay – check out operation Don’t Let The Germs Bring You Down…

Sleep

Getting your requisite eight hours of sleep per night is important for your physical and mental wellbeing. Enjoy a relaxing Crabtree & Evelyn lavender bubble bath before you hit the hay and spray Lavender Linen Mist on your pillows – it’ll help you drift off. 

Eat and drink well

Don’t just pop vitamin pills and hope for the best – always start with a healthy diet and get your 5 a day. Also, remember to keep your body hydrated. At the moment, I’m in love with Vita Coco coconut water – it’s more hydrating that water and is packed full of goodies. It’s also low calorie and fat free. Madonna is a big fan of coconut water, and is looking pretty good for it.

Exercise

One of my New Year’s resolutions was to swim more and I haven’t kept it up, so I’m going to jump in the pool more often. I know what you’re thinking – yes, swimming pools can be associated with picking up germs, but until I have my cottage near the sea, it’s my only option. Stress can be a contributing factor to getting ill, so any activity that helps de-stress you is a good thing.     

Pampering

Taking time to relax and pamper is important – and it’s a stress buster. Now winter is here, skin is prone to drying out, so make sure you moisturise well. I have been – in fact, I’m almost out of Crabtree & Evelyn’s Citron, Honey & Coriander Body Souffle *hint*. Always carry a good lip balm on you to keep lips from cracking – and if you haven’t tried them yet, give Crabtree & Evelyn’s lip butters a whirl.   

Germ zapping

At this time of year, Crabtree & Evelyn’s Antibacterial Gel Hand Wash is my best friend. I’ve got my Inside Soap magazine colleagues into it too. Offices are a hot bed of germs – and don’t get me started on public transport! Antibacterial hand gel helps zap those viral nasties – and the best thing is it doesn’t dry your hands out.    

Good luck in beating those Grinch-y winter germs people. May the force be with you!