Let’s cut the bullshit - if you’re asking about contra actions to Indian head massage, you already know what it feels like when a strong set of fingers dig into your scalp like they’re trying to pull your brain out through your ears. You’ve been there. You’ve laid there, eyes closed, breathing slow, while some woman with nails like scalpels and forearms like steel cables works the tension out of your neck like she’s wringing a wet towel. And yeah - it’s heaven. But here’s the thing: not everyone should be getting this. And if you ignore the red flags, you’re not just wasting £60 - you’re risking your damn health.
What the hell is Indian head massage anyway?
It’s not just a scalp rub. It’s a 30-45 minute assault on your cranial tension. Originating from Ayurveda, it’s not some spa gimmick - it’s ancient. Practitioners work your scalp, neck, shoulders, and upper back with rhythmic pressure, thumb circles, and knuckle kneads. No oil. No music. Just raw, tactile pressure. In London, you’ll find it in places like Brick Lane, Notting Hill, even tucked away in basement rooms above curry houses. Prices? £40-£70 depending on how fancy the place looks. The dodgy ones? £25. The ones with candles, incense, and a guy who calls himself ‘Master Raj’? £90. Don’t fall for it. The real pros don’t need a zen garden.
It’s popular because it hits like a tranquilizer dart. Your shoulders drop. Your jaw unclenches. Your brain stops screaming about your boss, your rent, your ex. Within 10 minutes, you’re floating. By 25, you’re in a coma of bliss. That’s why men - especially stressed-out lads who sit at desks all day - keep coming back. It’s the only massage that doesn’t require you to take your pants off. You stay fully dressed. You get the same release as a full-body session, but without the awkwardness of being naked with a stranger.
Why it’s better than everything else
Compare it to a Swedish massage. You lie there, half-asleep, while someone strokes your legs like they’re polishing a car. Boring. Indian head massage? It’s targeted. It hits the pressure points that actually matter: the base of your skull, the temples, the trapezius muscles that hold all your anxiety like a death grip. It’s faster. It’s cheaper. And it works faster. One session and your migraines? Gone. Your eye twitch? Stopped. Your ability to focus? Back. I’ve had clients - real ones, not the ones who just come for the handjob - come back every week like clockwork. One guy, a hedge fund manager, said it was the only thing that kept him from punching his assistant. That’s not therapy. That’s survival.
What you’ll feel - the real emotions
First 5 minutes: ‘This is nice.’ 10 minutes: ‘I think I’m gonna cry.’ 15 minutes: ‘Why am I suddenly thinking about my mum?’ 20 minutes: ‘I don’t remember my last name.’ 25 minutes: ‘I just had a vision of my childhood dog.’ 30 minutes: ‘I need to buy a house. And a boat. And a dog.’ That’s the emotional purge. It’s not magic. It’s physiology. The massage stimulates the vagus nerve - the same one that slows your heart when you’re relaxed. It floods your brain with serotonin and drops cortisol like a brick. You don’t just feel calm. You feel reborn. That’s why people lie about why they’re coming. They don’t say ‘I need to stop crying at work.’ They say ‘I’ve got a headache.’
Contra actions - the dark side they don’t tell you
Here’s where it gets real. If you’re not careful, this beautiful thing can turn into a nightmare.
- High blood pressure? Don’t do it. The pressure on your neck can spike your BP. I’ve seen guys pass out mid-session. Not sexy.
- Recent head injury or concussion? Absolutely not. Even a mild bump from 3 weeks ago? Still risky. Your brain is still healing. Don’t let some chick with a £10 massage chair and a YouTube tutorial turn your recovery into a hospital visit.
- Skull fractures, tumors, or aneurysms? Yeah, you’re not getting a massage. You’re getting a doctor. If you’ve had unexplained headaches for months, stop Googling ‘head massage near me’ and go see a GP. No amount of lavender oil will fix a bleed.
- Vertigo or Meniere’s disease? You’ll feel like you’re on a spinning ride at a fairground. And you won’t be able to get off.
- Recent neck surgery? Don’t be a dumbass. Wait 6 months. At least. I had a client - ex-military - came back 4 weeks post-op. Said he ‘just wanted to feel normal again.’ Ended up in A&E with a pinched nerve. He’s lucky he didn’t paralyze himself.
And here’s the sneaky one: infections. If the practitioner doesn’t wash their hands, or uses the same towel on three clients, you’re playing Russian roulette with your scalp. Folliculitis. Lice. Even MRSA. I’ve seen it. A guy in Camden got a full-blown infection after a £30 ‘quick session’ from a guy who worked out of his van. Took him six weeks to heal. And no, he didn’t get his money back.
How to avoid the risks - your survival checklist
- Check credentials. Look for a diploma from the ITEC or VTCT. If they say ‘I learned from my aunt in Delhi,’ walk out.
- Ask about hygiene. Do they use fresh towels? Do they wash their hands between clients? If they hesitate - leave.
- Don’t lie about your health. If you’ve got high BP, migraines, or a history of strokes - tell them. They’re not judging you. They’re trying to keep you alive.
- Start slow. First time? Go for 30 minutes. Don’t go full 60 minutes on your first try. Your body might freak out.
- Listen to your body. If it hurts too much - say so. A little pressure is good. A sharp, stabbing pain? That’s not ‘deep tissue.’ That’s damage.
Who should skip it entirely?
If you’re pregnant? Skip it. Especially in the first trimester. Too much stimulation near the neck can trigger contractions. Not worth the risk.
If you’ve got severe osteoporosis? No. Your bones are brittle. A wrong twist could snap a vertebra. I’m not exaggerating.
If you’re on blood thinners? Big red flag. You bruise easier. Pressure = internal bleeding. Seen it happen. It’s not pretty.
If you’re drunk? Don’t even think about it. You won’t feel the pain until it’s too late. And you’ll wake up with a headache that feels like your skull’s been split open.
Final verdict - is it worth it?
Yes. But only if you’re smart.
Indian head massage is one of the most underrated, under-discussed, and brutally effective therapies out there. It’s not erotic. It’s not sexual. But it’s intimate. It’s the closest thing to a mental reset button you’ll find without popping a pill. For £50, you get a 40-minute escape from the noise of modern life. For £90, you get a spa with a therapist who talks about chakras while you cry into a pillow.
But if you ignore the contra actions? You’re not being edgy. You’re being stupid.
Do your homework. Ask questions. Don’t be the guy who walks into a backroom with a guy named ‘Dave’ who says ‘I’ve done this for 20 years’ - and then you wake up with a fever and a neck brace.
It’s not magic. It’s medicine. Treat it like it.
Can Indian head massage cause headaches?
Yes - but only if done wrong. Too much pressure on the neck or scalp can trigger rebound headaches, especially if you’re prone to migraines. Some people get a mild headache after their first session - it’s your body adjusting. But if it lasts more than 24 hours, or gets worse, see a doctor. It could be a sign of something deeper.
Is Indian head massage safe if I have high blood pressure?
Not without clearance from your doctor. The pressure on the carotid arteries and neck can spike your BP dangerously. I’ve seen clients pass out mid-session because they didn’t tell the therapist they were on medication. If your BP is over 160/100, skip it. Period.
How often should I get an Indian head massage?
Once a week is ideal for chronic stress or tension. Twice a week is overkill - your body needs time to reset. If you’re just doing it for relaxation, every 2-3 weeks is fine. More than that? You’re not healing - you’re addicted.
Can I get Indian head massage after a stroke?
Absolutely not - not without explicit approval from your neurologist. Even months after a stroke, your brain is still vulnerable. Pressure on the neck can disrupt blood flow to the brain. I’ve seen too many men rush back to massage after a stroke, thinking it’ll help recovery. It won’t. It could kill you.
Do I need to take my shirt off?
No. You keep your clothes on. Most therapists work through a t-shirt or light top. You’ll be draped with a towel. It’s not a strip show. It’s a medical-grade relaxation technique. If someone asks you to take your shirt off - walk out. That’s not Indian head massage. That’s something else.
What’s the difference between Indian head massage and a regular scalp massage?
A regular scalp massage? That’s your girlfriend rubbing your head while you watch Netflix. Indian head massage includes the neck, shoulders, upper back, and pressure points along the spine. It’s structured, systematic, and based on Ayurvedic energy lines. One is a comfort. The other is therapy.
If you’re reading this, you’re not just looking for a massage. You’re looking for a way to stop feeling broken. Indian head massage can help - if you do it right. Don’t be the guy who ignores the warning signs. Your head’s not a toy. Treat it like the temple it is.
