I’ve never had a head massage before so I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect. I can sometimes grit my teeth in my sleep which is apparently through stress, and when I get headaches it always seems to feel like a deep crack opening down the centre of my head and burning behind my eyes; so the thought of having my aches, pains, strains and stresses massaged into submission seems like my idea of heaven.
The Belmore Centre Indian Head Massage
Pulling into the car park of the Belmore Centre which was clearly signposted from the main Stoke Mandeville Hospital road, I was pleasantly greeted by the friendly and welcoming staff at reception before being shown to a beautiful white stone waiting area filled with beauty products, soft lighting and soothing music. A few moments later I was greeted by Lauren, my therapist, and shown to a peaceful, cosy and quiet treatment room upstairs which was furnished with beautiful white and purple materials and sumptuous soft fluffy towels. After answering a few questions about my health Lauren showed me where to undress and sit and then she left the room as I got into position.
To have the Indian Head Massage I was required to remove my shirt and unhook my bra straps from my shoulders. I was given a gorgeously warm fluffy towel to wrap around my top half. I then sat back in a chair positioned in the middle of the room and a few moments later Lauren gently knocked on the door and reentered. Lauren explained that my massage would take forty-five minutes in which time she would cover the areas of the top of my back, shoulders, arms, neck, head and face. She also asked if I would like my massage with or without oils; as I had to go shopping after I opted for a dry massage for which she advised the pressure would feel deeper as a result and I happily accepted.
I closed my eyes and listened to the soothing music, taking several slow deep breaths before Lauren worked her magic, massaging her thumbs in deep methodical circles gradually up to the top of my spine. It was as if she were cutting butter with a knife, my aches just melted away to the touch of her warm hands releasing the tension and stress that had built over time. It was incredibly relaxing and I have no idea how I managed to stay conscious. With my eyes closed and the gentle lull of the music, the smell of the fragrant perfumes and gentle kneading I understand why my cat enjoys a fuss so much, and it was just what I needed after a long week.
Lauren then worked her way up my neck and into my hairline. She gently wound her fingers through my hair and across my scalp and the movement in direction of my hair sent little tingles right the way down the length of my spine and the pressure and release of her fingertips across my scalp and forehead both awakened and relaxed my skull. The heat and tenseness held in my brow melted away as the contrast in movement from firm to the faintest touch, deep massage to trailing finger worked every sense and inch of my head, face, skin and scalp into submission.
And as Lauren ran her hands through my hair one final time, shaking away the bad energy and quietly informing me to take a minute to rest quietly whilst she poured me some cool water, you could have blown me over with a feather for how deeply rested I was. When I finally opened my eyes to the softened lighting of the room I couldn’t help but smile from ear to ear. Never have I felt such utter peace and relaxation and I glided out of the door feeling lighter than air.
Taking just a few minutes out for a pamper this afternoon has left me feeling revitalised and ready to take on the world, and with beauty vouchers also available from The Belmore Centre, for just £36.50 an Indian Head Massage makes the ideal gift for a loved one.
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