This Indian Head Massage course is open to both beginners and qualified therapists.
It is suitable for anyone wishing to practise the traditional art of Indian Head Massage. The treatment involves working on the head, face, shoulders and neck, with the client seated. The course also includes training in the use of traditional Indian hair oils, with guidance on how to incorporate them into a standard treatment.
This fast-track, intensive course is structured in two parts:
Part 1: Live online lectures via Zoom, covering the anatomy, physiology, pathology, and theory related to Indian Head Massage.
Part 2: In-person practical sessions at the school, focusing on Indian Head Massage techniques and routine, exam preparation and the application of traditional hair oils.
Please note: This course is open to students of all levels, including complete beginners and experienced therapists. The anatomy and physiology content is specific to Indian Head Massage and may serve as revision for those who already hold a qualification in anatomy and physiology.
View our Indian Head Massage training course flow chart to see exactly how you can progress from your first class to earning your ITEC award in Indian Head Massage - opening opportunities to work in spas, wellness centres, or start your own holistic therapy practice.
| CLICK HERE TO SEE A FLOW CHART FOR PROGRESSION IN THIS INDIAN HEAD MASSAGE COURSE |
This beginner-friendly massage course has no formal prerequisites. If you are new to massage therapy, this is the ideal starting point. All you need is:
If you’re ready to begin your journey into professional massage, this Indian Head Massage training programme provides the perfect foundation to start your career.
Our Indian Head Massage courses are approved by ITEC (& VTCT) and are recognised nationally and worldwide.

This Indian Head Massage course covers all syllabus criteria required by ITEC and VTCT. Training is structured to maximise learning during online theory sessions and practical skills are developed in person through our massage classes where techniques are taught through demonstration, practice and repetition.
A full 30-minute Indian Head Massage routine, including the head, face, neck and shoulders (seated)
Chakra balancing
Benefits and use of various hair oils
Anatomy, physiology, and pathology relevant to Indian Head Massage
History and benefits of Indian Head Massage
Blood supply to the head, neck, and shoulder area
Bones of the face, neck, and shoulders
Main nerves of the head and face
Muscles of the face, neck, and shoulders
Lymphatic supply to the head and neck
Structure and function of the skin
Different skin types
Skin diseases and skin cancers
History of Indian Head Massage
Chakras of the body
Full Indian Head Massage routine
Contraindications to Indian Head Massage treatment
Benefits of Indian Head Massage
Scalp conditions and related pathology
This VTCT & ITEC Indian Head Massage Award course has both home assignments and final end examinations. These are broken down as follows:
Structure: Multiple choice
Questions: 15
Pass Mark: 60%
Length: 20 minutes
Practical examinations are held in person at the London School of Massage. You are required to attend with a suitable model (over 18 years of age) on whom you will demonstrate your Indian Head Massage routine. The assessment is carried out by an external visiting ITEC examiner.
Structure: Practical exam
Pass Mark: 60%
Length: 30 minutes
Exams take place over two days (one theory day and one practical day). Your confirmed exam dates will be provided at the start of the course.
Case Studies: 4 treatments in total – 2 clients, 2 treatments each
All coursework must be completed at least one week before your final exams.
Having trained thousands of students, London School of Massage has many success stories, and our students have gone on to:
Open their own private practice, treating clients from home
Work in health clubs, hotels, or ski resorts abroad
Offer mobile massage treatments
Treat clients seated using Indian Head Massage techniques
Progress to further advanced massage training, such as:
Indian Head Massage (also known as Champissage) is a relaxing treatment focusing on the scalp, face, neck, shoulders and upper back. It’s commonly performed with the client seated, using a range of pressure and massage techniques to help release tension and encourage a sense of wellbeing.
Yes. This VTCT (ITEC) Indian Head Massage course is open to beginners and qualified therapists. No previous massage qualification is required, making it a suitable starting point for students who want to learn a recognised seated massage treatment.
Successful students receive the VTCT (ITEC) Level 3 Award in Indian Head Massage, an RQF qualification with QAN 603/4070/8. This is a recognised qualification for those wishing to practise Indian Head Massage professionally.
Yes. The course is approved by VTCT and ITEC and is recognised nationally and internationally within the complementary therapy industry.
Yes. Once you have successfully completed the qualification and received your certificate, you can apply for professional insurance and offer Indian Head Massage treatments to clients, subject to any local council or premises licensing requirements.
No formal Anatomy and Physiology qualification is required before joining this course. The course includes anatomy, physiology and pathology relevant to Indian Head Massage, including the head, face, neck, shoulders, skin, nerves, muscles and blood supply.
Yes. The course includes guidance on the benefits and use of traditional Indian hair oils and how they can be incorporated into an Indian Head Massage treatment.
You will learn a full seated Indian Head Massage routine covering the scalp, face, neck, shoulders and upper back. The course also includes consultation, contraindications, benefits, chakra balancing, use of traditional hair oils and relevant anatomy and physiology.
The practical training is held at London School of Massage, King’s Cross/Caledonian Road, London. The theory element is delivered through online learning and live Zoom sessions.
After qualifying, students may progress to other massage and complementary therapy courses, such as Level 3 Massage, Aromatherapy, Reflexology, On-Site Chair Massage, Deep Tissue Massage, Pregnancy Massage or specialist CPD courses.
Yes. Students complete 4 Indian Head Massage treatments in total, consisting of 2 clients treated twice each. All coursework must be completed before the final exams.
The course is delivered through blended learning. Students complete guided home study and live online theory before attending in-person practical training at the London School of Massage venue.
Assessment includes a 15-question online theory exam, a 30-minute practical Indian Head Massage exam and coursework. The practical exam is assessed in person by an external ITEC examiner.
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