Indian Head Massage Diploma
Indian Head Massage Diploma
Indian Head Massage is a wonderfully versatile treatment that can be seamlessly integrated into an existing massage practice or offered as a standalone therapy. Rooted in traditional Indian practices and influenced by Ayurvedic principles, it offers a deeply relaxing, therapeutic experience which many clients actively seek.
At the School of Bodywork, we take a thoughtful and holistic approach to this popular treatment. Although this is one of our rare courses that do teach a routine to follow, we also encourage you to find your own style and adapt your treatments to suit you and your client. By understanding the history, philosophy and traditional concepts that underpin Indian Head Massage, alongside practical techniques, you will leave with a treatment that feels authentic, flexible and easy to integrate into your existing work.
One of the greatest strengths of Indian Head Massage is its simplicity and portability. It can be performed fully clothed, requires minimal equipment and can be adapted for a wide variety of settings, making it equally at home in a clinic, workplace, wellbeing event or festival environment.
Whether you are looking to expand your treatment menu, add a calming element to your existing sessions or offer clients a dedicated Indian Head Massage experience, this blended-learning diploma will equip you with practical skills and confidence to do just that.
Why you should train with us
Our approach goes beyond simply teaching techniques. We combine traditional Indian Head Massage methods with an appreciation of Ayurveda, marma points and the chakra system, while encouraging you to think holistically about both therapist and client.
You will learn an adaptable treatment that complements your existing massage skills and can be modified to suit different situations and client needs. The course has been carefully created by Lisa Tate to ensure it remains relevant, practical and easy to incorporate into modern bodywork practice.
Course overview
This ThinkTree CPD Approved blended-learning diploma combines online theory with two practical training days.
You will explore the origins and philosophy of Indian Head Massage before learning a flexible treatment approach that can be incorporated into other therapies or delivered as a standalone session. The emphasis is on understanding the principles behind the work so that you can confidently adapt it to suit your clients and professional setting.
Course syllabus
The course includes:
- History of Indian Head Massage.
- Effects and benefits of treatment.
- An introduction to Ayurveda.
- The chakra system.
- Marma points.
- Traditional Indian Head Massage techniques.
- The use of oils for the scalp and hair.
Entry requirements
Participants must hold:
- A minimum Level 3 Massage qualification.
- A minimum Level 3 Anatomy, Physiology and Pathology qualification.
This postgraduate diploma is designed specifically for qualified massage therapists wishing to expand their professional skill set.
Course Format
- Blended learning combining online study and practical classroom training.
- Approximately 6 hours of online learning.
- 12 hours of face-to-face practical teaching over two days.
- Online course materials are made available one month before the course date and remain accessible for twelve months after that.
Assessments
The emphasis is on understanding the theory and developing practical competence through participation and supervised hands-on learning during the practical training days.
Qualification & Accreditation
This course is CPD Approved by ThinkTree and provides a postgraduate diploma in Indian Head Massage for qualified massage therapists.
It equips you with adaptable techniques that can be integrated into your existing treatments or offered as a standalone therapy.
FAQs
I am not a massage therapist. Can I still take this course?
No. This is a postgraduate diploma designed specifically for qualified massage therapists and participants must meet the stated entry requirements.
Although some Indian Head Massage courses are available to the general public, we have chosen to maintain this course as an advanced professional qualification to uphold the high standards of training for which the School of Bodywork is known.
If you are another healthcare or wellbeing professional, such as a hairdresser or reflexologist, and are interested in bespoke or group training, please get in touch to discuss the options available.
Course Date:
Saturday 3 and Sunday 4 October 2026
Saturday 30 and Sunday 31 January 2027
Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 July 2027
Course Time:
10:00 am
-
5:00 pm
Location:
Practical training takes place in Exeter, Devon, UK. The online theory component is completed before the practical sessions and can be accessed remotely.
Course Fees:
October 2026
Dates: Saturday 3 and Sunday 4 October 2026
- Deposit required: £175.
- Full Course Fee: £345
- Remaining balance due one month before the course.
January 2027
Dates: Saturday 30 and Sunday 31 January 2027
- Early Bird Fee: £295 when you pay your deposit before 30 November 2026.
- Deposit required: £175.
- Remaining balance due one month before the course.
July 2027
Dates: Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 July 2027
- Early Bird Fee: £295 when you pay your deposit before 17 May 2027.
- Deposit required: £175.
- Remaining balance due one month before the course.
Full Course Fee: £345
Bookings made within two months of the course start date require payment in full.
Tutor / Tutors
Lisa Tate has thoughtfully developed this course to provide an up-to-date and adaptable approach to Indian Head Massage. Her teaching encourages therapists to move beyond following routines if they wish to, helping students understand the principles behind the treatment so they can integrate it naturally and confidently into their own practice.
