Indian head massage techniques go back at least 4000 years, but it has only been since 1973 that it has become more popular, especially in the Western Hemisphere. The technique is also known as champissage. In 1995, Narendra Mehta founded the London Centre of Indian Champissage International. Various specific techniques are applied to massage the muscles of the head and neck, with particular attention to certain key locations. Side benefits are improved skin and hair quality, at least partially from the use of oils. The warm oil and spices which are gently worked into the scalp have been credited for the long beautiful hair of Indian women.

Indian head massage kits assume that the techniques are already understood. Indeed, basic instruction can be found on the internet. What the kits do contain are various oils for use during the massage. One standard inclusion in an Indian head massage kit is coconut oil for softening and moisturizing. Sesame oil may be included for conditioning the hair. Various other oils offered in kits are jojoba, sweet almond, evening primrose, grapeseed, olive, mustard, apricot kernel, or hazelnut.

The aromatic oils not only moisturize, but provide benefits of aromatharepy. Essential oils, derived from plants, have been shown to have therapeutic benefits which can enhance the massage experience.

Sources for Indian head massage kits are natural-products retailers who carry other aromatherapy and essential oil products. Prices will vary with the number and quantities of the oils included, but most contain some sort of nice carrying bag.