The head prop that sits on the chest when giving an IHM

[Geoff]

Hi,

Apologies for not knowing the name of the item that IHM therapists use to support the head for the facial strokes of the IHM. I hope I haven't confused you too much!! I've confused myself now!

Someone on this forum (but I can't remember where or who) has mentioned in a previous thread that they use this prop which hangs around your neck and supports the clients head for the facial part of the IHM.

So the question is, does anybody know where I can get one of these things from? I'm finding in my IHM treatments that I have given so far (just qualified)the cleints are feeling uncomfortable resting their heads against my breasts....it doesn't bother me at all, so I thought if I had one of these things, I can give them the choice of using it or not.

Hope someone out there can point me in the right direction??

Many many thanks.....Angela.

 

[xoxo]

Sometimes they are called Desk Toppers... or Face Cradles.. Depends on the company, there are a lot of links for general massage equipment on HP and most of the big suppliers make them.

The Massage Table Store (MTS) sell all sorts of brands so they may be a good one to try, even if you dont buy from them directly they will give you a good range of suppliers to choose from. There are a lot of suppliers out there offering low to high range specification stuff.. Beautelle, Earthlite, Master, Darley, Marshcouch to name just a few.. I think most do these types of units - sometimes they are sold in the back of your trade journals (if you're a member of a professional body atm) and also on hp or Ebay for second hand items.

 

[Muhammad Zakwan]

Oh as an aside.. I was taught to use a rolled up towel to cushion the client so they didn't have to rest on breast tissue. I tend not to use either now..

 

[fiestyredhead]

Hi Gussie

Thanks very much for the feedback. Why do you think they're finding it awkward leaning on my chest? The last two I did - one a colleague at work and the other my boyfriends sister both held their neck upright when I got to the face bit....

I'll try again without the support and perhaps ask them afterwards if they would prefer a prop? What do you think?

Thanks again....Angela.

 

[Yeshe]

Sorry, Angela, I can't help with the specific item you're looking for, but like Gussie I use a rolled up towel to support the back of the neck. I find it doesn't really work for some people though - these are the ones who sit quite slouched forward and so can't lean the head back far. I make quite a fat prop to give plenty of support.

 

[ASHIL]

Hi. When I was training we were advised to use a rolled up towel, but since going it alone as it were I have experimented and found a nice soft pillow placed length ways with the top end positioned so the clients head lays back on it works best. I use the portion of towel I leave draped over the back of the chair to cover the pillow. The best thing is to experiment and get lots of feedback from all your lucky guinea pigs to see what works best for you and them.

 

[I Sting Your Face!]

I think for some the fact that they are leaning on breast tissue makes them a little self concious and embarrassed, women tend not to bother (not sure how to put this but one of my teachers was quite large and therefore quite comfy whereas less to rest on can feel less comfy - ahem) about resting there, but I normally just treat the face gently.
The portable face things are great though, really useful, I work with a number of people with mobility issues and I think they would benefit from one of these..

 

[BrainBabe]

Hi Everyone,

Thanks a million for your replies, i will try a few different options as you all suggested, although I did one last week without any props and it worked well, so I guess it's different for everyone! I'm sure experience will iron this one out for me. As for my curves Gussie, i've got plenty of padding so they should be quite comfy!

Thanks to you all again...

Take care....Angela.

 

[trackman]

I had an Indian Head Massage last night at the local college. It was the students first time on a member of the public so she was a little nervous. It was very good and I enjoyed it immensely - until I had to lean back!

When she asked me to lean back, after being very, very relaxed and almost asleep, she used a rolled towel. My neck really, really hurt leaning my head back and it was uncomfortable, perhaps after being really relaxed whilst having neck and head massaged made it hurt more, so I was tense that way and didn't enjoy it. My neck is still sore now.

 

[Northern Sky]

Blimey sounds like you had to lean your head right back to cause you that much discomfort. Sure that's not right.

When I use a rolled towel it's simply placed at the back of the neck between their neck and my body and the head very very slightly tilted back against me.

Just out of interest - as I have a feeling there must be several ways to do an IHM - what other ways are there? When I was taught the client sat upright in a chair, using a rolled towel as above for the face massage.

Deb379

 

[AssLoraiaa]

Your comments made me smile Ange! I am also blessed by nature with a nice homely bosom (as well as a squidgy tummy). So if I was giving an IHM to my husband I wouldn't use a cushion or anything. For other mortals I use a nice little cushion and I don't lean folks' heads too far back as heads are very heavy things. The trick is to stay quite close to the client, I think.

 

[jinmartt]

Hi, I tend to use a travelling neck rest, one that you blow up to a comfortable level and I place it around the client's neck. It's good for leaning back and if you want to do neck stokes, the client just rests the head of either side of the cushion. I got mine in a shop that sells cases in a travel accessories section as they are great for taking on long journeyswhen you want to havea sleep.

Love

 

[stoolbert]

Hi
I practice IHM and also teach it. I use a small pillow covered with a towel, and I find this very satisfactory. If you lean into the client slightly there is no need for them to have their head too far back. As you are coming to the end of the treatment, the client should be as relaxed as possible, and you should never over extend the neck.