On 18 July 2006, In Harmony was featured in the local press.

The Swindon Advertiser has given us kind permission to reproduce their article (right) and the words from it (below).

If you want to get ahead, get a head massage.

But while more and more people are getting the head massage message, nearly all of them are women.

That's certainly the experience of Christine Gray, who runs an aromatherapy and head massage business from the family home in Eldene.

"The overwhelming majority of my clients are female, "said Christine, "but there's no logical reason why this should be so.

"In India, head massage is a part of everyday life for all the family - male and female. It's only in Britain that it's seen as something that's essentially for women."

This is probably because British women are more attuned to the idea of paying for a pampering - such as a manicure or a trip to the hairdressers - and men aren't always comfortable with it.

In other words, they think it's for girls - and they are missing out on the many benefits of this ancient practice.

"Just treating yourself to a period of time where you are the centre of expert attention is an important step," said Christine.

"It makes you feel important, it makes you realise you deserve it - and the state of calm and relaxation clients often reach by the end of a head massage helps in all kinds of ways.

"It's obviously a great way to destress, but it also clears your mind."

Men are missing out on the physical benefits too.

Stimulation increases the supply of blood to the skin, helping to cleanse the body of toxins, often clearing up specific problems and ailments such as headaches.

Having your scalp massaged may even help to stave off baldness.

As feeling relaxed is an allimportant part of the process, Christine always lets clients call the tune - sometimes quite literally.

"During the massage I usually play soothing music, but you don't have to have any if you're not comfortable with it, "she explains.

As an expert on aromatherapy, she will also often use scented oils as part of the treatment - but only if clients want it.

"And I only use what's appropriate, so men don't have to worry about ending up smelling of flowers at the end!"

Despite the name, Indian head massage involves much more than soothing the scalp.

It can be half an hour or more before Christine's expert hands get to the top of your head, arriving via the back, shoulders, arms and neck.

And, just in case you're wondering...

"The massage can be done through the clothes if necessary because I realise some people may not be comfortable otherwise," said Christine.

"Again, it's up to the client."

It's also up to the individual whether they believe in the forces that are said to be at play during a head massage, such as the effect it has on mystical energy sources around the body, called chakras.

But the benefits are unmistakable.

"I love doing Indian head massage because I enjoy seeing people benefit from it," said Christine.