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Take a Journey Through Time
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A Journey Through Time
The Chronology of
Cranial Wellness
From ancient Vedic rituals to modern bio-aesthetic technology—four thousand years of healing, condensed into one scroll.
Chapter One
Ancient Origins
The birth of cranial wellness in the sacred texts and temples of the East
c. 2000 BCE
The Vedic Awakening
Shiro Abhyanga (head massage) is recorded in the ancient Vedic texts of India. The practice of Champi—the root of the English word "shampoo"—becomes intertwined with daily life.
c. 600 BCE
The Science of Vital Points
Marma Vidya is codified in the Sushruta Samhita. Ancient physicians map 107 vital energy points across the body, with 37 concentrated in the head and neck.
552 CE
Buddhism Arrives in Japan
Buddhist monks introduce the doctrine of the "Seven Blessings of the Bath," transforming the onsen from a place of spirits into a therapeutic sanctuary.
Chapter Two
The Way of Water
Japanese bathing culture evolves into an art form of communal wellness
1591
Birth of the Sento
The first official public bathhouse is recorded in Edo. The concept of "Hadaka no Tsukiai"—naked communion—emerges, where social rank dissolves.
1968
The Sento Zenith
Over 18,000 Sento operate across Japan—the peak of public bathhouse culture. But modernisation brings private bathrooms, and communal relaxation retreats into memory.
1990s
The Lost Decade Crisis
Japan's "Lost Decade" triggers the "Iyashi" (Healing) Boom. Exhausted consumers flock to aromatherapy and relaxation services, creating demand for wellness solutions.
Early 2000s
The Head Spa Concept
Takara Belmont develops the "Japanese Head Spa" concept. The shift: from "washing dirt off hair" to "healing the scalp and soul." A new wellness category is born.
Chapter Three
The Global Migration
Ancient wisdom travels westward, finding new expression in modern cities
1973
The Missing Therapy
Narendra Mehta, a blind therapist from India, arrives in England. He finds Western massage terminates at the neck—treating the body but ignoring the captain.
1978
The Return to India
Mehta returns to India to research Champi—studying gentle domestic techniques and vigorous barber methods. He realises the head cannot be treated in isolation.
1981
Champissage Debuts
Mehta introduces "Indian Champissage" at the Mind, Body and Spirit exhibition at Olympia, London. The practice now includes upper back, shoulders, neck, arms, and face.
1995
LCICI Established
Mehta establishes the London Centre of Indian Champissage, creating the first formal certification. Indian Head Massage enters the professional wellness industry.
Chapter Four
The Modern Renaissance
Technology meets tradition, culminating in a Belfast sanctuary
1904
The Bohr Effect
Danish physiologist Christian Bohr discovers that haemoglobin releases oxygen when exposed to carbon dioxide. A principle that would revolutionise aesthetics a century later.
1921
The Foundry Foundation
Takara Belmont is founded in Osaka as a metal foundry. By 1931, they begin manufacturing barber chairs—the seeds of the Head Spa revolution.
1962
The Model 808
Takara Belmont launches the world's first motorised electric barber chair, combining hydraulic engineering with human comfort.
2006
Pollogen Founded
Pollogen Ltd. is established in Tel Aviv, focusing on radio-frequency technologies. Their innovation would harness the 1904 Bohr Effect for modern aesthetics.
c. 2006
The Yume Chair
The revolutionary Yume ("Dream") chair launches, featuring gel-filled cushions allowing clients to lie completely flat. The 60-minute supine treatment becomes possible.
2013
OxyGeneo Launches
The Geneo+ platform debuts. Using sodium bicarbonate and citric acid, it creates CO₂ bubbles triggering the Bohr Effect—oxygenating skin from within.
2021
The Yume Headbath
Takara Belmont introduces the Yume Headbath—cascading warm water mimicking "Utabase" (waterfall meditation), triggering deep parasympathetic response in five minutes.
2024
The Global Explosion
Japanese Head Spa experiences unprecedented growth across the US and Europe. The modern consumer discovers a synthesis of ancient wisdom and technology.
Present Day
Belfast Head Spa Opens
Karolina brings the art of Japanese Head Spa to Belfast, combining authentic traditions with energy healing. A new sanctuary at 354 Woodstock Road.
Where Scalp Health Meets Soul Healing
Four thousand years of wisdom. Three ancient traditions. One sanctuary in Belfast. Today, at 354 Woodstock Road, these streams converge into an experience that honours the past while embracing the science of tomorrow.