Indian Head Massage
Champissage (as it is known in India) is an Ayurvedic therapy based on the principles of balance, energy flow, and the release of tension. It is a seated form of massage that involves a rhythmic flow of movements over the head, face, neck, upper back and shoulders. As our experienced therapist massages in firm, circular motions, the natural balance of the body is restored, releasing long-held tension.
Champissage is distinct from other forms of massage in which you lie prone and go into a state of deep surrender, even falling asleep. With champissage, you are seated upright to better facilitate the firm, vigorous movements of the massage, which stimulate, awaken and align the body’s vital energy points we call the chakras.
Champissage: key principles and benefits
1. Chronic headaches and back pain… are they just par for the course these days?
No, not at all! Please, don’t accept chronic pain as normal. Many of us experience tension in the upper back, neck and head, which can lead to migraines, tension headaches and back pain. (One of our clients considered this to be ‘normal’ until he experienced profound and unexpected relief during a head massage with Saroj). Champissage can bring about the relief of long-held and chronic muscle tension.
2. Champissage: nourishing the scalp and promoting healthy hair growth
A lovely side effect of champissage is a healthier scalp and increased hair growth, caused by stimulating the blood flow in the scalp and improving the oxygenation and nourishment of hair follicles. Everyone’s hair grows, however Indian head massage boosts the process and promotes truly luscious locks!
3. Detoxifying the body and stimulating lymphatic drainage
Indian head massage supports lymphatic drainage by increasing circulation around the lymph glands of the neck, boosting immunity and helping to remove waste products from the body. Confused? The lymphatic system is our front line of defence in fighting bodily infections, detoxifying the body and transporting metabolic wastes, excess water, bacteria and toxins out of the body. Proper lymphatic drainage aids the body’s immune system and is highly recommended if you are prone to colds, infections, fatigue, fluid retention or low immunity. For the physically inactive, this is especially beneficial.
4. Deep restful sleep feels (and is) so good for you…
So many of us experience the consequences of our sedentary lifestyles – chained to a computer for much of the day and often using the car as our main form of transport, we lose the benefits of regular, sustained activity – including restful sleep. Relaxation is essential to our wellbeing and good sleep is increasingly recognised as vital for our overall health. Indian head massage is deeply relaxing to the nervous system and promotes the deep sleep our body needs.
5. Oxygen: relieving anxiety and depression
By stimulating circulation in the head and neck, an Indian head massage improves the supply of oxygen to the brain. Because being properly oxygenated lifts your mood, helps you think clearly and reduces anxiety, it is something we could all do with more of.
HINT: try taking several deep breaths through the nose before you sleep. It will do so much for you… try it!
Saroj, as I sat comfortably with you I became lost in a dream… all the while knowing that you were performing a flowing sequence of movements across my upper back, shoulders, arms, neck, ears, face and finally my scalp. My waking mind registered all of this: a combination of stroking, friction (what you later told me were pressure point techniques). Saroj I confess that I am still to grasp the finer points of this treatment. But one thing I do know… my physical and emotional relief was something no words can adequately express.”
Beatrice
