Champissage or "Champi" Defined:

Champissage or Champi is the Indian word for 'head massage'. It is also known as “Shiro abhyanga” in Ayurveda and has about 40 different types of massage techniques. Champi originated from India more than 4000 years ago as part of the ancient Indian practice of medicine called Ayurveda, which means knowledge of life and is an Indian healing system that aims to bring balance to the mind and body to prevent dis-ease and promote long life. Indian women developed the practice on their daughters head, so to encourage long, strong, and beautiful hair. As a matter of fact, the word 'shampoo' stems from the word 'Champi'. These ancient texts of Ayurveda describe that when massaging the head with spices, herbs and aromatic oils such as coconut oil, almond, sesame, and mustard oil, to name a few, that not only did massage help with the health of skin and hair, but in addition the combination of oils and herbs with massage had an important medical function and could also encourage relaxation, cleansing and enhance innate healing powers. Champi or Indian Head Massage is a holistic therapy that aims to balance the mind, body, and spirit. Treatment is based upon the belief that the body contains energy channels which can become blocked due to dis-ease. Indian head massage helps to stimulate the release of blockages and restore balance in the body’s energy flow by treating the entire body as a system (mind, body, and spirit). As the treatment works on the nerve endings in the head, in turn, the flow sends out signals from the nervous system to the rest of the body. This improves blood flow to the head and neck encouraging healing throughout the entire body, and inspiring relaxation, peace, and tranquility.

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Preparation for a Champi session:

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• Please ensure your hair is clean and free of any oil products such as conditioner, hair spray before your session.

• Remove any hair bands, clips or slides before you go in for the session. Some clients like to wear a cap after a session and leave the oil in their hair for a few hours for the maximum benefit of conditioning and shinier, smoother hair.

• Please remove any obstructing jewelry (e.g dangling earrings, necklaces, bracelets) before the session.

 

What happens in a Champi session:

The Indian head massage treatment typically involves the upper back, the shoulder girdle, the arms and hands, the neck, the scalp, and finally the face, and ears, which overall stimulates energy balancing of chakras as well. Sessions typically last 45 minutes; however, the initial session will last 1 hour as in includes consultation. Reiki is also given during the session.

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• The treatment is given with the client sat in a massage chair or if you prefer laying on the therapy table.

• The treatment does not require the removal of clothing. It is advisable to wear comfortable clothing and a thin top such as a t-shirt.

• On the scalp, with the use of coconut oil, the techniques are used to relax, stimulate and revive the area. The whole scalp is covered to encourage circulation, oxygen, and nutrients to the area. The effect of this can also help stimulate hair growth and revitalize the brain.

• The treatment incorporates a wonderful soothing face massage. This technique uses a variety of massage pressures points and draining techniques that may help tension, headaches and sinus problems.

• Chakras are balanced (to enhance vitality and balance).

• The Indian head massage can be either an invigorating experience or a relaxing one, depending on the requirements of the client.

• Coconut oil is used in sessions or if you prefer to bring your own oil mixture.

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Adah has been a Champi practitioner for the past 18 years. To learn more about Adah click here.

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