“Champissage”, meaning head massage, in spite of its Gallic ring, comes from the Hindi term “champi”, from which the English word “shampoo” is derived. According to Mr. Mehta, massage has been part of Ayurvedic tradition in India for more than 40 centuries, with intergenerational family massage playing a social role for a thousand years or more. Massage of the head, incorporating the use of oils, was of particular interest to women as part of their grooming routine for maintaining the health and luster of their hair, which was classically worn very long. Barbers also offered “champi” to men, ostensibly as a refreshing, tonic experience versus a beauty treatment—although one does wonder, male vanity being a universal constant!

Narendra Mehta’s concept of “champissage” expands from this background to include massage of the shoulders and upper arms, and to incorporate energy-work focused upon the three upper charkas, which is typically not part of the champi practiced today on the street corners of large Indian cities. The objectives of his practice are to relieve pain and tension, improve both concentration and relaxation, and dramatically improve chakric balance for greater well-being. Mehta explains that he was inspired to create this form of therapy after experiencing massages in a variety of places with a variety of professionals—not one of which included the “champi” with which he was so familiar! In 1978, he went to India to research the traditional techniques, and developed his new hybrid champissage therapy soon thereafter.

Modern life with its daily menu of churning stress offers a prime environment for the introduction of this low-risk, non-intrusive, non-invasive relaxation technique which requires only a few minutes a day, may easily be practiced while seated in an office without disrobing, and may even be practiced on one’s self! Next time you’re in a meeting, or even sitting in gridlock in your car, have a look at the faces around you. Jaws are clenched, lips pressed tightly together (or bitten shut) and molars locked in unexpressed rage. Brows are deeply furrowed, constricting the blood flow to the temples. These two familiar examples are the cranial equivalent of wearing “killer” stiletto heels every day: the muscles eventually become permanently shortened, and are unable to relax and resume their original shape and relative slackness! TMJ, migraines, and loss of mobility in the neck and shoulders are just a few of the most common manifestations of these “game-face” behaviours.

Even in the friendliest of workplaces, many of us spend 8 – 10 hours a day staring into computer monitors. Add to this the ergonomic nightmare of sitting for prolonged periods, typically with a less than ideal seating-keyboard arrangement, cradling a phone between ear and shoulder, and the fact that most of us unconsciously push our chins slightly forward when concentrating on our work – and eye, head and neck strain become inevitable.

Champissage’s beneficial effects are varied and inter-related. The increased circulation, which results from the therapy disperses toxins from previously congested muscles, and stimulates the lymphatic system. This is always necessary through light, though focused, massage, since the lymphatic fluid is not driven by the heart or any equivalent pump. This improved circulation also increases oxygen uptake in the tissues, and, with the clearing of congestion from the muscles of the upper back, shoulders, neck and face, allows more oxygen to reach the brain, thus promoting mental alertness and clarity.

Mehta bases his concept on massage as a way of life, based upon compassion for others. His manual for teachers notes “Compassion is a way of breathing art into what we do…from helping and teaching the individual, we begin to see our work in a wider social context—teaching and healing the community. Through serving in a selfless, compassionate way, we connect and communicate with and become real participants in the flow of nature—open to change, willing to learn and listen.”

The core movements and postures for champissage are simple and direct. The therapist stands, while the fully-dressed client is seated in front of the therapist. The client is advised not to cross her or his arms or legs, which constricts circulation. As with all massage techniques, the therapist is advised to maintain skin-on-skin contact at all times with the client, to keep an unbroken flow of energy—prana, if you will—intact.
The Procedure

A detailed description of the procedure is available in Les Nouvelles Esthetiques Issue 9 or you are welcome to contact Les Nouvelles Esthetiques on info@lesnouvelles.co.za for the complete article.