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You are stressed out, working in front of the computer for hours on end and have no time for exercise? You could try Champissage for relief, and you needn’t even move from your desk for it. Also known as Indian Head Massage (IHM), Champissage was developed and popularised by London-based osteopath and massage therapist Narendra Mehta, who has been totally vision impaired since the age of one, says Dubai-based therapist Lizeh Hassan.

Champissage is actually an integration of various massage forms and is used to effectively treat several bodily and mental conditions. It has grown in popularity in the UK, the US and Canada. Training is imparted at the London Centre of Indian Champissage International, established in 1995 with Mehta at its helm, says Lizeh.

Head massage in India is nearly 4,000 years old; women in particular had their head massaged with various oil concoctions to maintain their lustrous tresses. Today, it is increasingly used by both men and women to combat the rigours of modern living. Practitioners of alternative therapy, holistic healing centres and spas across the world now offer IHM for de-stressing.

Anywhere, anytime

The high point of IHM is that it can be done anytime, anywhere, and requires no special room or equipment. Clients benefit from the therapy with or without the use of topical applications like creams, oils and lotions. One can even get a massage during lunch or tea-break at the workplace.

IHM relieves conditions brought on by tension that affect the upper limbs of the body including the shoulders, neck, upper arms, head, and upper back. The massage promotes blood circulation and deeper breathing.

It also augments lymphatic drainage, improves mental alertness and concentration, aids detoxification, relieves knotted muscles and insomnia, and help fight hair loss, anxiety, eye strain, headaches, migraine, stiff neck and shoulders, ear trouble and mental fatigue.

Ayurvedic technique

Champissage is based on ancient ayurvedic techniques and works on the chakras or energy centres of the body.

IHM works on three chakras located on the crown of the head, the forehead and the throat, says Lizeh.

Firm, yet gentle rhythmic movements are used to relieve built-up tension. The therapist usually begins by gently kneading the neck and shoulder muscles and works slowly upwards towards the scalp, which may be gently rubbed or squeezed and the hair may be lightly brushed. A single session may last from 20 minutes to an hour, depending on the client’s need and condition. IHM can be safely performed on all ages except infants, whose skull bones are not fused yet. However, it is not indicated for individuals who have undergone recent head surgery or suffered skull fracture or any other serious head injury.