Tried and tested: Champissage Indian Head Massage

What is it supposed to do?
Indian Head Massage, also known as Champissage, includes massage of the shoulders, upper arms, neck, scalp, face and ears and is known to be energy balancing. It aims to release stress that accumulates in the tissues, muscles and joints of the head, face, neck and shoulders and is particularly beneficial for people seated at desks for long periods every day, creating tension in the upper body.
What benefits does it claim?
Champissage is particularly good for relieving stress and tension but also fatigue, insomnia, headaches, migraines and sinusitis. Moreover, its helps increase joint mobility and flexibility in the neck and shoulders, can improve blood circulation and lymphatic flow, free knots of muscular tension, relax connective tissue and aid in the elimination of accumulated toxins. It is also believed to stimulate hair growth. Seeing as the therapy is a deeply calming and relaxing experience, an Indian Head Massage can leave you feeling energised, revitalised and able to concentrate much better.
Is there any science behind it?
Indian Head Massage is part of the ancient Indian healing system of Ayurveda, which is probably the oldest recorded form of medical treatment, dating back thousands of years and has played a very important role in Indian life as a principle method of relieving pain and healing. Just like massaging the body can free muscular tension and leave you feeling calm and relaxed, Champissage does exactly the same for all the nerves and muscles surrounding the head. Frictions and the stimulation of pressure points to the upper back, arms, neck, face and head restore balance to the body and prevent it from tightening up and causing more permanent muscular damage.
What is it like?
First of all, this is a type of massage people who hate taking their clothes off will love; you remain fully clothed and seated throughout the 30 to 35 minutes it takes, which means that it can be carried out anywhere. Sitting at a computer most of the week, I have developed a slight neck problem and find it interferes with my concentration too, so the Indian Head Massage was recommended by friends who have discovered it works miracles for upper body tension. I booked an appointment at the Anahata Centre in Nicosia with Susan. Within minutes and with nothing but some aromatherapy oil and chill out music she was using a range of different movements including deep kneading and compression movements over my upper back and neck slowly working her way up to my head where pressure points were stimulated and stroked. I was slightly worried about my hair being scratched and teased into a mess – something she did warn me about – but soon let it go once I was unable to do anything but close my eyes and relax. It is indeed very calming and uplifting especially towards the end where the face is also slightly massaged and although I felt sore in specific areas she had worked extra hard on, the next day I was feeling better than I have in a very long time.
Where and how much?
At the Anahata Centre, Nicosia. Tel: 99-956557/ Price for 30 minutes: €25

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