Bodywork

I practice Chavutti Thirumal, Indian Head Massage and Integrated Bodywork.

About Chavutti Thirumal

If not now, when? The Talmud

Chavutti Thirumal is like a short holiday in paradise!

Chavutti Thirumal literally means massage by foot pressure. It is a thorough and deep treatment which includes long strokes from hand to foot to rub and ‘iron' out your body, and smaller, focussed strokes to tackle particular muscles and aches. The whole process releases tension and pain, tones and stretches muscle tissue, and detoxes through the stimulation of the circulatory (cardio-vascular and lymphatic) systems.

The myth tells that Chavutti Thirumal is based on the dance of the Hindu god Shiva, lord of destruction and creation. And in fact, the treatment looks and feels a bit like a dance with rhythmical and fluid strokes on your body performed by one foot while I balance on the other, holding onto a rope overhead.

These strokes have control, precision and power. And this graceful strength mirrors that of the Kalari warriors of Kerala, South India, who created and perfected this system of bodywork over thousands of years.

The dance of Chavutti Thirumal is possible because I stand upright with one foot on the ground to gather energy, and working from the centre of gravity deep in my body's core - the hara.

I use my own breath - pranayama (yoga breathing) - to stay focused and present, and to synchronise with your own breathing for therapeutic healing. Working in harmony with the breath not only allows us to go deeper into the tissues, but also promotes a sense of balance as you become more aware of the rhythms and condition of your body.

Chavutti Thirumal is WONDERFUL. It is just the best massage ever. You will leave feeling blissful!

Indian Head Massage is the perfect stress buster - a quick yet highly beneficial therapy. Treatment can provide instant relief from tension and stress symptoms and induce a state of calm, peace and tranquillity and also promote high levels of alertness and concentration.

Head Massage has been popular in India for thousands of years, practiced by family members on each other to relieve stress, condition hair and feel supported and loved through touch.

The modern techniques were developed by Narendra Mehta who, although blinded from the age of one, became an accomplished Osteopath, Physiotherapist and Massage Therapist.

The treatment covers the upper back, shoulders, neck, upper arms and face, where there are important energy centres for the body and by treating them, the whole body can benefit.

Indian Head Massage can bring many physiological and psychological benefits to the person, because it provides relief from aches and pains, promotes a healthy scalp and hair, and helps induce relaxation and a feeling of well-being.

Both the blood and lymphatic systems are stimulated and improved, increasing blood flow, oxygen uptake and the dispersal of toxins. This also encourages hair growth and shine and reduced puffiness.

Manipulation encourages muscles to relax, therefore breaking down knots and tensions, providing immediate relief from headaches and migraines, eyestrain, sinus problems or tension.

Indian Head Massage is thus the perfect tonic for those spending long hours at a computer.

Overall, Indian Head Massage will help with both physical and mental tiredness and fatigue, revitalising your mind, boosting your energy and your attention span.

Because it relaxes the whole body, relieving mental and emotional stress, it is also an excellent aid to disturbed sleep and insomnia.

About Integrated Bodywork

Integrated Bodywork is a type of Holistic Massage which I create anew with each client, depending on their needs and desires.

Holistic comes from the Greek word Holos – whole. Holistic massage thus treats the whole person, taking care of the mental and emotional well being through the manipulation of the physical body (tissues, muscles, circulatory systems, etc.)

To so this, I rely on my experience as a psychotherapist, yoga teacher and massage practitioner to blend various techniques into a truly holistic treatment.

I incorporates my knowledge of Holistic Massage, as it is taught in the West, Sports/ Deep Tissue Massage, Indian Head Massage, Ayurvedic Massage and Chavutti Thirumal to give you a treatment that is specifically tailored to your needs and that is designed to pamper you physically, mentally and emotionally.

Integrated bodywork can take place both on the massage table and on the floor, but if we work on the floor I cannot use my feet on you.

Leap and the net will appear. - Zen Saying

Mind, the National Association for Mental Health recommends massage as a form of healing and for promoting well being. Its guide to Massage explains that ‘touch is a basic way of making contact with others, which we all need. For a baby, nurturing touch is essential for growth and development. Massage uses touch in a sensitive and respectful way.'

In Chavutti Thirumal, touch with the foot might seem a bit odd to begin with, but the foot is in fact perfect because it is grounding, it covers a wider area, and it moulds to the shape of the body.

No other massage allows such long connective strokes from fingers to toes, helping to re-integrate isolated tissues, so that you can connect with your body as a whole.

It is also unusual in working directly on the spine by literally ironing it out and opening the intervertebral spaces, thus lengthening the back where we store much tension and toxins.

The benefits of Massage are many.

On a physical level, the treatment can:

- relieve muscle pains and aches by stretching, relaxing and softening injured and overused muscles and thus increasing range of movement

- ease tension and stiffness

- reduce spasms and cramping

- reduce post-surgery adhesions, and scar tissue after healing

- reduce recovery time for strenuous workouts and eliminating subsequent pains.

- strengthen bones, increase joint flexibility, thus improving range of motion and decreasing discomfort

- re-align physical structure and improve posture

- keep the body supple and in top condition

- stimulate organ functioning

- stimulate blood circulation, allowing more oxygen and nutrients into tissues and vital organs.

- stimulate the lymph system thus helping the body detox

- alleviate fluid retention aiding breakdown of cellulite and reduction of excess fat

- relieve pain for headache and migraine sufferers and decreasing the need for medication.

- Release endorphins, the body’s natural painkiller.

- relax the body

It also benefits mental and psychological health, because it can:

- promote positive moods and generating a sense of well-being.

- encourage and balance the free flow of prana or life force/ energy

- deepen the breathing pattern, integrating mental and physical aspects of the body

- access difficult emotions and psychological blocks by releasing body memories

- improve body image and encourage a sense of body acceptance

- develop increased self awareness and encourage self expression

- cultivate energy and inspiration.

- nourish brain and nerves

- assist mental focus, clarity and performance, by increases concentration levels.

- release stress and fatigue, thus allowing the mind to rest improve focus and awareness

About a Massage treatment

Avoiding danger is no safer in the long run, than outright exposure. Life is either a daring adventure, or nothing. Helen Keller

Before treatment, a consultation is carried out to assess your needs and state of health.

I then apply oil by hand. And carry on either by hand or by feet, depending of the treatment you are having.

Chavutti Thirumal is carried out in three stages to cover the back of the body, the sides and the front.

Indian Head Massage concentrates on the upper back, shoulders, scalp and face.

Integrated bodywork is a personalised mix of massage by hands and feet to address your specific needs, but normally tends to cover the whole of the body.

You can have a treatment as often as you want, but regularity assures effective detoxing, energising and balancing.

Happiness depends upon ourselves. Aristotele

- Chavutti Thirumal is normally carried out while you're mostly naked and wearing a towel to create a loin cloth.

- Integrated massage can be carried out either while you're covered by towels, except for the body part which is being massaged at the time, or while you're partly naked, again with a towel as loin cloth and again depending on your needs.

- during Indian Head Massage, you're partly clothed, except for you upper torso, unless it's part of full body treatment.

- if you have any of the following conditions, you'll need to consult a doctor/ osteopath/ chiropractor in advance: heart disease, cancer, serious varicose veins, ruptured discs, high temperature, flu, contagious skin disease, broken bones

- pregnancy is not a contraindication, in fact pregnant women will enjoy great relief from the massage

- it is recommended that you have treatment on an empty stomach

- drink plenty of water after treatment to help flush out the toxins