When it comes to massage, most of us have experienced the wonderfully relaxing and releasing effects that the touch of a trained pair of hands can bring. Now imagine the increased sensation of bare, supple feet working their way across the body in long deep strokes, stretching both the mind and the spine into infinity…
Euphoric would be one adjective that a person might use to describe the ancient Indian, deep tissue, hot oil massage called Chavutti Thirumal. And yet, it’s so much more sublime than even that.
The experience of Chavutti Thirumal (pronounced cha-voo-tee ti-ru-mal) is unique to Western massage systems in that it is principally applied with the bare foot (Chavutti Thirumal literally means “foot pressure”) with therapeutic benefits extending beyond just its myriad physical applications.
Originating from Kerala, South India, Chavutti Thirumal was developed by practitioners of Kalarippayatu (one of India’s traditional martial and medical arts that dates as far back as the 12th Century). Kalari, the cultural practice from which it stems, interweaves mental, emotional, physical and spiritual aspects of life and, like the Chavutti Thirumal massage technique it bore hundreds of years ago, embodies elements of Ayurveda, yoga and dance in mystical measures for profound effect.
Covering the length of the body – from the tips of the fingers to the tops of the toes – in long, deep sweeping strokes, the highly skilled barefoot masseuse is supported in their elongating movements by a suspended rope that hangs from the ceiling to aid their balance during massage. You, the recipient, lie flat on a thin mat on the floor, feeling supported and connected with the ground. With each sweeping stroke of the foot, the range and depth of movement (and breath) is deepened as the masseuse moves energy from the central spinal
channel outwards to the limbs and extremities and then back inwards towards the spine again in rhythmic motions. Working from the centre of gravity deep within their own core, the barefoot masseuse uses “heaven and earth energy principles” to channel energies downwards and restore harmony and balance and bring a deep sense of wellbeing and nourishment to the recipient.
On a physical level, the treatment focuses precise attention on unknotting tension, maintaining flexibility and suppleness, aligning and strengthening the spine as well as lengthening the intervertebral spaces thereby creating more “breathing space” and “room for flow”. Additionally working to tone and stretch muscle tissue, Chavutti Thirumal is also therefore beneficial in treating and easing back pain, sciatica, muscular spasm and stiffness in the joints as well as any restricted movements that may arise from an imbalance caused by exercise
or sport injuries.
Deeper still, it helps relieve deep-seated tensions, cleanses the body of toxins and improves circulation, metabolism and energy flow. Chavutti Thirumal assists the body in initiating its own detoxification process, facilitates the release of emotional and psychological blocks and brings the body back to its natural equilibrium. In returning to its whole and natural state, the body and mind are open and receptive and, it is only then the possibility for change can occur and that is when true healing begins.
It would be almost insulting to call such healing therapy “a massage” and so, in saying, if you have never been touched by the “art of the barefoot massage”, be assured it’s an indelible experience. Your body will remember its imprints and your mind and soul frequent the new spaces and pathways it’s quietly carved for you long after the soft footsteps of the barefoot masseuse are heard, quietly leaving sacred space.
For further information or to book an appointment, please contact Wendy Young who practices Chavutti Thirumal from the ISHTA School of Yoga & Health, 121 Atholl Road, Atholl, Sandton. Wendy also offers Wise Living Coaching, Remedial Yoga Therapy, Meditation, Indian Head Massage and Reiki.
Telephone: 072 800 4982
Email: foreveryoung@talk21.com