Chavutti Thirumal
Chavutti Thirumal, literally meaning foot pressure in the Malayalam language, and also known as Foot/Rope massage, is a traditional Indian massage technique developed by the Kalari Martial Artists of Kerala India (Kalaripayattu), and is thought to be approximately two thousand years old. The Kalaripayattu not only trained in battle but also developed a range of healing modalities known as Kalari Chikitsa, which comprises massage techniques; Chavutti Thirumal, Marma Massage (Uzhichil), and the application of medicinal herbal oils.
Chavutti Thirumal is a powerful, deep tissue and oil-based massage is done using the bare foot. A practitioner of Chavutti Thirumal uses her foot skilfully and purposefully and her balance is aided by holding a rope which is suspended across the room. The practitioner never stands or walks on the client – one foot is always placed firmly on the ground!
The alignment and skill of the practitioner makes for a detailed and deep massage treatment; one movement is able to cover the whole length of the body from the tips of the fingers to the ends of the toes. Massage strokes in Chavutti Thirumal include long sweeping movements, deeper and short kneading strokes and quicker, rhythmical strokes.
Deep tissue tension is released and a lengthening of the spine results from the ‘ironing-out’ effects of Chavutti Thirumal. The postural muscles are able to support the spine again and the effects of gravity and day-to-day poor body posture are diminished. The finishing touches are done by using the hand and include the neck and head being massaged.
Throughout most of the session the client lies on mats on the floor in a heated room. A towel is provided in place of underwear and is used as a loin cloth. Women will be topless when they turn over for the second half of the session. The final touches are completed with the client in a sitting position.
The main focus of Chavutti Thirumal is to increase flexibility, so the position of the recipients body on the floor with the therapist holding on to a rope for support, is paramount. Correctly positioned, the massage enables postural muscles to strengthen, the hips and thoracic area to open, and the energetic channels (nadi's) to become activated.
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