Rub the Right Way - Champi! Mallis!

MASSAGING WITH THE INPUTS FROM A PROFESSIONAL LICENSED MASSAGE THERAPIST IS A SIMPLE SELF-HELP TOOL THAT EMPOWERS YOU TO ADD VALUE TO YOUR HEALTH!

Ø Champissage or Indian head massage has been used in India for centuries. It is not just simple Smear, Stroke, Pressure, Knead, Rolling type movement or Rub on the head, shoulders, arms, and neck! It combines Massage with the more subtle form of chakra balancing.

Ø "Champi" comes from Sanskrit/Hindi word "champā" the flowers of the plant Michelia champaca which have traditionally been used to make fragrant hair-oil - Champanu Tel".

Ø Massage is the treatment and practice of manipulation of the soft body tissues with physical, functional, therapeutic, and in some cases psychological purposes and goals.

Ø Target tissues may include muscles, tendons, ligaments, skin, joints, or other connective tissue, as well as lymphatic vessels, and/or organs of the gastrointestinal system.

Ø Massage can be applied with the hands, fingers, elbows, forearm, and feet or with mechanical aids.

Ø The benefits of massage include pain relief, reduced trait anxiety and depression, and temporarily reduced blood pressure, heart rate, and state anxiety. The Theory is that massage induces blocking of pain signals to the brain, activating the parasympathetic nervous system which may stimulate the release of endorphins and serotonin, thus preventing fibrosis or scar tissue and increasing the flow of lymph, and improving sleep. But these are not scientifically proven or backed up by clinical research.

Ø In professional settings, massage involves the client being treated while lying on a massage table, sitting upright in a massage chair, or lying on a pad on the floor. The massagee is generally partially disrobed, and his body would be "draped" with towels or sheets.

Ø Many different types of oils can be used including fractionated coconut oil, grape seed oil, macadamia oil, sesame oil, pecan oil, and mustard oil. Arnica, from the flowers or leaves of the Arnica montana. Often uses olive oil as a base when used medicinally, or almond oil when used as a massage oil.

Ø Deep tissue techniques are generally designed for more focused massage work. Working a specific joint, muscle or muscle group, the practitioner can access deeper layers of the soft tissue. Starting superficially and easing into the depth of the muscle slowly often allows more movement. If the pressure is applied too deeply or too quickly, the muscle may tighten to protect that area, and unnecessary damage or inflammation can be induced. Very little lubricant is used as the pressure doesn't travel much over the skin. The most commonly used 'tools' during deep tissue massage may include, 3 and 6 fingers, reinforced fingers, knuckles, a flat elbow, opposing thumbs, the heel of the hand or foot, and the forearm.

Ø Heated stones were used by Egyptians, Native Americans for massage. Smooth hot or cold stones, usually basalt or marble, are used to massage the body. When heated stones are used muscles relax allowing the massage therapist to work deeper into the muscle. Energy medicine is sometimes incorporated into stone massage. Stones are heated in hot water and are placed under the back, along both sides of the spine, and on top of the torso and are believed to heat the chakra or meridians centers. Heated stones coated in oil are then used directly in the hands of the therapist delivering various massaging strokes.