So much of our existence takes place from the shoulders up. So why don't we pay more attention to that area of our bodies?
Chet Susslin / The Citizen
Reni Fairman, of Auburn, demonstrates the Indian massage technique of Champissage on a client, Stephanie Murray. “If I could purr I would,” said Murray during the session. The massage takes place in a very dimly lit room with soothing music softly playing.
Reni Fairman, of Auburn, demonstrates the Indian massage technique of Champissage on a client, Stephanie Murray. “If I could purr I would,” said Murray during the session. The massage takes place in a very dimly lit room with soothing music softly playing.
Local massage therapist Reni Fairman asked herself that question two years ago before attending a class in New York City. The class was a training course on Champissage, an Indian massage technique that focuses on the head, neck and shoulders.
“So many people walk around and live from the chin up,” said Fairman, who practices from Head West Salon and Spa in Auburn. “If you can relax right there, the rest of the body just kind of follows. And the more you can let go, the more you can connect with yourself.”
Fairman is one of a handful of massage therapists in the state who is certified to practice the technique, which differs greatly from the more common, Swedish table massages.
For one, recipients of Champissage are sitting up, not lying down, for the procedure. The masseuse starts massaging the back, between the shoulder blades, then moves to the shoulders and arms. Then, he or she focuses on the neck, scalp, face and ears in a process meant to relax and soothe.
However, one of the more apparent differences, Fairman said, is the fact that Champissage does not call for any oils or creams. A person does not have to disrobe to receive the massage, either.
Because of this, the technique has been a draw for people looking for the benefits of a massage, but who are not quite comfortable with the idea of a full-body technique. It also means the technique can be administered in almost any setting, any time of the day.
“It is great for someone who wants a different way to relax,” Fairman said.
Narendra Mehta, a professional massage and physical therapist from India who has been blind since the age of one, founded the technique. Fairman read about the practice two years ago, and was intrigued.
“I was surprised. It was a lot different than I thought it would be,” Fairman said. “I just assumed it was going to be like a glorified shampoo.”
She took a course in New York City from Mehta, and then had document case studies with 10 individuals over five sessions each.
The technique was not easy, and Fairman, who has given traditional table massages for four years, said she remembers feeling her arms burning from practicing the strokes.
The technique also leaves its mark on those who receive it, she added.
“It is definitely a hair messer-upper,” Fairman said. “If you want to keep your hair in the same position as when you got here, it might not be the treatment for you.”
However, the end result can bring physical and emotional benefits, she said.
“Personally, I like the physical release of my tense muscles. The head and face work is just so soothing,” said Fairman, who has received Champissage massages, herself. “It's like a sophisticated state of relaxation. People tend to feel like they're outside of themselves.”
Fairman added that she has had more people fall asleep in the chair while receiving a head massage than on the table during a body massage.
“At first, it is a jostling treatment, and it can have a stimulating effect, but eventually it makes you very subdued,” Fairman said.
Staff writer Christopher Caskey can be reached at 253-5311 ext. 282 or christopher.caskey@lee.net.
To learn more
For more information on the Champissage head massage treatment, visit www.indianchampissage.com.
“So many people walk around and live from the chin up,” said Fairman, who practices from Head West Salon and Spa in Auburn. “If you can relax right there, the rest of the body just kind of follows. And the more you can let go, the more you can connect with yourself.”
Fairman is one of a handful of massage therapists in the state who is certified to practice the technique, which differs greatly from the more common, Swedish table massages.
For one, recipients of Champissage are sitting up, not lying down, for the procedure. The masseuse starts massaging the back, between the shoulder blades, then moves to the shoulders and arms. Then, he or she focuses on the neck, scalp, face and ears in a process meant to relax and soothe.
However, one of the more apparent differences, Fairman said, is the fact that Champissage does not call for any oils or creams. A person does not have to disrobe to receive the massage, either.
Because of this, the technique has been a draw for people looking for the benefits of a massage, but who are not quite comfortable with the idea of a full-body technique. It also means the technique can be administered in almost any setting, any time of the day.
“It is great for someone who wants a different way to relax,” Fairman said.
Narendra Mehta, a professional massage and physical therapist from India who has been blind since the age of one, founded the technique. Fairman read about the practice two years ago, and was intrigued.
“I was surprised. It was a lot different than I thought it would be,” Fairman said. “I just assumed it was going to be like a glorified shampoo.”
She took a course in New York City from Mehta, and then had document case studies with 10 individuals over five sessions each.
The technique was not easy, and Fairman, who has given traditional table massages for four years, said she remembers feeling her arms burning from practicing the strokes.
The technique also leaves its mark on those who receive it, she added.
“It is definitely a hair messer-upper,” Fairman said. “If you want to keep your hair in the same position as when you got here, it might not be the treatment for you.”
However, the end result can bring physical and emotional benefits, she said.
“Personally, I like the physical release of my tense muscles. The head and face work is just so soothing,” said Fairman, who has received Champissage massages, herself. “It's like a sophisticated state of relaxation. People tend to feel like they're outside of themselves.”
Fairman added that she has had more people fall asleep in the chair while receiving a head massage than on the table during a body massage.
“At first, it is a jostling treatment, and it can have a stimulating effect, but eventually it makes you very subdued,” Fairman said.
Staff writer Christopher Caskey can be reached at 253-5311 ext. 282 or christopher.caskey@lee.net.
To learn more
For more information on the Champissage head massage treatment, visit www.indianchampissage.com.
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