Chavatti thirumal means “foot massage” or “foot-rope massage” is a traditional Indian massage technique developed by the Kalari Martial Artists of Kerala India (Kalaripayattu), and it is thought to be approximately two thousand years old and hence one among the oldest form of massage. It uses the feet to massage the body. This act is an art form, with the technique being precisely executed by the practitioner’s foot in long, sweeping therapeutic motions from the fingers to the toes of the recipient and the therapist will be holding onto a rope for support. In this massage, all marma(vital points ) and nadis (subtle channels of the body) are revitalized, cleansed and strengthened, thereby activates body’s self-healing power. The combination of the release of muscle tension, the stimulation of the metabolism and the relieving of mental stress all come together to make ‘Chavutti thirumal’ a truly unique Ayurvedic treatment.
Benefits:
Chavatti thirumal increases flexibility and ease of movement, strengthens the postural muscles, hips and thoracic area, Opens and activates the energetic channels (nadi), Improves circulation, Releases muscle tension, Restores balance to the body, Energizes the senses of the eyes & ears, Regulates blood pressure, Improves immunity, Facilitates detoxification, Improves water retention and muscular spasm.
Indication:
Chavitti thirumal can be done on those with aches and pains in the whole body, mental depression, and sciatica, those who wish to improve libido, in rheumatism, obesity, water retention, muscular spasms.
Contra-indications:
Chavitti thirumal should not be done on those suffering from heart disease, cancer, varicose veins, or ruptured discs, etc, when suffering from flu or high temperature, those who are affected with broken bones, contagious skin disease, during pregnancy, and soon after having a meal.
Procedure:
At first medicated oil is applied on the body. The therapist then uses support from the ceiling ropes for balance, and manipulates their body weight to vary the pressure of the massage with their feet. The massage is done with the patient lying on the floor on their belly, on a thin comfortable mat. From a standing position, the therapist uses the weight of their body to press and knead the client using their toes, heels, arch and whole feet to press and massage with pressure and then release.
It is practiced on supine and prone positions, avoiding the neck, chest, throat, heart, genitals, face, belly & sternum.
Precaution:
This procedure should not be done within 2 hours of eating, after drinking alcohol, avoid it if fever or associated complaints are present, beware of skin diseases and open wounds, it should not be done during pregnancy and during the first 3 days of menstruation.
