The History Behind Champi

              by Laurie English

Ever been homesick? Nostalgic? Wanting that special something you remember vividly and fondly from your past? Well, that’s the story behind the creation of Champi:Indian Head Massage. But, I’m getting ahead of myself.

HINDU ROOTS

Herbal Essences Shampoo got it right – the pure bliss of lathering, caressing and stimulating our locks to a gleaming lustrous shine. ‘Shampoo’ comes from the Hindi word “champi” meaning head massage and is the root of the aptly named therapy – Champi Massage (a type of Indian head massage).

AN OLD TRADITION

 
From Grandmothers to mothers to children, weekly head massages afforded close social intimacy and beautification.  And, aren’t Indian women renowned for their beautifully thick and long hair?

An ancient technique, head massage is done privately in homes by women and done publicly at the beaches and barbershops of India by the men.  There are different styles of head massage.  Women tend to practice head massage with the intent of beautifying, strengthening and growing the hair.  Men, typically barbers, practice head massage as an invigorating and therapeutic stress-reliever for their clients.

Everyone did it differently.  As well they should. But what would you have done? Thousands of miles away from your native home and missing something you took for granted – that familiar, mind-melting touch you’d experienced since childhood.

While getting bodywork, therapists told him the “body” was from the neck down.  Hair dressers didn’t know what he was talking about.  People didn’t even know what they were missing.

Studying Indian Head Massage

Barbers focused on the scalp and women focused on the hair. In addition, everyone who did champi had his or her own individual technique, which had been handed down and developed through the generations. Indian head massage sometimes will include an Ayurvedic balancing component using work with the chakras (energy vortices), most typically,: Vishuddha, Ajna and Sahasrara.

Working on the head brings tremendous relaxation and stress-relief . Plus, head massage with oil serves as an excellent hair conditioner. Thus, Champi Massag was developed from an ancient practice to become an excellent contemporary therapy designed to treat the whole person.

Champi has been practiced for thousands of years. Today, champi is practiced in one form or another all around the world. Champi USA Training is now provided worldwide.

Laurie English founded Champis USA to promote this portable, seated technique. 

Laurie English is the founder of SpaNomad: Traveling Spa and International Training and Champi USA. She is a nationally recognized expert of Indian head massage having written several published articles, appeared on radio programs and is featured in Ayurvedic books. To contact her regarding Champi trainings, call 505-490-0591.