In May 2009 I had the opportunity to learn the Chavutti Thirumal. It was a therapy that I had seen a demonstration of about 10 years earlier and had been quite fascinated by it. Chavutti Thirumal is also known as Indian Rope Massage and it’s translation literally means “massage by foot pressure”. It is a unique massage therapy that involves using the feet to massage the body instead of the hands.
Chavutti Thirumal has a history spanning over a few thousand years. It originated in South India alongside the Kalari System which is a form of martial art, Kathakali dancers and amongst yoga practitioners.
The client receives the massage whilst lying on the floor with the therapist standing above them. The therapist holds onto a rope suspended above them for balance and to vary the pressure of the massage strokes. The hands are used to apply oil to the body at the start of the session and at the end to massage the face and feet.
The body is massaged in sections by the foot and all the major muscle groups are covered. The foot easily moulds to the shape of the body and cover a large surface area. Using different parts of the foot adds depth and precision to the massage. The heel is used to give a deeper pressure to strong muscles like the glutes and thighs. Using the toes add precision when working on specific muscles on the back and hands. Fluid, rhythmic and long sweeping strokes with the sole of the foot induces a sense of relaxation and helps to release tension in tight muscles.
A full 90 minute Chavutti Thirumal massage covers the back, sides and front of the body. Giving a Chavutti Thirumal treatment feels like a rhythmic dance and feels very different to a table based massage.
For the client the feet feel very much like hands and they cannot always work out which part of the foot is being used on them. By the end of the session, the client feels relaxed, grounded, balanced and has a sense that their body has been stretched.
For me as a massage therapist giving a Chavutti Thiriumal massage provides me with a sense of freedom and is the ultimate no hands massage. Using my body weight enables me to work effectively with minimum strain to my body and my client experiences a deeper yet relaxing massage treatment. They also become more aware of the areas of their body where they are holding stress and tension.
A Chavutti Thirumal massage is suitable for anyone particularly those involved with playing sports, dancers and yoga practitioners. So if you are looking for uniquely different massage experience then Chavutti Thirumal may be just what you need.
I was taught Chavutti Thirumal in London by Helen Noakes who is based in Goa but travels the world teaching Chavutti Thirumal, Yoga and massage. It was truly an honour and a pleasure to have met and worked with her.
Chavutti Thirumal treatments with Grace at Natural Grace Therapies are priced at £55 for 60 minutes and £70 for 90 minutes.
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