By Christian Tiplady, Natural Balance massage therapist.
Chavutti Thirumal, translating as ‘massage by foot pressure’ is a unique form of massage originating in Kerala in southern India. The practitioner uses a suspended rope in order to balance, and massages the client with long sweeping strokes of the feet. Typically a mixture of Ayurvedic oils is used, or an alternative such as coconut oil. This form of massage is not yet so well-known in the UK but it’s gaining in popularity in the few places where it’s available. And it’s now available in Brighton!
This kind of massage had blown me away 15 years before, when I’d first tried it in Brighton. It was more holistic, sensual and powerful than anything I’d experienced before and left me feeling at once both deeply relaxed and energised. So when the chance arose to train up as a Chavutti Thirumal practitioner in September 2021, I jumped at the chance.
So I travelled to a small village in Greece to do an intensive training course with master of Chavutti Helen Noakes, who had originally given me that inspiring treatment all those years ago in Brighton. And why Greece, (I hear you wonder) when the massage originates in India? Well, I knew that Helen had synthesised the original teachings from her own training in Kerala and made the massage more accessible to western massage therapists. And she had moved to a beautiful spot in Greece following the restrictions brought about by the Covid lockdown in 2020.
The training course involved intensive experiential learning with regular demonstration, practice and feedback. We formed a group of only four trainees learning on the ropes of the teacher’s bougainvillea-covered veranda. Not only did we feel well-supported by Helen’s technical expertise and almost magical skills in group psychology, but as a small group we bonded like brothers and sisters.
Good company, nutritious local food, smoothies, sun, and morning yoga and swimming helped make this course one of the most life-affirming and joyous experiences. And the animal action – particularly Ganesh the dog and Mustafa the cat – warmed the heart!
At the end of this intensive course came the moment to give the teacher a full Chavutti massage and to receive feedback. I was nervous but took the plunge. I apparently needn’t have been worried as Helen’s feedback was truly affirming: “That was one of the best (Chavutti) treatments I’ve ever received!”
On my somewhat reluctant return to the UK, I continued to assimilate the practice into body memory through a practicum of case studies plus ongoing treatments. My colleagues and I, who’d met on the training course, meet regularly for professional development sessions. And I have since returned to Helen in Greece for advanced training and to assist on the teacher training course.
Now the massage is well embedded into my repertoire of skills, and the first word that many clients tend to say at the end of their treatment is ‘Amazing!”. For some it is even a truly life-changing therapeutic experience. And for the vast majority who are drawn to it, they are simply blown away, as was I all those years ago when I received my first treatment in Brighton.
Book a 1.5 hour or 2 hour Chavutti Thirumal treatment at Natural Balance.
Christian works at Natural Balance Therapies on Tuesdays and Saturdays. Check his availability here.