Chavutti Thirumal is a form of massage, which has its origins in Ayurvedic medicine and has been practiced in India since ancient times. Chavutti was borne out of the ancient Indian art of Kalarippayattu - a fighting system - which is indigenous to Kerala in Southern India. Kalari embodies elements of dance, yoga and Ayurvedic medicine and this extraordinary massage was originally developed to heal, as well as to promote suppleness and flexibility, thus enabling the Kalari practitioners to perform their art with fluidity and dexterity.

This is a full body oil massage, but it differs greatly from other forms of massage, in that, to perform Chavutti Thirumal, the practitioner uses their bare feet to carry out specific strokes; some are short, but generally they are long controlled strokes.  Chavutti Thirumal, literally translated, means massage by foot pressure. So, during a treatment the recipient lies flat on the floor - the body cushioned by mats and towels - the limbs are placed in specific positions to aid comfort and encourage free flow of energy, the masseur applies one foot at a time, whilst holding on to a support rope which runs at head level across the treatment room. This support enables the practitioner to use their foot to travel the whole length of the body in one sweeping, flowing stroke, working from the fingertips to the toes. This allows for a wonderfully deep continuous movement.

So, by using the foot, the body, and the breath correctly, throughout the massage, the practitioner can achieve greater depth, precision and accuracy.

Back problems respond well to this treatment, as Chavutti relieves aches and pains as it works on the muscular and the skeletal system simultaneously. It can also help alleviate mild postural problems by gently stretching and re-aligning the spine. Chavutti helps loosen tight contracted muscles, but conversely it can help tone muscles, thereby improving muscular weakness. One of the obvious benefits of working so deeply and thoroughly on the body in this way, is that it encourages an increase in oxygen to the tissues, toxin release, and gentle detoxification. Chavutti works not only on a physical level but on an emotional level, creating an overall sense of well-being.