I am not the only one who let out a giggle when I saw the viral video of the singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran getting a champi recently. And no, he couldn't stop laughing midway either, and, sure enough he tuned red.
CHAMPI: pronounced ‘CH- AE MPiy’ has been a staple of Indian barbershops for years now.
As a child I dreaded the oily stickiness of the champi and would run away, only for my mother to catch me and firmly sit me down, rubbing in some ayurvedic wisdom with an oil massage. She would gently rub my scalp in rhythmic precision using the tips of her fingers to stimulate pressure points.
I’d be lying if I said it wasn’t exhilarating. After a tiring day, I'd always drift into the best sleep. So, what is it about this good old-fashioned, no-frills head massage technique that has caught attention of tourists in India?
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A quick YouTube search would show you how tourists are eagerly and enthusiastically getting in on a knock or two (or three) of the rhythmic head-thumping, or shall we say, head-champi-ing! Moreover, this form of self-care has become a goldmine for ASMR enthusiasts, ranging, from street-side to high-end spas!
More Than Just A Head Massage!
Once a simple wellness technique often practiced in men's barbershops, the traditional head massage is going luxe, as people seek authentic relaxation and stress relief. So, what makes it effective, and why is it suddenly so popular?
Some reasons why Indian head massage technique is fabulous:
It’s designed to stimulate circulation
Helps relieve tension
Boosts hair and scalp health through targeted pressure points
Activates parasympathetic nervous system
Helps recover from stressors, fatigue, and even headaches
The combination of kneading, tapping, and deep scalp work is a time-tested technique. All you need is a pair of skilled hands and a bottle of the right nourishing oil that bring luxury and efficacy to this age-old ritual.
Head Massage Oils
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Forest Essentials Ayurvedic Herb Enriched Head Massage Oil- Bhringraj
Price range: ₹1,895 (200 ml)
Forest Essentials Ayurvedic Herb Enriched Head Massage Oil- Bhringraj (100 ml)Forest Essential Head Massage Oil
OLAPLEX No.7 Bonding Oil by Olaplex Oil
Price range: ₹2,720 (30 ml)
OLAPLEX No.7 Bonding Oil by Olaplex Oil
Beauty Garage Pure African Shea Retention Treatment Hair Oil
Price: ₹2,793 (100ml)
Beauty Garage Pure African Shea Retention Treatment Hair Oil
Kalimera Gold Herbal Natural Hair Oil-24K Gold
Price: ₹10,000 (50 gm)
Global Beauty Secrets Baha Hibiscus Hair Dew
Price: ₹1,900 (100ml)
