Champissage, also known as an Indian head massage (possibly a portmanteau of chāmpi, the Hindi term for the practice, and massage[1]) is a trademarked term for an alternative medicine massage therapy. In champissage, the head, neck and face are massaged with the purpose of manipulating energy channels.[2] The goal is to clear blocks in these energy channels that cause a build-up of negative energy that are purported to cause ailments. The belief is when the energy does not flow properly, negative energy builds up, causing common ailments, including stress, pain and nociception pains and aches, and baldness or hair loss. Champissage is practiced all over Europe. Indian head massage was brought to the west by Narendra Mehta in the 1970s.[3]
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There is, as yet, no peer-reviewed literature or published research which supports any of the claims made for the efficacy of this technique, and no evidence of the existence of 'negative energy build-up'.
Many stand-up stalls in malls and other busy areas now operate Indian head massage treatments. This form of treatment can increase the income of beauty stall/salon owners, hence its recent surge in popularity.