Chavutti
This massage therapy, typical of Kerala in Southern
India, is associated to three other traditions: Kalaripayattu (Indian
martial art), Kathakali (classical dance) e Ayurveda (Indian medical
system). In both Kalaripayuattu and Kathakali, practitioners are required
to be in excellent shape, as well as flexible, resistant and free-spirited.
In this massage style, the therapist glides with their feet over the
patient’s body, which has been smeared with medicinal oils. To
balance during the massage maneuvering, the therapist holds to a rope
hanging from the ceiling.
The
Chavutti Thirummal originated among the practitioners of these two related
arts. These practitioners are regularly massaged while being trained
and physically conditioned in order to stand difficult and tiring moves.
Of all the massage therapies, Chavutti is the one that can provide the
deepest pressure in a uniform way. 
While gliding their feet over the patient’s body, the therapist
uses their weight pressure to relax the patient’s muscles and
release the energy flow.
One
who practices this massage therapy is required to have coordination,
balance and physical fitness, as well as good foot sensitiveness along
with weight command in order to produce suitable and uniform pressure
while constantly gliding over the “bodily circuit”.
