It started in 2006. That’s when Teri Gorbea learned Champissage with Narendra Mehta.

No stranger to health issues, Teri had come to realize the importance of alternative health, not only for herself as a breast cancer survivor, but for her immediate family also as her son was hospitalized for a cardiac arrest.

She wanted something more to help herself, her family, and her clients.

Champissage became a key element in her toolbox to help people be more aware of their healing options for their mind, bodies & spirit.

How does Teri use Champissage?

Everyone I work with receives either one or both (Champissage and Kansa Vatki foot massage). I work with people through mind, body & spirit and sometimes we go through beautiful journeys and sometimes not so much. Just watch, let whatever happens happen, releasing emotions from within is a good thing.  My philosophy: Receive, release and let it go.

Some people are ready to do that. And some people are not ready to do that. And these people say, “No more.”

What are some success stories with Champissage?

One client suffered from exposure to black mold. Her symptoms started a couple of days later when she got tingling in her feet and arms and shoulders. Then she couldn’t walk after a while. It attacked her kidneys and she needed dialysis. She also lost her sense of smell.

I met her 4 months later. I did both Champissage and Kansa Vatki Foot Massage using peppermint, frankincense and lavender essential oils. After the 3^rd session, she said she could smell the oils I was using. She told me she knew we needed to continue the work.

Teri has also experienced success with helping a client with TMJ. She worked specifically on the neck muscles, back muscles and shoulder muscles and the Champissage technique from nose to ear and ear to jaw. Teri points out how the neck muscles pull on the facial muscles.

Lastly, with a client who had left hair dye on her hair overlong. Teri helped her to re-grow her hair. They worked together for about 3 days and focused on the face and scalp. Within the month, her client’s hair growth was coming in healthy, not brittle.  Teri explains that this happens with Champissage because you’re releasing the muscles and ligaments that are up there in the scalp. Also, Champissage helps release oils that are there to replenish the hair.

How do clients find out about you?

I always keep a flyer or business card on me. Also, I keep my ears open. If I hear someone talking about an issue and I can give them a short treatment, in the park or in their workplace, I’ll do a little something right there. Don’t be afraid to touch people. I ask if I can help them…if they have a few minutes.

I’ve been blessed to go to corporate health fairs. I’ve had two companies that I did Champissage during their lunch hour or after work. I’ve done Champissage at street fairs and at expos like the New Life Expo and the Omega here in New York.

Also, I’m in the midst of introducing it to three yoga centers as well as a holistic health center doing workshops, showing people how to do it on themselves. I like to teach people how to self-massage themselves. I focus on the head, neck, and shoulder area.  By doing that, that’s how you can develop a clientele base and get referrals.

I’m also a fitness professional too. After we do the exercise portion, my clients get a Champissage or Kansa Vatki foot massage. This work is really good for fitness trainers.

What are your rates now? Have you changed anything since when you first started?

In today’s economy, people need to adjust. I have brought my rates down to where people can receive. There are people out there who want to receive this yet, it’s more of a luxury.

I used to charge $75 - $85 for 45 minutes to an hour. And, I was focused in the boroughs away from me. Now, I run specials and focus on my Brooklyn community. Clients mostly come to me by word of mouth now. I want to reach the people who need this service.

My rates now are $60/hour and you get a combination of champissage and Kansa Vatki.

To reach Teri you can email her at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it  or www.aroma-t-essentials.blogspot.com

Laurie English is the founder of Champissage USA and teaches and promotes Indian head massage whenever and wherever she can. She is also the owner of SpaNomad: Traveling Spa and does Champissage at events and on clients far and wide. To contact Laurie about your Champissage experience or to get a service, email her at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or call 505-490-0591.