A new massage protocol that uses scarves to calm, relax and revitalize

Foulari Massage

by Sophie Meyer

Those of you who attended the last International Applied Esthetics Congress in Paris may have seen the demonstration of the Foulari massage. In this issue we feature the massage, performed by its two creators, Gil Amsallem, a trainer in France who has been a kinesiotherapist for 24 years and who teaches massage and care of the body at the school of Esthetics Éysée Marbeuf of Paris, and his colleague Angie Emmanouil, a kinesiotherapist and educator. Starting from the common denominator for mankind, the quest for well-being, Gil Amsallem uses in all his creations subtle combinations of massage techniques and maneuvers from all over the world: shiatsu, Thai, Indian, Chinese, Korean, Californian, Swedish, lymphatic... and accessories such as bamboo rods, polished coconuts, hot or cool stones, vegetable substances, etc. Ultimately, the intention is always the same: to calm, reduce stress, relax, provide relief—or, on the other hand, to activate, revitalize, structure, energize.

Foulari massage principles

The “Foulari” technique consists of mobilizing all regions of the body using scarves, making the body feel weightless. This scarf dance, involving turning and stretching techniques, as well as gentle, enveloping or gripping movements, provides a marvelous finishing touch to any kind of massage.

The scarves work on the body with character and elegance. They conform perfectly to the human figure’s contours and, subtly maneuvered, make it possible to displace, lift away and extract heaviness from the various body parts.

The slow stretching movements that extend from the feet to the head restore the sense of freedom that tissues need to be reinvigorated. The nourishing flow of blood and lymphatic fluid, stimulated by the Foulari massage’s nuances, variations and subtleties, bring a moment of magic to the body and mind. Its calming effects and relief of neuromuscular tension are immediate. The undulating, gentle stretching and swaying technique acts on nerve impulses, sending a wave of well-being throughout the body and inviting the mind to escape as well. The smooth and rhythmic movements consisting of vibrations, oscillations, stretches, gentle pulls and rotations free the body from the constraints of weight.

The Foulari massage’s stimulation of the body with scarves creates extraordinary sensations of mellowness, of lightness. Sensations that begin acting immediately, and melt away physical muscle tension as well as the stresses of daily life. The Foulari massage is a well-defined style born out of the need to purify ourselves, both physically and mentally.

The scarves affect the following areas of the body:

• The head and neck, which will become lighter.
• The lumbar vertebrae, which will be liberated.
• All of the joints, which will be decompressed.
• Ultimately, the entire body, which will stretch out.

The physiological effects of the Foulari massage include:

• Muscle relaxation and revitalization.
• Joint decompression.
• Deeper respiration and improved oxygenation in the body, recharging it with energy.
• Stimulation of blood circulation.

All in all, the Foulari massage provides a feeling “without gravity” that roams above the earth’s surface, and upon touching down it leaves a strong, clear sense of well-being. This massage technique with accessories can be used during a Californian, Indian, Korean or Japanese massage, or as a part of any esthetics care treatment.

Originally created by Gil Amsallem and Angie Emmanouil, the Foulari massage can be applied over garments during a clothed massage, or directly onto the skin. In the latter case, it is important to pay attention to possible friction the scarves may produce on bare skin.

To begin the scarf dance, have your client lie on his or her back, comfortably dressed or with undergarments. Adjust pillows accordingly to ensure maximum comfort.

Now, begin

A. Carefully prepare your target points. Before beginning your Foulari massage, knot your scarves carefully.

B. Example of knots.

Working with a single scarf

1. Head and cervical vertebrae in suspension—neck muscle relaxation.

2. Stretch muscles on each side of the upper back. The head in suspension is guided by the loose ends of the scarf.

3-4. Release shoulder and gently stretch neck.

5. Raise thoracic region, loosening up the back.

6. Stretch the waist, which is facilitated by the high degree of leverage. The pelvic region rolls easily.

7. Raise and roll pelvic region, providing for lumbar stretching.

8. Raise and gently pull arm. Stretch out shoulder, shoulder blade, upper thoracic region and neck.

9. Stretch the quadriceps, the muscles at the front of the thigh.

Working with two scarves

10. Suspension: bilaterally stretch arms, opening up thorax and stretching trunk. The scarves are precisely aligned with the arms.

11. Suspension: loosen up and stretch arms, shoulder and girdle.

12. Stretch arms and release shoulders by gentle pulls and suspension.

13-14. Raise and balance legs.

15. Stretch out leg muscles.

Working four-handed

16-17. Elevate and sway with four scarves.

18. Suspension of lumbar region, as though in a hammock.

Conclusion

With the Foulari massage, your client will be transformed to a place where feelings are no longer reduced to the five senses. You are going to lead him or her to great heights, to a multicolored voyage with a soft landing that will give your client tranquility, serenity and calm.

You may choose to practice this original technique with accessories from Gil Amsallem and Angie Emmanouil, either by itself or as an add-on service. The Foulari technique may begin or end another massage protocol or esthetics care treatment based on your client’s needs.

This article was reprinted with permission from the November 2006 French edition of Les Nouvelles Esthétiques & Spa. Foulari is taught in a one-day individual training session or in a group session, by appointment. The next sessions are scheduled to take place in December 2007. For further information on the Foulari massage, contact Gil Amsallem or Angie Emmanouil at G.A.M.S. via e-mail at gil@gilams.fr or telephone at 01.40.55.91.10.