What is Ashiatsu Barefoot Massage?
Ashiatsu is a therapeutic massage technique allowing the therapist to deliver deep, broad, and consistent pressure with the massage therapists’ bare and perfectly clean feet. It is a western and modern version of ancient forms of bodywork, with roots dating back thousands of years from cultures across Asia, India, Africa, and the Pacific Rim. Barefoot massage is a growing technique encompassing theories of trigger point, myofascial release, deep tissue, and stretch therapy - all applied by the feet rather than hands!
What can I expect in my first Ashiatsu session?
You will lay on the massage table just as you would during a traditional massage. The therapist stands on the table, holding on to overhead bars that are secured into the ceiling. The overhead bars as well as a strap that is placed behind the therapists' back offer balance, support, and leverage to the therapist while they are working on you. You will experience deep, slow, comfortable, and relaxing pressure customized to your needs and preference. The therapist will be able to sink into the deepest layers of your muscles and connective tissue to free up "stuck" areas, increase range of motion, and to promote general recovery and rejuvenation. Cupping, Gua Sha, and abdominal massage can be incorporated into an Ashiatsu Barefoot Massage session.
What will Ashiatsu feel like?
Ashiatsu provides pressure that is more comfortable and relaxing because the therapist uses a broader surface ( the sole, heel, and other angles of the foot ) instead of fingers or elbows. The pressure is adjustable for clients who enjoy medium to deep pressure. Ashiatsu allows the therapist to deliver a flowing and detailed massage experience with up to 3x deeper pressure than with traditional hands-on massage! The therapist can work as intuitively barefoot as they do with their hands. They can provide a detailed session, using body weight and gravity, while maintaining consistent pressure at the depth your body needs.
