What in the World is Ashiatsu?
Ashiatsu
Ashiatsu originates from Japan and translates to “Foot Pressure”
It is the art of performing a massage with the feet!
While the client enjoys a plush table surface, the therapist is standing next to them on the table using one or both feet (depending on the size of the client) to perform long, deep, and luxurious strokes.
The therapist holds onto 2 bars overhead for balance and pressure control.
The work is deeply releasing, deeper than deep tissue, but enjoyed by most anyone because it is not as invasive as deep tissue done with boney knuckles, thumbs, and elbows!
The results are deeper than they feel so clients can enjoy the deep work they need while feeling like they are being pampered. This makes it enjoyable for anyone who also likes light pressure but still wants to feel muscular release.
The session results in longer lasting results, improved mobility, and a release in the musculoskeletal system (muscles closest to the bone which are often times where most recurrent pain lives and is very hard to release/ access comfortably). This helps bring movement to smaller joint spaces like those that attach the ribs to the spine and sternum, resulting often times in tension that restricts breathing. The even pressure and broad surface of the foot apply unique movement to several areas at once that encourage a significant increase in lubricating joint spaces.
I have completed Beginner, Intermediate, & Advanced Ashiatsu training at LIVE intensive workshops over the course of 4 years.
I am a certified AOBT practitioner. I have also completed training which focuses on Orthopedic Ashiatsu, expanding the clinical therapeutic benefits of barefoot massage which is what sets me apart from the traditional “Spa” style.
Ashiatsu
Considering the thousands of years that Ashiatsu has been practiced, it has proven many benefits, including the following:
Ashiatsu Barefoot Massage movements along the para-spinals and the lumbar region help to open the intervertebral disc space, increasing the discs height which allows the nucleus pulposus inside the disc to assume a more central position within the annular fibers, relieving irritation on the spinal nerves and connective tissue.
Stimulates the lymphatic system
Boosts and balances the body’s energy
Loosens the back and shoulders
Relieves pain & stress, promoting relaxation
Bringing firm pressure to otherwise hard to access areas when hands on, especially in the upper shoulders and around the hips
Improves flexibility & mobility
Enhances feelings of well-being
Enhances sports performance
Contraindications / When to AVOID Ashiatsu
All normal/typical massage contraindications still exist for Ashiatsu. Below is a list of general contraindications (when you should not get a massage), and some are localized contraindications (when just a certain area needs to be avoided during the massage).
Broken bones or Fractures (esp last 6 months)
Advanced diabetes (when signs of neuropathy exist)
High Blood Pressure, HBP, Hypertension (if unstable or uncontrolled)
Hemophilia or other blood/clotting disorders
Current use of blood thinners
Contagious conditions or infections (Colds, Flu, or Contagious skin conditions)
Acute injuries (bruises/hematomas)
Any recent surgery (e.g., back, abdominal, hip, knee, or eye surgery)
Any unexplained swelling
Phlebitis, Thrombosis, DVT, Active blood clot
Ashiatsu Specific Contraindications:
Implants (such as pace makers or breast implants (especially last 9 months))
Recent eye procedures/Lasik surgery within the last 72 hours
Frail individuals
Osteoporosis
Spondylolithesis
Varicose veins
Pregnancy (or possible pregnancy)
Currently going through radiation therapy
Protruding or ruptured discs
Any Autoimmune Disorders (such as lupus, gout, rheumatoid arthritis, Multiple Sclerosis, etc) / Lyme disease *(can still receive, but very LIGHT)
Any knee, hip, spine, shoulder, or major joint surgeries within 6 weeks
History of Tuberculosis, thrombosis, aneurysm, or ongoing kidney disorders
Phlebitis or cellulitis
**** Plane flights longer than 6 hours within the last 24 hours prior to your massage appointment (due to elevation/ risk of blood clot)****
If you have a condition that you think would affect your ability to get a massage, or an Ashiatsu massage, discuss your concerns with your practitioner before making an appointment.
Your massage practitioner may just need to use a different technique during the massage, or avoid a certain area.
1 Hour Ashiatsu Massage
- 60 minutes of Ashiatsu massage
- This session is ideal for anyone new to Ashiatsu Barefoot Massage or those who want to maintain routine massage sessions.
- The session includes a hot towel treatment and the option for essential oils.
90 minute Ashiatsu Massage
- 90 minutes of Ashiatsu Barefoot Massage
- This session is ideal for those who need more time to unwind, those who have dense musculature that takes more time to release, or the regular who is active and aims to maintain superb mobility.
- This session includes a hot towel service and the option for essential oils.
2 Hours Ashiatsu
- 2 hours of Ashiatsu Barefoot Massage
- This service is ideal for clients who have not received massage therapy for a long time.
- Two hours allows more time for the body to acclimate to deep tissue techniques.
- Additional hot towels are incorporated into this service along with the option for essential oils.