Common Questions & Answers

Swedish massage and Ashiatsu Bar Therapy

Ashiatsu is an ancient form of barefoot massage that uses the feet of the therapist to apply deep luxurious pain-free compression strokes to the body.  Ashi means "foot" and atsu means "pressure"

Ashiatsu allows the therapist to utilize gravity-assisted pressure using their body weight, while their foot slides effortlessly over the contours of the client's body to give a well-needed deep tissue massage.  Over time, giving deep tissue massage with the hands brings soreness, fatigue and eventually injury to the therapist.  Ashiatsu is unique in its ability to maintain even and constant pressure to the entire body.  And it's fun!

This massage is beneficial to the client because it brings about postural alignment, increased circulation, and relief to sore muscles.  And it feels great!   The foot feels like a giant hand.

Clients who would prefer to receive deep tissue and sports massage; this massage is great for the relief of overused and muscle soreness incurred in all sports and in professions that build up stress.

This massage isn't good for clients who have acute conditions of diabetes, osteoporosis, the elderly, children, or pregnant woman.  This isn't a complete list of conditions unsuitable for Ashiatsu, so please be sure to complete the intake form if your certain condition isn't listed. 

I learned it from Michelle Mace, the founder of the Barefoot Masters ® , a celebrated veteran of massage therapy, she is a nationally certified instructor of Ashiatsu and other barefoot modalities.  She has studied barefoot techniques with the masters in Asia.  She was the first to offer the Floor version of Ashiatsu. She offers classes all over the United States.  To learn more, visit http://TheBarefootMasters.com

This can vary depending on your individual needs and preferences. Some people benefit from biweekly massages, while others may only need one every other month.