Ashiatsu: Ancient Relief for Aches & Pains!
Written by Jo Hodges, LMT PA#MSG015344
Have you ever had one of those days where nothing’s helping with your chronic pain? Maybe you haven’t gotten around to getting a massage or adjustment in a few months (or years… we’re not judging here!), but now you can’t ignore that one spot in your shoulders. Your spouse tries, your kids try – no one can get it to go away. At this point, you’re about to just ask one of them to stand on you and see if that does anything! I’m sure you see where we’re going with this, but in case you don’t, let us introduce you to the world of Barefoot Massage, or Ashiatsu.
Barefoot massage has been documented in therapeutic treatments across Eastern modalities for over 2000 years, growing roots in India’s Ayurvedic practices as ‘Chavutti Thirumal’, translating to foot pressure. From culture to culture, the version of this technique that spread to the Western bodywork space is from Japan, combining the well-known shiatsu to balance the body’s life energy (chi) with the adaptable pressure of barefoot massage, creating ashiatsu! Ashiatsu came to be a Western massage technique, and has only grown in popularity since the 2000’s. With feet as a tool instead of hands, the practitioner uses soothing gliding for deep relief without added pain and discomfort. While floor ashiatsu is common, most modern facilities have Ashiatsu Bars that allow the therapist to balance while applying pressure. This gives you the best treatment experience while providing the comfort of our plush hydraulic tables, complete with a Chest Comfort system to truly relax.
Even if you’ve never considered having someone walk along your back, Ashiatsu has all the benefits of the best massage wrapped into one session! The gliding foot motions relieve tension, stress, and pain while gravity does the job for us, and allows for up to three times more pressure without the soreness from your typical deep tissue. Incorporating gentle stretching helps to increase flexibility and posture, leaving you feeling lighter, taller, and putting your best foot forward. It’s easy to see why many call ashiatsu the “ultimate deep tissue”!
Are you ready to go a step beyond and renew today? Our brand new Bayfront location has a room dedicated to Ashiatsu, currently open to book with one of our staff! Ryan, now celebrating three years with Monacella Massage & Kinesiology, is certified in modalities meant to bring the best out of your healing, from Ashiatsu routines to incorporating medical massage techniques. Click here to schedule, or call (814) 838-3622 today!
Stay warm in the windy weather, whether you’re reading this from March 2025 or 2028 – I’m sure it’s still windy at the Bayfront!