A common myth with clients, and perpetuated by some practitioners, is that ashiatsu is only for deep-pressure-loving clients. Not so. Yes, ashiatsu is typically pure bliss for those clients who cannot seem to get enough pressure from a typical massage. However, ashiatsu strokes can range anywhere from light to deep.

A light pressure ashiatsu massage requires more restraint from the massage practitioner. The therapist must use less of their body weight when leaning in to a stroke. It becomes less of a gravity-assisted massage. For these reasons, giving a light pressure ashiatsu massage can be more tiring than a deeper ashiatsu massage, from a practitioner’s perspective.

People who enjoy lighter pressure will appreciate the broad, consistent light strokes from head to toe and the different directional application of massage strokes. Also, the surface area of the heel is larger than the thumb, and people who like lighter pressure will notice less pain than the pressure applied from the thumb. For these clients, ashiatsu can be a great, therapeutic experience!

If you are having problems getting clients to try an ashiatsu massage, maybe they assume that this massage is only for those who enjoy deep, firm pressure. Make sure you educate your clients that ashiatsu is much more than just a deep massage.

I have had people ask me a few questions…

• Where and how did you learn ashiatsu?
• What type of people did you work with in your practice?
• Why another ashiatsu course?

I hope this post answers a few questions for you.

In my twelve years as a massage therapist, I have taken both live and home study ashiatsu courses from various instructors. I enjoyed taking both seminar and home study courses. Each has advantages and disadvantages.

The seminars I have taken have been primarily at local massage schools. I have taken both beginner and advanced courses. I have also studied a few other barefoot techniques, but ashiatsu has remained my focus and passion.

Seminars allowed me to visit with colleagues, learn new techniques, get feedback from a few strangers, travel, and share some of my techniques and experiences with colleagues.

Home study courses allowed me to take my time; to review videos over and over again, to learn and absorb a little each day instead of being overwhelmed with new information. I was able to work with/on friends, family and colleagues that I could trust to give me honest feedback. [Read more…]

I think it is easy to see why massage therapy clients and other health care practitioners may be a little apprehensive about ashiatsu, or barefoot massage. Ashiatsu is becoming increasingly popular, but a majority of the public is still uneducated about the modality.

The first thing most people think, or assume, is that ashiatsu practitioners are “walking” on the backs of their clients. This leads to presumptions that ashiatsu is dangerous.

One foot stays on the table a majority of the time. A practitioner’s full weight is rarely, if ever, on a client. Trained ashiatsu practitioners use overhead bars for extra balance, know the requirement for a low, sturdy massage table and what contraindications to look out for with clients.

The main difference between a Swedish massage and an Ashiatsu massage is that the long flowing strokes to address soft tissue is performed with the feet instead of the hands. Ashiatsu practitioners are trained to skillfully use their feet to assess muscle dysfunction and utilize larger muscle groups and gravity in a highly efficient manner. [Read more…]

With the added weight of the massage practitioner on the massage table, choosing a safe, sturdy and reliable table is extremely important. When you choose a table, there are two numbers you should take note of; the static weight and working/dynamic weight.

Static Weight vs. Working/Dynamic Weight

Static weight is the weight of your stationary client on the table. Most of the time, we only consider the static weight of the client in concerns to table weight limits.

With ashiatsu, we also need to factor in the weight of the practitioner,
in addition to the weight of the client.

Working weight (also referred to as “dynamic weight”) is the sum your weight, the pressure you are exerting down onto the table, plus your client’s weight. Adding your weight to the table and the changing pressure of massage strokes may exceed the static and/or working weight limit. Look for a table with a high working/dynamic weight limit. [Read more…]

I see a lot of misinformation about the use of the word “ashiatsu” on Facebook and other internet hubs. I would like to clarify what is and isn’t trademarked, and who can use the term ashiatsu in their massage practice.

The term “ashiatsu” is not trademarked, nor is it likely possible to be trademarked. Ashiatsu it is not an original word. It is the literal translation of “foot pressure” in Japanese. A trademark attempt would be like trying to trademark shiatsu, myofascial, or Swedish massage. It cannot be done.

We can use massage tables as another example. Lots of companies make massage tables, but then they brand their table. We have Oakworks, Comfort Craft, EarthLite, and Custom Craftworks. All make great massage tables, just in different ways.

The same goes for barefoot massage therapists. We all use our feet, just in different ways. Some use bars on the ceiling, stools by our tables, or a staff for balance. [Read more…]