We Promise To: HIT THE SPOT!
Pressure is the secret to eliminating some of the toughest muscle adhesions (knots). Ashiatsu massage therapy, also known as “barefoot massage” or “bar massage”, is an effective way to provide that pressure.
Using carefully targeted pressure, our trained massage therapists ease tension and relax the muscles in ways that will last for weeks at a time.
Ashiatsu Massage Benefits
Elongates Muscles and Detoxifies
Many ashiatsu strokes help to elongate the spine. These movements dramatically stretch shortened muscles, which help in relieving pain and discomfort. These long fluid strokes also help flush the body’s lymphatic system, which releases metabolic waste at a very high rate.
We recommend drinking plenty of water before and after a treatment to help with the detoxification process.
Improves Posture and Decreases Pain
After only a few treatments, ashiatsu barefoot massage has been known to improve posture and range of motion. It will significantly reduce or eliminate chronic muscle pain, and improve bodily functions, which will create a higher sense of balance and wellbeing within the body.
Typically, one treatment a week for upwards of six weeks will produce these kinds of results.
Frees Up Bundled Nerves
Movements along the para spinal and the lumbar region can relieve muscle spasms and open the intervertebral foramen (where spinal nerves pass through). It will give the nerves more space as well as increase circulation by bringing more freshly oxygenated blood to the area being treated.
Why Does Ashiatsu Massage Use Feet?
With enough training, feet are surprisingly dexterous. The toes and soles are perfect for putting force on specific tension points in the back and shoulders, in a way that is often difficult with hands. With Ashiatsu Massage, your massage therapist is also standing directly above you, able to provide targeted pressure on the areas of concern and smooth out the muscles with greater control.
But perhaps the greatest benefit of Ashiatsu Massage is the gravity assisted, balanced pressure. With a traditional massage, the therapist has to use their strength to push into the targeted areas from the side. This requires a lot of strength and stamina, and may not always provide the amount of pressure needed.
With Ashiatsu, the therapist stands above you, balanced, and is able to use gravity and body weight, along with the surface area of the foot to provide a steady gliding pressure on the back. Your massage therapist holds onto a bar throughout the session for balance, and is highly trained to provide this special form of massage therapy.
DR Hit the Spot Ashiatsu VS Pure Ashi
DR HIT THE SPOT ASHI is an abbreviated, and more specific version of Ashi, which is a spin off of our traditional signature massage. Most of the DR therapists are trained in this version.
Our Ashi is integrated with traditional massage, meaning your therapist will use Ashi on the back, hips and hamstrings to get DEEPER into those larger muscle groups. All the other areas like head, neck, hands/feet & the front side of the body will be worked on the traditional way for a more detailed experience on the finer muscle groups.
VS
PURE ASHI is a full-body barefoot massage, executed exclusively using the therapist’s feet. This style of ashi requires many hours of advanced training and talent. It’s a truly unique and luxurious experience.
Feet have a wider surface area than hands and we can get deeper into the deep muscle layers without being as uncomfortable to the upper layers as thumbs and elbows can tend to be. Ashiatsu is often called one of the most effective deep tissue massages on the planet.
Schedule Your Ashiatsu Massage Today
Ashiatsu Massage has been practiced in India, Thailand, and through Asia, and has made its way into the United States. Our specialists here at DEEP Relief in Austin are one of the few massage practitioners to offer this unique type of barefoot massage, and would be happy to schedule you in for a session.
If you’re interested in finding out why it is one of the more popular massage therapy techniques in Austin, TX, book your appointment today!
Book Now
(512) 529-0027
Ashiatsu Is Not Suitable for Everyone
Due to the compressive nature of Ashiatsu massage, therapists must take extra precaution with certain client conditions. This a just a hand full of conditions that would be contraindicated for receiving an ashiatsu treatment. However, a certified Deepfeet Therapist will have full knowledge of all contraindications for ashiatsu and how to best address their client needs.
Some contraindications include:
- Pregnancy or trying to conceive
- Recent injuries/surgeries
- Compromised immune system
- High/Low blood pressure
- Acute liver/ kidney disorders
- Advanced Diabetes
- Blood Thinner Medications
- Deep Vein Thrombosis (blood clot)
- Aneurysm
- Varicose veins (local)
- Blood Disorders: Hemophilia
- Severe Anemia
- Acute Liver, Kidney & Urinary Disorders
- Hepatitis
- Cirrhosis
- Renal Failure
- Gout
- Kidney removal
- Auto-Immune disorders
- Lasik eye surgery (no ashi within 7 days)
- Injections (steroid, cosmetic) within 7 days
- Skin Disorders/Contagious Skin Diseases: Ringworm, Scabies, Lice, Shingles, Poison Ivy, MRSA, Boils, AbscessesOpen wounds, Skin Cancers, Fungal Infections, Warts
- Advanced Stages of Diabetes: Neuropathies, Poor Circulation, Infections
- Bone Disorders: Osteoporosis (avoid systemic), Bone Fractures, Hairline fractures (avoid local)
