Ashiatsu Bar Therapy

Where it Came From:

The word Ashiatsu (ashi means foot and atsu means pressure) is an ancient form of bodywork brought to us by Buddhist monks and has always been associated with traditional Shiatsu with underlining dynamics in the study of Traditional Chinese Medicine.

The traditional Ashiatsu treatment took into consideration breathing patterns, emotional states, and focused heavily on diet. The work was done with the recipient clothed and on the floor while the practitioner would use hand and foot pressure to balance the basic principals of change. This form of bodywork is a small part of the very complex system of Traditional Chinese Medicine that requires years of study for true understanding.

Some refer to Ashiatsu as Barefoot Shiatsu but even they are different as they are both a continually changing and evolving form of bodywork. It is important to understand the differences between Ashiatsu and Ashiatsu Oriental Bar Therapy™.

Although the roots of Ashiatsu Oriental Bar Therapy™ are definitely Asian, the technique and application are truly western. Our technique is NOT performed on a floor mat or through clothing. Our course study is NOT designed to teach you TCM) nor is it our intent to water down or misrepresent the full meaning of Ashiatsu. Our focus is on western application and sciences using foot compression to deliver Swedish massage. We offer our introductory workshop as just a tiny peek into the world of deep compression massage based on a western viewpoint and using the feet and not the hands to manipulate the soft tissue of muscle. There are many contraindications involved in this form of barefoot massage and without the complementary seminar information, the application is limited and the technique can be potentially harmful to the recipient. For this reason, we do not feel comfortable selling videos on the open market.

We created this form of barefoot Swedish protocols and sequences to help any massage therapist who desires to specialize in deep tissue work without the tremendous strain on their hands and body. Therapists both male and female who are small and petite in nature will benefit greatly from this work. We have designed our course study with modifications so that any therapist no matter their size, can deliver save and effective barefoot effleurage to just about anyone on the planet. With this workshop, you will be able to deliver a consistent, deep, luxurious Swedish style massage using your feet with pleasure, client after client and enjoy your career as a therapist for years to come.

Why Ashiatsu Oriental Bar Therapy is so famous for back pain relief:
"Proof is in the pudding" and our one footed strokes taught in the basic course are having a remarkable effect on clients who suffer from chronic low back pain all across the nation. Just click on "sign our guest book" and read what people are saying.

When correctly performing the two footed advanced strokes taught in Deepfeet Two, you are creating a push-pull-pumping effect on the soft tissue that surrounds the spine. The movements along the para-spinals and the lumbar region can relieve muscle spasm and help to open the inter-vertebral foramen. Pressure on the nerve which may be causing the pain can now have more space to assume its natural position. The technique can also help to elongate the spine because the specific compression movements dramatically stretch the shorten muscles causing the pain