What is Ashiatsu?

During an Ashiatsu massage, therapists use their bare feet to deliver deep compression, long gliding strokes, and/or assisted stretching.  Reading that, you might feel apprehensive about receiving an Ashiatsu treatment.  You may wonder if having your back walked on will be intense, painful, or even scary.  Don’t worry, though!  Ashiatsu therapists have full control over how your body is treated, and the massage is tailored to your needs just as a deep tissue or Swedish massage would be.  So what should you expect from an Ashiatsu massage?

​

What to Expect During an Ashiatsu Massage

Before the session, you’ll receive a pre-consultation so the therapist can determine your body’s needs and goals.  Your session will involve the use of lotion and gliding techniques, you can expect to remove at least some of your clothing; with that said, you’ll get the most complete treatment if you remove everything, since your gluteal muscles can really benefit from the Ashiatsu gliding techniques!  

​

As with most massage modalities, Ashiatsu is performed on a flat massage table.  You’ll most likely be asked to lie face down for the majority of the session, with a little bit of time spent face up.  And no, you are not going to have your stomach stepped on while you’re face up!  A supine Ashiatsu massage generally involves stretching your legs or compressing your shoulders, but you’ll get some nice gliding on your forearms and thighs/calves too!

​

Taking a few steps back to just after your pre-consultation.  After you’re given time to situate yourself, your therapist will return to the massage room to begin the session.  You’ll be draped securely, but expect to have each side of your body a little more exposed than it would be during a Swedish or deep tissue massage (we have sample pictures of draping so that you know what to expect).

​

For an Ashiatsu massage with gliding techniques, the session will start with the application of lotion or oil.  This might be the only time the therapist applies their hands to your skin.  Following the introductory strokes, your therapist will suspend his or herself above your body through the use of Ashiatsu bars attached to the ceiling.  The equipment installed above allows us as therapists to balance and control the amount of body weight applied.  The therapist will let their heels, arches, and balls of the feet sink into your muscles, and from there you’ll communicate the right amount of pressure. 

 

Just like with any massage, you’ll likely have areas of the body that can handle more pressure than others.  So always be communicative and honest about what you need. While most Ashiatsu techniques are assisted by the use of bars, the massage may also also be performed with the therapist seated on a chair.  Certain parts of your body, such as the shoulders or calves, may be stretched or compressed while the therapist sits on a stool and pushes their feet into the area.

​

Benefits of Ashiatsu Massage

• Relieves pain

• Reduces stress

• Increases flexibility

• Improves posture

• Boosts circulation

• Enhances athletic performance

• Promotes restful sleep

​​

An Ashiatsu massage provides the same benefits as a deep tissue massage.  Ashiatsu, however, can deliver the deepest pressure a massage can offer, even though it by no means has to.  If you’re one of those people who prefers very deep pressure and you’ve yet to find a therapist who can go just that deep, try Ashiatsu!  As an avid fan of deep tissue work without the pain, I speak from experience when I say Ashiatsu is amazing!

​

Ashiatsu massage is now being offered at Northern Bliss Massage & Wellness.  CALL TO BOOK a session today!

​