Ashiatsu Registered Massage Therapy

What is Ashiatsu Barefoot Massage Therapy?

Ashiatsu is a type of massage therapy in which the practitioner uses overhead bars or aerial silks for additional stability while using their body weight and feet to apply compressive, broad, flowing massage strokes. The sensation created is often compared to being massaged by very large hands. The therapist is able to deliver varying therapeutic levels of pressure, leaving tissues feeling invigorated, yet deeply relaxed. This can be done as a relaxation massage and is excellent for deep tissue/therapeutic work.

Ashiatsu means “foot pressure” in Japanese. Barefoot massage is known by many other names depending on its country of origin. A fusion of several traditional forms of barefoot massage have been adapted to North American standards. Ashiatsu is growing in popularity across Canada.

Ashiatsu may have the following benefits:

• Stress reduction & relaxation – likely the most relaxing massage you’ll ever experience, while still being extremely therapeutic

• Reducing tension & contracture of muscles & releasing knots – minimizes damage to healthy tissue which helps to minimize soreness that often follows a deep tissue massage

• Alleviating pain in both acute & chronic conditions – able to access problem areas & achieve releases that are more difficult to address with hands

• Improving circulation of blood & lymph – you’ll leave feeling invigorated & rejuvenated while relaxed at the same time

• Increasing overall health and well-being – Ashiatsu benefits mental health just as much as the physical body- leave feeling like you’ve just done a really great yoga class or gone to the spa

You should speak to your Doctor before receiving Ashiatsu or any Deep Tissue Massage, if any of the following pertain to you:

• If you have Osteoporosis

• If you have spondylolithesis

• If you’ve had a rib or any bone fracture/break within 6 months

• If you are a woman that is pregnant or trying to get pregnant

• If you’ve had breast implants within nine months

• If you’ve had any knee, hip, spine, shoulder, or major joint surgeries within 6 weeks

• If you are currently taking any blood thinners, pain killers, or muscle relaxants

• If you have uncontrolled high blood pressure or heart condition

• If you have a pacemaker, stent or shunt

• If you have Guillian-Barre’ Syndrome, any neuropathy, or any neurological disorder that causes loss of sensation or muscle weakness

• If you have a history of thrombosis, aneurysm, or ongoing kidney disorders

• Any Autoimmune Disorders (such as Lupus, Gout, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Multiple Sclerosis, Lyme Disease etc.