BAREFOOT MASSAGE
FAQ's
Barefoot Massage (also known as Ashiatsu) is a full body therapeutic massage treatment, comparable to traditional massage, but practiced with the feet, rather than the hands and arms. Therapists use overhead bars to help stabilize them and regulate pressure.
By using the feet, the therapist reaches a large surface area in a short time with broad, even pressure, affecting multiple layers of tissue. The long, slow gliding strokes stimulate the parasympathetic, or “rest and digest" response, encouraging release of tension in the body. The heels, toes and balls of the feet are ideal for releasing adhesions and other chronic restrictions. The results are dramatic and long lasting and include greater mobility and postural stability.
WHAT WILL A BAREFOOT MASSAGE FEEL LIKE?
Barefoot Massage feels similar to traditional massage applied with the hands – but most clients describe it as even more comfortable and incredibly pleasant. The smooth, broad shape and rounded surfaces of the feet deliver soothing, strong and consistent pressure for an exceptionally effective, yet deeply relaxing experience. Although clients are aware the therapist is not using hands, a frequent comment is they forgot or couldn't tell the therapist was using feet.
DOES THE THERAPIST WALK ON MY BACK?
No, there is no walking involved in Barefoot Massage. As with traditional massage your skin will be lubricated so the therapist's feet are gliding along the surface of your body, rather than stepping.
I LIKE DEEP TISSUE MASSAGE. IS BAREFOOT MASSAGE CONSIDERED DEEP TISSUE?
Barefoot Massage is primarily a deep tissue form of massage and clients who typically prefer and are comfortable receiving deep tissue bodywork love it.
I DON'T LIKE DEEP PRESSURE. DOES BAREFOOT MASSAGE ALWAYS HAVE TO BE DEEP?
No, the pressure of Barefoot Massage can be adjusted by a skilled therapist to be anything from a very light touch to very deep, depending on your needs and desires. Barefoot Massage can be a wonderful way to receive a thoroughly relaxing, very light touch massage.
I ALWAYS NEED LOTS OF "DETAIL WORK" - IS THIS POSSIBLE WITH BAREFOOT MASSAGE?
Absolutely. An experienced therapist can do almost all "detail work" with their feet that would normally be done with their hands - in fact, in many areas of the body, the feet are far superior to the hands. Your therapist will use their hands to work areas of the body where the feet would be unsuitable (i.e. face, scalp, abdomen).
IS BAREFOOT MASSAGE FOR EVERYONE?
With few exceptions- everyone can receive Barefoot Massage. It is immensely popular with clients who live a very active lifestyle, but a wide variety of clients of every age and size can benefit. As with any bodywork, there are conditions that contraindicate massage (make it inadvisable). When you schedule bodywork, a complete and current health history will reveal any contraindications.
HOW WILL
BAREFOOT
MASSAGE
BENEFIT ME?
Barefoot Massage can help if you suffer from chronic muscle tension, fatigue or pain, especially back pain. If you have repetitive stress injuries, are recovering from an acute injury and/or have scar tissue and other adhesions causing dysfunction, Barefoot Massage is an ideal rehabilitative tool. If you lead an active lifestyle and have an intense training regimen, Barefoot Massage is the perfect companion to help restore and recover your body after training. And the state of deep relaxation Barefoot Massage promotes can bring much needed stress relief.