Ashiatsu Massage
Ashiatsu, sometimes known as a barefoot massage or walking on back, is a deep compression massage. Utilizing the feet while Balancing from a bar, ashiatsu therapists deliver deep pressure, gliding strokes, and assisted stretching while working with gravity.
Benefits of Ashiatsu
- Reduces pain and stress
- Balances posture
- Increases joint range of motion
- Enhances athletic performance
- Promotes restful sleep
- Improves circulation
Ashiatsu is Similar to Traditional Deep Tissue Massage
Ashiatsu is similar to a traditional deep tissue massage, as both involve deep compression and offer the same benefits. This specialized technique is ideal for patients who want a deep tissue massage, but don’t like the invasiveness of elbows and thumbs. The foot is broader and therefore less pokey, but can still be applied to all the same knotted tissues in the body, with the exception of the face and stomach.
Even though it is less painful, ashiatsu can provide three times the amount of pressure as a traditional deep tissue. Aside from the use of feet rather than hands and arms, the difference between ashiatsu and deep tissue is their relationship with gravity. Deep tissue works against gravity, whereas ashiatsu works with it. This allows ashiatsu to provide deep therapy, but without the discomfort often accompanied by deep tissue.