Even though monks and doctors in the east have used barefoot massage techniques for almost 3,000 years, they have only recently become popular in the United States. The most common type of barefoot massage in the West right now is called “ashiatsu,” a Japanese word that means “foot pressure.” Ashiatsu combines Thai massage, barefoot shiatsu, and Keralite foot massage, all done with the feet.
Ashiatsu is now performed on the client’s bare skin with long, gliding strokes and pressure from the Ashiatsu Massage London’s massage therapist’s foot. The massage therapist holds on to special bars on the ceiling above the table to keep their balance and control while massaging their feet.
In Ashiatsu, the feet are used as massage tools that are strong and effective. The therapist’s foot’s wide surface helps superficial and deep muscles relax quickly, gently, and without pain. When the therapist’s body weight is added to the pull of gravity, the massage can go to a depth that isn’t possible with a regular table massage.
What does an Ashiatsu session look like?
An Ashiatsu massage usually lasts between 60 and 90 minutes, is done on a western-style massage table, and involves oil or lotion. Before the session starts, the therapist cleans and warms the client’s feet. Then, they use the feet to give one- or two-footed treatments, as needed. The therapist might do other things such as stretching, exercises to increase range of motion, and deep tissue massage.
Our therapist wants the patient to talk about any pain they are feeling. Shiatsu is intense, especially around the buttocks, but it shouldn’t hurt. After the appointment, our therapist will suggest a treatment plan, care at home, other therapies, and therapy goals.
How are Shiatsu and Ashiatsu different from each other?
Shiatsu, which means “finger pressure,” is a Japanese practice based on TCM. During a shiatsu massage, the therapist puts rhythmic pressure on different points along energy channels, similar to acupressure (or meridians). Shiatsu massages are meant to help the body’s life force energy, or chi, flow more freely so that healing and overall health can happen.
Traditional shiatsu is the same as barefoot shiatsu, except that the pressure is put on with the feet instead of the hands. Barefoot shiatsu is similar to traditional Japanese Ashiatsu, which is also done on a mat with the person fully dressed.
It helps with long-term pain:
The Ashiatsu massage is a form of tissue-deep massage that is particularly effective at reducing and even eliminating pain. By working underneath the surface of the skin, this particular style of massage is able to reach the more profound layers of the soft tissue.
Also, the pressure improves circulation, which lowers the inflammation that can cause chronic pain. It also lets the connective tissues, responsible for many of the pain patients feel, relax. Because of this, realignment is now possible.
This type of massage is very good at getting rid of chronic back pain caused by bad posture, muscle tension, or damaged or bulging discs.
It makes you more flexible overall:
Using long, deep strokes, the therapist’s body weight and gravity work together to stretch and lengthen the muscle fibers. If you’re an athlete, you should do this in both directions to restore your body’s natural flexibility and relax your muscles.
The outside of the leg has a thick band of tissue called the iliotibial band that runs from the hip to the knee. This band responds well to ashiatsu massage. This is important for running, and long-distance runners often feel pain in this part of their leg if something is wrong. Also, this kind of therapy can help heal old injuries, including the scar tissue and adhesions that come with them.
There is less discomfort compared to deep tissue massage:
During a traditional deep tissue massage, the muscles are pressed with the fingers, thumbs, and elbows. Because they are small and sharp, they often cause pain and bruises.
Our London Ashiatsu massage is the only one that can use up to three times as much pressure without hurting the person. Ashiatsu is much gentler than other types of massage, but it also goes much deeper. All of this will make your life less stressful and more joyful since you’ll get the comfort you want without having to go through more pain.
