Ashiatsu

Barefoot shiatsu, also called “Ashiatsu” is an ancient form of bodywork originating from Buddhist monks, originally from China and later from Thailand and Japan. Ashiatsu used in “Energy-Healing Arts” originates in Japan from the linage of Shizuko Yamamoto.

Ashiatsu Benefits

It is a time-tested treatment style of using the feet to create a sense of deep relaxation and powerful movement of internal energy, Qi. This process removes any Qi imbalances, blockages or deficiencies — which tend to manifest in health or emotional problems.

Ashiatsu harmonizes the flow of yin-yang energy throughout the whole person: mind, body and spirit. Stimulating the body’s energy will help one’s immune system and enhance one’s natural ability to heal themselves.

This method takes the ancient form of barefoot massage and replaces the floor mat with a cushioned massage table. The therapist massages with their bare feet while hanging from bars on the ceiling.

Ashiatsu strokes distribute pressure consistently over a large area of the body, thereby providing a deep, soothing massage without the pain often accompanying traditional deep tissue massage.

Ashiatsu Contraindications

General contraindications for Ashiatsu Therapy include – but are not limited to – the list below. Do not seek Ashiatsu massage if:

• You are pregnant
• You’ve had breast implants within the last year
• You have skin infections or ulcerations
• You’ve recently had Lasik or eye surgery
• You have TB, thrombosis, phlebitis, varicose veins, aneurysm, kidney disorders, hemophilia, severe osteoporosis
• You have had lymph nodes removed
• You are on any blood thinning medications or medications that inhibit sensation
• You have uncontrolled high blood pressure or diabetes
• You have a recent injury including broken bones or fracture, hematomas, bruises or conditions in acute stages.
• You have swollen or inflamed areas on your body
• You have undiagnosed pain, discomfort, illness or disease
• You have Fever, Severe Pain, Sun Burn, Open Cuts/ Bruises / Burn, Skin Rash, Cold Or Flu
• Special care will be taken for clients with pacemakers

Ashiatsu Aftercare

After receiving Ashiatsu Massage, your back muscles will be very supple and the chances of injury are greater. Please take the following precautions for the first 48 hours after receiving an Ashiatsu massage.

DO NOT

1. Sit for long periods of time in a hard chair. Examples are: surfing the internet, sitting in a theater or playing cards for any extended amount of time. We do not want you to compress your back for 24 hours.
2. Lift heavy objects greater than 35 pounds. Examples are: children over 35 pounds, bench press, and cement bags. Do not perform any heavy yard work or housework. Be very careful of your work-out at the gym within first 48 hrs after a massage.
3. Engage in any rough contact sports. Examples are: wrestling, horse back riding, snowmobiling, jet skiing or cardio-kick boxing. Any activity that twists your back muscles, like golf, could cause more inflammation within first 48 hours after a deep tissue massage. Play at your own risk.
4. Drink heavy alcohol within first 24 hours. You may experience a “lactic acid hangover” due to dehydration coupled with the deep compression work. It is better to hydrate and rest!

DO

1. Drink lots of water!
2. Passive stretching. Example: sit on edge of chair and hang forward. Try to touch elbows to floor. Gentle EASY stretching. Do not bounce!
3. Wear back or neck support if your work requires rough activity daily.
4. Treat yourself to hot sauna, steam room or Jacuzzi.
5. Apply hot/cold cream on lower lumbar area after Ashiastu.