Ashiatsu is a barefoot massage that utilizes body weight and bare feet to apply deep therapeutic massage techniques. It also induces deep relaxation, decrease pain and inflammation, and create structural change in chronic soft tissue damage.

History of Ashiatsu

The word Ashiatsu comes from Japanese:

Ashi (足) = foot
Atsu (圧) = pressure

While the Japanese coined the term, barefoot massage itself predates Japan by centuries.

Evidence of foot massage exists in:

India
Philippines
Japan
Fiji

Inspired by ancient forms of Eastern barefoot techniques,

Ashiatsu Deep-Feet Bar Therapy is a Western adaptation of barefoot massage techniques. Therapists utilize their body weight and bare feet to apply a deeply relaxing and therapeutic massage. Gravitational force is combined with centrifugal and centripetal movements. Correct application will induce deep relaxation, decrease pain, and inflammation, and create structural change in chronic soft tissue damage.

Parallel wooden bars are used above the therapist’s head for support, balance, and client safety.

Modern Western Ashiatsu

Ashiatsu DeepFeet Bar Therapy is a Western adaptation of barefoot massage techniques, created, development and synthesized by Ruthie Piper Hardee, in the late 1990s.

She introduced:

Overhead ceiling bars for balance
Body mechanics
Anatomy-based techniques
Structured certification

We adhere to the same principles, both in our practice and during our training.

How it Works

The therapists use one or both feet while holding overhead bars utilizing their body weight to apply broad strokes with excellent control to apply:

lighter pressure
moderate pressure
deep pressure

Major Advantages of Ashiatsu vs Other Modalities

While we believe every modality has its use and effectiveness, here are some of the common understandings and proven track records about effectiveness of Ashiatsu.

1. Deeper pressure

Gravity enables the pressure to be 3x more than traditional massage techniques.

This makes it especially effective for

athletes
bodybuilders
Those with chronic muscular tension
Those suffering from dense fascia

2. Pressure is broader

Instead of a sharp and pointy thumb or forearm into tissue…

…the foot distributes deep broad strokes.

Patients often describe it as “deep, but comfortable,” instead of”deep and painful.”

3. Less therapist fatigue

Traditional massage therapists often develop

thumb arthritis
wrist injuries
carpal tunnel
elbow tendonitis
shoulder injuries

Ashiatsu dramatically reduces stress on:

thumbs
fingers
wrists

As the result, many therapists extend their careers.

4. Excellent for Fascia

The broad pressure allows the therapist to slowly stretch fascial layers.

Many clients experience:

improved mobility
increased range of motion
reduced stiffness

5. Better circulation

Like most massage, Ashiatsu may improve

blood flow
lymphatic drainage
muscle recovery

6. Better posture

Many practitioners combine stretching with sustained compression.

Clients often notice:

improved shoulder mobility
looser hips
decreased lower-back tension