Ashiatsu Massage

Ashiatsu is a Japanese massage, modified from ancient techniques used across Asia for thousands of years. This form of massage uses foot pressure and gravity to naturally relieve pain and improve health. Our skilled therapists have been specially trained to provide true and lasting relief for aches, pains, and sore muscles.

*Ashiastsu Massage appointments are available only with our therapist Lindsay D.

What is Ashiatsu massage?

You’ve likely heard of Shiatsu massage, but Ashiatsu is less well known. While they sound similar, there is an important distinction: Shiatsu uses finger pressure while Ashiatsu uses foot pressure.

With Ashiatsu massage, the therapist walks on the client’s back, carefully alternating her weight to provide pressure in just the right areas. The massage is done barefoot and is therefore also sometimes referred to as “barefoot massage.”

Ashiatsu is based on the principles of Chinese medicine. This type of massage therapy focuses on the energy pathways in the body known as acupuncture channels. Over time, energy, blood, body fluids, and even tissues can get blocked or malnourished along these pathways. By applying deep pressure with the feet, our therapists are able to target both precise locations and larger areas to unblock these areas of stagnation, increase blood flow and circulation, and release tense muscles and joints. With the body relaxed and blood flowing properly, the body has a chance to heal and pain is diminished.

How is Ashiatsu Massage Different from Other Massages?

The answer to this question may seem obvious in that Ashiatsu uses feet, but there are some other subtle differences from other types of massage.

One major difference is the use of gravity. In Ashiatsu massage, the therapist relies on their weight and the effects of gravity to apply just the right amount of pressure and depth to your tightest muscles. In many cases, Ashiatsu is performed on a mat on the floor, rather than on a massage table or bed. Sometimes bars are placed overhead so that the therapist can balance and steady themselves while performing Ashiatsu.

Overall, however, Ashiatsu provides great relief for many physical and mental issues just like other forms of massage. While this a deeper form of massage, it is entirely comfortable, painless, and relaxing.

The Benefits of Ashiatsu Massage

Like most styles of massage, Ashiatsu has many health benefits and can help to improve energy and vitality in nearly anyone. Here are some of the reasons we love Ashiatsu massage.

Relieves Back Pain and Improves Posture
Back pain is one of the most common reason patients come to see us at Mantis Massage. In fact, back pain is one of the leading health issues that keep people from living life to its fullest. Ashiatsu massage provides the deep pressure that is often needed to sink in and release tough knots and trigger points. The techniques used in Ashiatsu massage also open areas of blockage and help to circulate blood throughout all the muscles of the back. This type of massage therapy also elongates the spine and encourages better posture and joint health.

Circulates Blood
Along with helping to improve circulation in the back muscles, Ashiatsu helps to improve circulation throughout the whole body. This, in turn, helps to relieve pain, inflammation, and sluggishness. Consider Ashiatsu for issues like menstrual pain, poor digestion, nausea, or migraines.

Increases Energy and Wellbeing
This type of massage helps to reset the nervous system and allow for better brain function, mood balance, and stress relief. Like most types of massage, Ashiatsu can improve sleep quality and increase our overall emotional state and sense of wellbeing.

Is Ashiatsu Massage Safe?

There is understandably some concern about having someone walk across your back, especially if you experience back pain, but rest assured that our therapists have undergone full training and are highly experienced in Ashiatsu styles and techniques. When performed by a highly trained therapist, Ashiatsu can relieve the spine and muscles of the back from built-up tension and binds that might be more difficult to achieve without using the practitioner’s weight and gravity to our advantage.

Pregnant women are advised to refrain from Ashiatsu massage, but can still find relief with our prenatal massages.

Schedule Your Ashiatsu Massage

Are you ready to feel the effects of Ashiatsu massage? Linday D, our expert ashiatsu massage therapist, is here to help you through the entire process. Book an appointment at our South Congress location today!