Introduction to Ashiatsu

Course Summary

*Important note: This course will be reported under the “general” category and not “relevant to and focus on massage therapy techniques”.

Will your desire to be a massage therapist outlast your body’s ability to do so?

The average massage therapy career is 7-8 years. The reasons for a short career may vary, but a leading cause is the physical stress put on the body by performing massage.

Perhaps you’ve asked yourself how long your hands, wrists, or thumbs can handle this career. Maybe you’ve considered the risk of getting carpal tunnel.

Once I began to study ashiatsu barefoot massage fifteen years ago, and have not worried about my hands, wrists, thumbs, or career length since.

What is Ashiatsu?

When broken down, the word “ashi” means foot and “atsu” means pressure. However, ashiatsu practitioners may also utilize their knees, elbows, palms, and fingers.

Ashiatsu includes a combination of Swedish, myofascial, and compression massage strokes. It includes long gliding strokes associated with Western or Swedish massage, and aspects of the ancient Eastern techniques and philosophies of Shiatsu and Ayurveda. Thai techniques, stretches, and compression may also be used.

This modality has long and interesting history, but a relatively new and growing following here in the United States. It may also be referred to as barefoot massage or gravity-assisted massage. Ashiatsu is modern take on an ancient practice.

How Ashiatsu Can Extend Your Career

Ashiatsu barefoot massage is efficient! Increased surface area, the laws of gravity, and muscle size all work in your favor.

Increased Surface Area

Compare the surface area of your hand compared to your foot. You can cover a lot of area with your foot than you cannot with your hand. Because increased pressure is spread over a larger surface area, clients can receive a deeper massage without pain.

Gravity

With ashiatsu you will also be using your body weight and gravity to assist in the massage. This will take away a lot of the effort your hands, arms, and shoulders typically exert during a massage session. This allows you to stand up straight and exert pressure from your whole body, not just your upper body weight.

Muscle Size

Compare your biceps to your thighs, or your forearms to your calves. The larger muscles of your legs are designed for hard work!

Dip Your Toe in the Water

Maybe you’re intrigued by barefoot massage; a bit curious about ashiatsu. Perhaps you’ve researched this technique, but you’re not quite ready to make the commitment to get training.

If you’ve been considering ashiatsu training, you may have asked yourself:

• Is it right for me?
• Is it worth my time and financial commitment?
• Is this safe to learn online?
• Will my clients like it?

Introduction to Ashiatsu was designed to answer these questions.

I want to give you the opportunity to see if ashiatsu training is something you want to pursue.

I want to show you that your feet, like your elbows and forearms or stones, are another tool to utilize in your practice.

This course does not include a full routine, and no overhead bar installation instructions are included/ required.

A seated routine instructional video is available to allow you to get comfortable using your feet as a massage tool.

You are encouraged to practice on family, friends, volunteers. This will allow you to see firsthand the benefits of barefoot massage while giving your hands a break.

This course will give you a solid overview of barefoot massage, and help you determine whether or not you want to pursue ashiatsu training.

Here’s What You Get

• Ashiatsu theory
• History and philosophy
• Benefits and contraindications
• Foot care techniques
• Marketing tips
• Seated routine instructional video
• * No bar installation required

“I liked the easy-to-read format, the videos were very helpful, I understood pretty much everything and the anatomy review was helpful for me. I tend to do the work and really need to be aware of correct names, etc. Thank you so much for this opportunity! Namaste”

~ Minette H.

Learning Objectives

After completing this course, the participant should be able to:

1. Discuss the history of ashiatsu and barefoot massage
2. List the benefits and contraindications unique to ashiatsu for clients and massage practitioners
3. Discuss proper foot care for barefoot practitioners
4. Describe proper, professional attire needed for barefoot practitioners
5. Explain specific table requirements and safety measures unique to barefoot practitioners
6. Provide a 10-15 minute seated massage while using the feet
7. Design and implement a marketing plan for introducing barefoot massage into a massage practice