A deep luxurious massage
By Lisa Tyrka, LMT
Ashiatsu Oriental Bar Therapy is an adaptation of an ancient form of barefoot massage that is done when a therapist walks on a client’s back with bare feet while holding onto ceiling bars for balance. The word Ashiatsu comes from Ashi (foot) and atsu (pressure). It is a luxurious, deep tissue massage that stimulates the body’s lymphatic system and ensures deep relaxation. Clients that have received this therapy describe it as “out of this world” and say it gives them a Zen-like feeling.
Ashiatsu’s roots come from the East where many different types of barefoot massage were conceived in India, Japan, China, Thailand and the Philippines. Although its history dates back more than 3,000 years, it is still relatively new to North America. Only as recently as 1999 was a Western technique and application introduced into the US massage and spa industry.
Technique
Ashiatsu Oriental Bar Therapy uses long, flowing strokes and lubricants. It is similar to traditional Swedish massage, but it is done with the feet instead of hands to manipulate the soft tissue or muscle. Since the work provides an incredibly deep massage while still being gentle, the muscles respond by relaxing more quickly. This therapy is known to improve posture, relieve pain and stress, treat spinal problems and relieve chronic low back pain.
Many times, people request a deep tissue massage, but find that the therapist did not go deep enough. With Ashiatsu Oriental Bar Therapy, the therapist stands straight up and uses her center of gravity while her thigh, knee, and leg work up the leg, mid and upper back areas to provide deep compression effleurage. This results in pressure the equivalent of six hands. For any client that says they cannot find a therapist to go deep enough, Ashiatsu Oriental Bar Therapy will satisfy them.
The technique is very popular with athletes, as it’s effective in penetrating the muscle deeply enough to provide relief for someone who is muscular.
Whether you want to increase your energy, relax your body, promote wellness or experience that Zen feeling, Ashiatsu Oriental Bar Therapy is a treatment you will enjoy.
Lisa Tyrka, LMT works at A Peaceful Place Massage & Wellness Center in Clifton Park. For more information contact 371.2225 or visit www.APeacefulPlace.com.