Ashiatsu is a massage technique that involves applying the practitioner’s feet, rather than hands or arms, to a person’s body. In Japanese, the word ashi means foot, and atsu means pressure; So it literally translates to foot pressure
During an shiatsu massage, therapists use their bare feet to provide deep pressure, long gliding motions, and/or assisted stretching. Reading this, you may be concerned about receiving the shiatsu treatment. You may wonder if walking your back will be intense, painful, or even frightening. Don’t worry, though! Ashiatsu therapists have complete control over how they treat your body, and the massages are tailored to your needs just like a deep tissue or Swedish massage. So what should you expect from an Ashiatsu massage?
What to expect during an Ashiatsu massage
Before the session, you will receive a pre-consultation so that the therapist can determine your body’s needs and goals. Depending on these, you may be asked to undress or remain fully clothed. If your session will involve the use of lotions and slip-on techniques, you can expect to remove at least some of your clothing; With that said, you’ll get the most complete treatment if you remove some of your clothing, as your glutes can really benefit from some gliding of the foot over the body! If your session only involves compression and stretching, you may get dressed throughout the session, giving the treatment the feel of a Thai massage.
As with most massage methods, the shiatsu massage is performed on a flat massage table or on a foam floor. You will likely be asked to lie face down for most of the session, with little time spent face-to-face. And no, you won’t be hitting your stomach on your face! A recumbent shiatsu massage generally involves stretching your legs or squeezing your shoulders, but you’ll get some gentle gliding on your forearms and outward thighs/legs too!
So let’s go back a few steps right after the pre-consultation. After you have given enough time to arrange your place, your therapist will return to the massage room to begin the session. It will wrap securely, but expect every side of your body to be a little more exposed than it would be during a Swedish or deep tissue massage.
For an shiatsu massage with glide techniques, the session may begin with the application of cream or oil. This may be the only time a therapist will put his or her hands on your skin. If you are fully dressed, the session will begin gently with pressure. After the introductory strokes, your therapist will suspend himself above your body using ropes or rods attached to the ceiling. The equipment installed above allows the processor to balance itself and control the amount of body weight applied. The practitioner will allow the heels, arches, and balls of the foot to sink into your muscles, and from there you will deliver the appropriate amount of pressure. Just as with any massage, you likely have areas of the body that can handle more pressure than others. So always be communicative and honest about what you need.
While most shiatsu techniques are assisted by the use of rods and ropes, the massage can also be performed with the therapist sitting in a chair. Certain parts of your body, such as the shoulders or calves, may be stretched or compressed while the therapist sits in a chair and pushes his or her foot into the area.
We have is an excellent video of an experienced shiatsu therapist in action on our YouTube channel! If you’re like me, the way this therapist moves will encourage you to book your first ever Ashiatsu massage!
Benefits of Ashiatsu Massage
Relieves Pain Reduces Fatigue Increases Flexibility Improves Posture Enhances Circulation Enhances Athletic Performance Promotes Restful Sleep An shiatsu massage provides the same benefits as a deep tissue massage. However, an shiatsu massage can provide the deepest pressure a massage can provide, although in no way should it do so. If you’re one of those people who prefers extreme pressure and haven’t found a therapist who can delve deeper into this, try Ashiatsu!
Blossom Spa now offers the Ashiatsu Massage! Book an appointment today
. Customers can choose between 60 minutes or 90 minutes of this famous massage at the Blossom Spa. We can help you book your massage today