Barefoot Massage / Ashiatsu in Santa Barbara, Goleta (Deeper than Deep)

What is Barefoot Massage?

Barefoot
Barefoot massage uses deep strokes from the therapists’ feet. It is a western version of an ancient form of bodywork, with roots dating back thousands of years from cultures across Asia, India, Africa, and the Pacific Rim. The therapist delivers deep, broad, consistent pressure while utilizing their feet and body weight.
Barefoot – Fix your Pain
Barefoot Massage dates back centuries. It’s believed that it was first developed in Kerala, India 2000 years ago by practitioners of martial arts and used as part of their training to increase flexibility and to increase recovery time from injuries. The barefoot technique utilized is known as “Chavutti Thirumal” which translates into “foot pressure” in the Malayalam language. This form of barefoot massage is performed on a floor mat, while the practitioner holds onto a rope for balance and support. The practitioner glides vigorously over the patient’s body with a generous amount of medicinal herb-infused coconut oil. The study and practice of Chavutti Thirumal are all-encompassing and involves several levels of training and application. The practice of Barefoot Massage soon spread to other parts of Asia. In Japan, it is known as Barefoot Shiatsu. An extension of traditional Shiatsu, which uses the hands and fingers, barefoot Shiatsu employs the feet to apply pressure to various points along the body. Correct application will restore imbalances and open up energy channels. This form of barefoot massage is performed on the floor while the practitioner holds onto a bamboo stick or chair for support and balance. Practitioners work through the client’s clothing and focus on the pressure points relating to the balance and circulation of Chi (energy). The practice of Barefoot Shiatsu involves much more than just bodywork, it’s a whole-body approach that follows the principles of TCM which takes diet, breath, nutrition, and posture all into consideration. Throughout the centuries many forms of ancient barefoot massage have evolved and spread all over the world. In Thailand, therapists have used their feet for hundreds of years to stretch and compress muscle tissue. In Hawaii, Kua Lua’s back walking stems from ancient martial arts. This form of barefoot massage is a spiritual practice for native Hawaiians. Therapists utilize a bamboo stick for support and balance while employing pressure along the back and spine. Fijian barefoot massage is performed without bars, overhead ropes, or oil. The technique mirrors sports massage and is performed on the floor in seated and standing positions. Each barefoot technique is uniquely beneficial and considered a healing art form. Most of these modalities are inherited from ancestors who pass down techniques by word of mouth from one generation to the next.
Ashiatsu
What is walking on back massage called? This ancient practice—which involves a massage therapist literally walking on your back—has been performed by Buddhist monks for centuries and is now available in various forms across America. What is  AshiAshi (foot) -atsu (pressure) is a deep, painless form of barefoot massage that you will love. Deep tissue massage fanatics often ask for more pressure than the therapist is able to consistently provide. What is Ashiatsu?
That’s too much!
It dates back as far as the 12th century and was associated with Keralite foot massage called “Chavutti Thirummal”. The person lies prone on a mat and the body is covered in special oils, the practitioner would grab a rope overhead for balance while performing ritualistic massage with bare feet. The technique was given in conjunction with following the energy lines, similar to Thai massage. It was performed with the foot sliding quickly from one end of the body to the other. Japan was credited with barefoot shiatsu. The fully clothed person was positioned on a mat on the floor while static compression strokes were applied. On one of the islands of Fiji, the technique has evolved to using only the foot to perform the massage and not walking directly on the person. One foot is kept on the ground at all times. This is how it is now taught in the United States with modifications, we have bars in the ceilings and the person disrobes and is prone. This massage has been growing in popularity with well-known resorts having practitioners learning this modality because it serves the needs of the client who is looking for the deepest tissue massage they can find. What does Ashiatsu mean? Ashiatsu is a Japanese word that means “foot pressure”. … We call this style Ashiatsu Therapeutic Massage. It incorporates a variety of therapeutic massage techniques such as deep tissue, trigger point, active release, and myofascial release therapies. What is Shiatsu?
Nicola, LMT doing Shiatsu Massage
Shiatsu Massage
Shiatsu massage therapy relies on the use of the fingers, thumbs, and palm to apply pressure to various areas of the body’s surface to help heal common ailments and conditions, and correct imbalances in the body. Pressure applied to points on the body promotes energy flow and corrects disharmonies throughout the patient’s body. In addition to being a deeply relaxing experience, Shiatsu helps relieve stress, treat pain and illness, and contributes to a patient’s overall health and wellbeing. Shiatsu regulates the automatic nervous system activity and stimulates the circulatory, lymphatic and hormonal systems. Poor posture, joint problems, sprains, arthritis, sciatica, acute and chronic neck and back pain, sinusitis, and bronchitis are treatable with Shiatsu. Shiatsu helps to aid migraines by relaxing the body and increasing blood flow and circulation throughout the body. Shiatsu is also a non-invasive therapy that helps reduce stress, tension, anxiety, and depression by leaving you relaxed and calm. Shiatsu practice originated in Japan based on traditional Chinese medicine with elements of Western therapies, according to the Shiatsu Society. It amplifies the body’s own ability to heal itself.
Barefoot
*Disclaimer: This information is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease without consulting with a qualified healthcare provider. Please consult your healthcare provider with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your condition. The information provided is for educational purposes only and is not intended as diagnosis, treatment, or prescription of any kind. The decision to use, or not to use, any information is the sole responsibility of the reader. These statements are not expressions of legal opinion relative to the scope of practice, medical diagnosis, or medical advice, nor do they represent an endorsement of any product, company, or specific massage therapy technique, modality, or approach. All trademarks, registered trademarks, brand names, registered brand names, logos, and company logos referenced in this post are the property of their owners.