History of Ashiatsu
Ashiatsu, meaning “foot Pressure”, (Ashi means “foot”) and (Atsu means “pressure”) dates back as far as the 5th century and was associated with Keralite foot massage called “Chavutti Thirummal.”
Chavutti Thirummal was practiced by covering the body with oils while lying on a mat face down as the practitioner grabbed hold of a rope hung over head using it for balance while performing this Hindu and Ayurvedic ritual with bare feet. The technique was given in conjunction with following the energy lines, similar to Thai massage. This was done in Kerala, India located off the Indian Ocean on the southern tip of India, as part of Kerala training, a martial art. The technique is believed to have begun in India spreading through surrounding countries and continents of Asia, the Oceania and Pacific Islands.
The Chinese were credited with bringing massage to Japan developing a form of Shiatsu into barefoot Shiatsu. Reportedly on the Island of Tonga, off the Oceania Coast, children walked all over a person when a necessary condition was dictated. Fiji also had and still does their own kind of foot massage, still in practice today. There they use only the foot to perform the massage and do not walk directly on the person. The Hawaiians used walking sticks for balance and would also secure a bamboo pole overhead so they could walk on the body with both feet. This has been in Thailand as well. Thus, the beginnings of Ashiatsu Bar Therapy.
There are other forms of barefoot massage done in the United States. In the past five years it has grown in popularity. The populace is more sophisticated and want diversity.
Different forms of barefoot massage can be administered on a mat, a body-cushion, or on a table with bars overhead. This can be administered fully dressed or not, with lotion or no lotion.
The Benefits of Compression Massage
Barefoot massage benefits the client as well as the therapist. This saves the hands from repetitive injuries and adds diversity for both the therapist and the client.
The Benefits to the Client
The amount of even pressure that is applied to the body in barefoot massage can rarely be done by the hands. More pressure can be applied with out bruising the client.
Since the foot is bigger, it can cover more tissue. Thus, stimulating a larger area at one time and increasing a larger amount of circulation. The pressure is more even than that applied with the hands and can be held for an extended period of time.
Myofascial moves are easily performed with the barefoot method. Sports massage techniques are more effectively delivered. The body will receive pressure from the anterior and posterior sides at the same time. Postural alignment is gained as well.
Most stretches done by the feet cannot be duplicated by the hands. The technique itself can be as light as the lightest Swedish and as deep as the deepest massage possible to give, all the while being pain-free and providing the client with a relaxing massage. Most of the clients have no residual soreness after the treatment and feel great both the same and the following day.
