Ashiatsu massage is a unique and powerful massage technique that offers a multitude of benefits. This article will delve into the history, techniques, and advantages of Ashiatsu massage, providing a comprehensive understanding of this ancient practice.
What is Ashiatsu Massage?
Ashiatsu massage is a deep tissue massage technique where a licensed therapist uses their feet to deliver broad, consistent pressure. The Japanese word "Ashiatsu" literally translates to "foot pressure." Ashiatsu Oriental bar therapy began in Asia in the 12th century and made its way to western cultures in the 1990s. The therapist uses overhead bars for balance and support while delivering slow, controlled strokes.
Techniques Used in Ashiatsu Massage
During an Ashiatsu massage session, the therapist uses deep and broad strokes, similar to Swedish massage techniques. Oil or lotion is often used to enhance the client’s experience, allowing the therapist’s feet to glide smoothly over the body. The therapist applies pressure from their feet, massaging the muscles using long, gliding strokes that lengthen the muscles, as well as slow, deep compressions to loosen any knots. The force of the therapist’s body weight behind each of the strokes allows for a depth of massage that is not possible using the hands alone.
Benefits of Ashiatsu Massage
Ashiatsu massage offers several advantages over more traditional massage techniques. These include:
Reduces Chronic Pain
Ashiatsu massage is incredibly effective in pain reduction as a deep tissue compression massage. This type of massage goes below the surface layers, manipulating the deeper layers of soft tissue. The pressure boosts circulation, which reduces the inflammation associated with chronic pain. It also allows for the release of connective tissues, which are responsible for much discomfort people typically feel, allowing for realignment to occur. Ashiatsu massage is suitable for easing long-term back pain associated with poor posture, muscle strain, or degenerated or bulging discs.
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Improves Overall Flexibility
Assisted by gravity, the therapist’s body weight when using long, deep strokes is effective in both broadening and lengthening the muscle fibers. Doing this in both directions loosens the muscles and restores the body’s natural flexibility, especially in athletes. Ashiatsu massage is good for the iliotibial band, a thick band of tissue on the outside part of the leg running from the hip to the knee. This is important for running, and problems here can often be the root cause of pain in this portion of the leg for distance runners. Moreover, old injuries and the associated scar tissues and adhesions also respond well to this type of therapy.
Less Discomfort Compared to Traditional Deep Tissue Massage
With traditional deep tissue massage, the fingers, thumbs, and elbows are all utilized to apply pressure to the muscles. The sharpness of these, due to their smaller size, can often lead to discomfort and even bruising. Ashiatsu massage can deliver up to three times more pressure than any of these, but without the associated soreness. Ashiatsu massage feels much gentler than other kinds, but with the enhanced benefit of going much deeper. You will be able to get the relief you need without first experiencing more pain, for an overall, more relaxing, and stress-free experience.
Long-Lasting Effects
Ashiatsu is perfect for those looking for a really deep and relaxing massage, and, as this is a more intense kind of treatment, the benefits of it can be felt for much longer. For this reason, you may need to rest for a while following this treatment. After-effects of this therapy include increased circulation of both blood and lymphatic nodes. This enhances health alongside promoting more general feelings of well-being.
Other Benefits
- Increased Blood Flow: Massages increase blood flow to muscles, which improves sore spots and recovery times from tough workouts.
- Relaxation: Without the pain from trigger point massage, you will be able to relax your mind along with your body.
- Balancing Effect: Massage therapy can play an important role in balancing your physical, mental, and emotional state.
- Stimulates Nerve Function: Reflexology, similar to Ashiatsu, can stimulate nerve function, which tends to decrease in sensitivity as bodies age, especially in the extremities.
- Boosts Energy Levels: By aligning the functioning of various organ and muscle systems, massage, including Ashiatsu, can increase metabolism and energy creation processes within the body.
- Improves Circulation: Ashiatsu massage improves circulation throughout the body, which means that blood and oxygen are being cycled through the body more effectively.
- Toxin Removal: Reflexology and massage have been shown to improve bladder function and reduce urinary tract issues, aiding in toxin removal.
- Reduces Stress and Tension: Ashiatsu techniques reduce levels of cortisol, the body’s primary stress hormone, leading to lowered heart rate, decreased tension, and overall mental health benefits.
Who Can Benefit from Ashiatsu Massage?
Ashiatsu massage is especially good for athletes or those who prefer deep pressure massages. It is also beneficial for people suffering from chronic pain, postural problems, osteoarthritis pain, muscle tension or spasm.
Who Should Avoid Ashiatsu Massage?
Ashiatsu is not recommended for pregnant individuals, those with osteoporosis, or anyone with certain medical conditions that make deep pressure unsafe. It is also not recommended for those with little to no prior massage experience.
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Ashiatsu vs. Traditional Deep Tissue Massage
While Ashiatsu massage is similar to deep tissue massage, there are some major differences:
| Feature | Ashiatsu Massage | Traditional Deep Tissue Massage |
|---|---|---|
| Pressure Application | Feet are used to apply deep, broad pressure. | Fingers, thumbs, fists, and elbows are used to apply pressure. |
| Discomfort | Little to no residual soreness during or after the treatment. | May cause discomfort and soreness during and after the treatment. |
| Depth | Can achieve deeper pressure due to the use of gravity. | Depth is limited by the strength and endurance of the therapist's hands and arms. |
| Effects | Longer-lasting effects due to increased circulation of the blood and lymphatic systems. | Effects may be shorter-lasting compared to Ashiatsu massage. |
| Therapist Strain | Less strain on the therapist's hands and body, allowing for longer and more effective sessions. | Can be rough on the therapist’s hands and body, potentially leading to burnout. |
The Therapist's Perspective
Ashiatsu massage is not just beneficial to the client. It is also beneficial to the massage therapist. The feeling of being “paid to stretch while having fun” is a common sensation felt by most graduates. Weight loss can take place due to the isometric nature of the movements while performing the application of the strokes. Ashiatsu is a specialized treatment and is recognized by the public as such. Therapists who love what they do but deal with chronic pain can leave repetitive hand treatments behind and let gravity rejuvenate their practices.
Finding an Ashiatsu Practitioner
Ashiatsu massage is becoming more popular than ever. If you are interested in receiving this incredible technique, you can ask your favorite massage therapist if they know of any practitioners who do Ashiatsu or if they would consider Ashiatsu training. You can also search online for "Ashiatsu Massage Near Me" to find a therapist in your area.
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