Many people consider massage therapy to be beneficial for their health. Thai massage, for example, is thought to lower stress, boost energy, and improve athletic performance. Ashiatsu, also called “back walking massage,” is another type of bodywork in which the feet are used to help the body. Practitioners say this therapy is an alternative medicine with a unique healing art. Since barefoot massage came from East Asia and has been around for a long time in many Asian countries.
This article will examine the benefits and potential side effects of stepping on back massage, also known as Ashiatsu.
What is Ashiatsu (Back Walking Massage)?
Ashiatsu, also called “back walking massage” is a type of bodywork in which the feet are used to help the body. Practitioners say this therapy is an alternative medicine with a unique healing art. Since barefoot massage came from East Asia and has been around for a long time in many Asian countries.
The term “Ashiatsu” is derived from the Japanese words “ashi,” meaning foot, and “atsu,” meaning pressure. Originating from Eastern traditions, Ashiatsu, or variations of it, has been integrated into the healing practices of countries such as India, Japan, Thailand, China, and the Philippines. In these regions, different styles of barefoot massage have evolved. For instance, some methods involve the practitioner using a floor mat, while others use various props like ceiling bars, chairs, bamboo rods, poles, and even ropes and chains for balancing purposes. The practice first gained popularity in the West in 1999, largely due to Ruthie Hardee’s efforts. Her version known as Ashiatsu Oriental Bar Therapy has become widely adopted across the United States.
Ashiatsu involves the massage therapist literally walking on the client’s back, applying deep pressure using their feet. This technique requires the therapist to use ceiling bars or ropes to maintain balance and control the amount of pressure exerted.
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A common treatment, a back walking massage, usually lasts 20 to 30 minutes. You can do it in a clinic or at home. During this session, participants are completely safe. Long strokes up and down the spine are also used to relax the muscles. The therapist may press on certain back parts to relieve pain and stress.
A back walking massage is a therapeutic massage in which the person gets on their stomach on a mat and raises their legs while the massage therapist puts pressure on their backs. Back walking is also called “walking on the back.” People with persistent pain in their lower backs, hips, buttocks, thighs, or calves typically utilize back walkers. They are available at most chiropractic and physical therapy clinics and can be used at home.
Benefits of Ashiatsu
Ashiatsu massage has several benefits, from relieving muscular tension to promoting overall well-being.
- Deep Tissue Relief: One of the primary benefits of Ashiatsu is its ability to provide deep tissue relief. Traditional massage techniques sometimes fall short of reaching the required depth to alleviate severe muscle tension. Ashiatsu, however, effectively penetrates deep muscle layers due to the therapist’s body weight and the utilization of gravity, providing an intensive massage experience.
- Improved Posture: Another significant benefit of Ashiatsu is its positive effect on posture. Consistent sessions can help realign the spine and correct postural imbalances. This aspect is particularly beneficial for individuals who experience chronic back pain due to poor posture or spinal issues.
- Stress Relief: Ashiatsu also offers profound relief from stress. The deep, consistent pressure applied during the massage helps to relax muscles and release built-up tension, promoting a sense of tranquility and well-being. The holistic nature of Ashiatsu, informed by principles of traditional Chinese medicine, aims to balance the body’s energy, contributing to overall mental and physical relaxation.
- Enhanced Athletic Performance: Athletes, in particular, may find Ashiatsu extremely beneficial. The deep tissue work helps release muscular knots and alleviate stiffness, improving overall flexibility and performance. Athletes often require significant pressure to address muscular issues, and Ashiatsu delivers this effectively.
- Reduces chronic pain and aches: Ashiatsu massage is a deep tissue compression massage through the use of the therapist’s feet. What that means is that this technique manipulates the deeper layers of soft tissue to help loosen the tissues, which helps in chronic pain reduction. This massage’s compressive stokes help flush out the inflammation that causes pain. Adhesions and tight connective tissues create much of our discomfort, which is why our therapists focused on reducing these pressures during an Ashiatsu session.
- Increases flexibility and circulation: Want the benefits of a long stretching or yoga session without all the hard work? Our massage therapists, specially educated in this technique, can help you out. The feet play a significant role in Ashiatsu massage; not only do they allow the therapist to pinpoint deep tissues, but the use of feet also allows therapists to use gravity to their advantage. The long gravity-assisted stokes can broaden and lengthen the muscle fibers in the body, creating more flexibility. Tissues of the body are also often stretched in two different ways during the massage, helping scar tissues and adhesions recover, increasing circulation and flexibility. Runners often find the Ashiatsu method helpful for stabilizing and keeping the knees and hips flexible.
- Provides the deepest tissue therapy: When you receive a typical deep tissue massage, a therapist will use thumbs, elbows, hands, and other body parts to reach deep tissues. Ashiatsu techniques allow our massage therapists to get the same level, and more, of deepness with just the use of their feet. The secret is their use of gravity that was mentioned above. This also allows the therapist to retain that deep pressure longer than in standard deep tissue massages. With the longer and deeper strokes come long-lasting effects on your body. Even after the massage is over, your body will continue to increase the circulation of the blood and lymphatic systems. With these effects still taking place, many clients admit to feeling just as relaxed hours after the massage is over. Since the deepest tissues have been manipulated and the body is effectively recovering, the overall effects last longer than a traditional deep tissue.
- Decreases stress and tension: Massage therapies of all kinds can help the body let go of the stress it is holding. However, no other massage application has been proven to enhance the state of nirvana and the level of calm as Ashiatsu. These massage techniques reduce levels of cortisol, the body’s primary stress hormone. Positive effects of lowered heart rate, decreased tension, and overall mental health have all been connected with Ashiatsu massages.
Risks and Considerations
While Ashiatsu holds numerous benefits, it is equally important to be aware of potential risks. Here are the primary concerns:
- Risk of Injury: Given the intense pressure applied during an Ashiatsu session, there is a risk of injury if the therapist is not adequately trained. Incorrect application of pressure can lead to bruising, muscle damage, or exacerbation of pre-existing conditions. It is crucial to ensure that practitioners are certified and experienced to minimize the risk of injury.
- Not Suitable for All Conditions: Ashiatsu may not be suitable for individuals with certain medical conditions. People with osteoporosis, varicose veins, high blood pressure, and certain cardiovascular conditions should avoid this type of massage. Additionally, pregnant women should refrain from Ashiatsu due to the potential risk to both mother and fetus.
- Discomfort During the Session: For some individuals, the deep pressure applied during an Ashiatsu session can be uncomfortable or even painful. It is essential for clients to communicate their pain thresholds and comfort levels to the therapist to avoid undue discomfort.
Other Types of Massage
If you are worried about back walking massage, there are some other alternative types of massage techniques for those who have worries about it.
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- Thai Massage: Thai massage incorporates yoga-like stretches to reduce stress and improve circulation. Advocates claim that this gradual, gentle stretching will enhance the person’s flexibility over time, allowing a greater range of motion.
- Foot Massage: Targeting pressure points in the feet, this practice not only promotes relaxation but also contributes to overall wellness.
- Chinese Massage: Rooted in traditional Chinese medicine, this massage technique aims to restore balance and harmony to the body’s energy pathways.
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