Although the Japanese term "Ashiatsu" is used in the trade name, the technique Ashiatsu Oriental Bar Therapy® and its application are very different. I looked up the root word “Ashi” in a Japanese Dictionary one day and it means "foot" and "Atsu" means "pressure", so together they symbolize foot pressure. Only a few forms of barefoot massage use the hands above the head. We discuss many healing art forms combined with historic photos from Eastern Asia to the Pacific Rim during the Barefoot Basics course.

The roots of Ashiatsu Oriental Bar Therapy® came first from the Philippines and then from India. This American adaptation has become truly a western phenomenon.

It wouldn't be ethical if I didn't pay homage to that tour day in 1967 of the Menora Hotel (that my parents had to drag me to) in Manila. Or thank my lucky stars for that exact moment in 1969 walking out the Pashupatinath Temple in Kathmandu. Both of these visions watching a person hold on to something over their head to massage with their feet became what I call "my unconscious dream symbol" which stayed tucked away in my brain for 23 years.  Read more in the "Founder's Vision".

Our application of this barefoot massage technique uses deep compression effleurage strokes that glide over the body. Bars are used above the head for balance and  lubricant is essential for its purest application. We combine flowing centrifugal and centripetal force and also incorporate push, pull, pumping effleurage movements. The results relieve symptoms of chronic soft tissue damage and in some cases when we're lucky, a structural change.

We feel our modality-technique has enhanced the careers of hundreds of therapists who suffer from lumbar pain, wrist and hand problems. The Barefoot Basics first level course is where everyone starts learning fundamentals and contraindications. No matter how large or small, we will train you to deliver safe and effective one footed Swedish protocols to just about anyone on the planet. We will show you various ways to give consistent, deep, luxurious Swedish style compression using your feet with pleasure, client after client and enjoy your career as a therapist for years to come.
 
Important:
Techniques described herein should not be applied by persons who have not taken the course. The success of the procedures depends on their correct use. Improper application of the techniques described in this website can result in injury.