Although the roots of Ashiatsu Oriental Bar Therapy® came from the Far East, this American adaptation is truly a western phenomenon. 

This barefoot massage technique uses deep compression effleurage strokes that glide over the body. It combines flowing centrifugal and centripetal push, pull, pumping movements which can create a structural change in chronic soft tissue damage. Bars are used above the head for balance and lubricant is essential for its purest application.

This deep compression effleurage course using bars on the ceiling was the first of its kind approved by the National Certification Board for Massage & Bodywork in 1995. Protocols and sequences were created as a result from the founder’s own scoliosis and disk pain associated with bending over to deliver deep tissue massage to her clients.

This modality-technique has enhanced the careers of hundreds of therapists who suffer from lumbar pain, wrist and hand problems. Hardee pioneered gravity assisted barefoot-bar massage treatments used in today’s spa and massage industry and invented the Hardee-Ashiatsu Portable Bar apparatus, which is currently used world wide.

Although the Japanese term "Ashiatsu" is used in the trade name, the technique Ashiatsu Oriental Bar Therapy® and its application are very different.  The root word “Ashi” 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, and some of these healing art forms can be found from Eastern Asia to the Pacific Rim.

This form of gravity assisted barefoot effleurage was created to help any massage therapist who desires to specialize in deep tissue work without the tremendous strain on their hands and body. Therapists both male and female who are small and petite in nature will benefit greatly from this work. We have designed our course study with modifications so that any therapist, no matter their size, can deliver save and effective barefoot effleurage to just about anyone on the planet. With this workshop, you will be able to deliver a consistent, deep, luxurious Swedish style massage 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.