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 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.
More information on ashiatsu training at Bodywork By Design.

Visit the Ashiatsu Oriental Bar Therapy® national site.