Introductory - 3 days - 25 CE - $595
Pre-requisite: Therapist understands anatomy and physiology.

Therapists will be trained in one footed posterior protocols and be shown how to safely complete the treatment by balancing the client back to a homeostatic state of well being. This 3 day introductory course is designed to teach massage professionals how to administer the ultimate barefoot effleurage application. There are some fitness level /weight restrictions associated with taking Barefoot Basics class. The work may look easy through photos but in reality, it takes strength, balance and coordination to deliver the application with flow and grace. If your weight is over 180 pounds and you would like to register for Barefoot Basics, please contact Cindy prior to registration to discuss what is expected of you. We are happy to discuss through photos and verbal description of the upper arm and core strength you will need to participate & deliver a comfortable session to your receiving partner The parallel bars suspended from the ceiling are used for balance, control and leverage.

The Barefoot Basics Certification program is (3 days) from 8:45 am. to 5:30 pm. You do not have to take advance classes to deliver a one hour luxurious deep tissue massage. Our famous one footed posterior sequences combined with the anterior “spa” finish taught in the (1) day Anterior/Side-lying workshop, is a marvelous 60 or 90 minute session. The outline for Barefoot Basic is: theory and lecture focuses on history of barefoot massage, cautions, contraindications, safe body mechanics for the therapist and receiving partner, proper draping, construction and design of bars in the treatment room, marketing the technique to your clients and foot hygiene. A full and rich program to say the least! During your study with us, you will feel every single stroke from your instructor. You will have an opportunity to work on the instructor as well. On the final day, we provide a public clinic/practical for the ultimate in learning retention. Making sure you are safely up and operational before you leave the workshop, has been our acclaimed reputation for years. We set the standards when it comes to barefoot bar work and we deliver the best organized and supervised hands-on seminar in the industry.

Massage therapists come in all shapes and sizes. Our teaching methodologies are designed to work with each practitioner’s skill level, physical characteristics and learning style.

Barefoot Basics Course Outline:

• Ashiatsu Oriental Bar Therapy® theory and the major body systems.
• Repetitive use hand techniques in relationship to barefoot Swedish techniques.
• Contraindications of deep compression massage.
• Installation and materials for designing and constructing your bars in any situation from commercial drop in ceilings to spas and wellness centers.
• History overview of barefoot massage techniques and the countries they are indigenous to.
• Draping style and proper bolstering for clients.
• Self care for barefoot practitioner in regards to body mechanics using gravitational force.
• Personal foot hygiene and appropriate table etiquette for therapist and client.

Barefoot Basics class schedule

There are no height or weight requirements for taking Barefoot Basics as you are only using one foot at a time. We ask that you are flexible enough to get up & down, on & off a 24 inch stool quickly and easily from the floor. You should feel comfortable with your inner thigh strength and flexibility. Start conditioning 4 weeks prior to your workshop to gain the maximum benefits of delivering the modality. You’ll need some fluid and expressive hips for this work. The motion of your feet starts with your hips. Practice hula or go salsa dancing to get your hips rolling and moving! Working s-l-o-w-l-y- and gracefully is very important when leveraging your weight to do this deep tissue massage.

If you love doing this modality and wish to return for advance training in Deepfeet Two, you will need upper arm strength and core strength. We will show you the strength necessary during barefoot basics to return for advance classes.

The art of learning to effleurage with the feet is physically intense and a successful learning environment depends on a “team-operation” style workshop. Further, if you have any problems with sight, hearing, recent injuries, learning disabilities, language barriers or any situation that may interfere with other therapists’ learning process, please contact Cindy. We want to discuss your situation prior to signing up for the workshop so we can discuss modifications necessary to make the workshop accessible for you. Our main focus is on a quality workshop experience for all.