Ashiatsu

Ashiatsu was developed in 1995 by massage therapist Ruthie Hardee. Ashiatsu comes from the Japanese words ashi (foot) and atsu (pressure), and is an ancient form of bodywork associated with traditional Shiatsu and some dynamics of traditional Chinese medicine.

There are distinct differences between Ashiatsu and Ashiatsu Oriental Bar Therapy. Clients lie on massage tables, while practitioners perform Swedish Massage massage with their feet by utilizing two overhead stationary bars to maintain balance and control.

Because therapists can also perform Deep Tissue work using Ashiatsu Oriental Bar Therapy, this technique can help extend a therapist's career by alleviating hand and extremity pain associated with performing more demanding forms of bodywork.