Known as one of the most luxurious massages you can get an Ashi (barefoot) massage is designed for athletes and those over 260 pounds. Muscular people get this type of massage to experience the deepest pressure possible. It's deeper than any other massage treatment and offers a great option for low back pain.

What is Ashi?

Short for Ashiatsu, which means foot pressure in Japanese, Ashi is a barefoot massage technique. It's used to deliver the deepest massage through broad and consistent pressure from the feet and the bodyweight of the person giving the massage.

With an Ashi massage, the massage therapist will work with gravity instead of against it to provide a therapeutic massage. It won't come with discomfort or pain for the therapist or the client. Often, oil or cream will be used in this type of massage, too, and parallel bars to hold the therapist up and gain better balance above the table.

Benefits of an Ashi (Barefoot) Massage

1. Helps Free Bundled Nerves

As the therapist moves along the paraspinal and the lumbar region, they can open up the intervertebral foreman and help to relieve muscle spasms. This provides more room for the nerves, which can help with circulation in the area, as well.

2. Detoxified

As the muscles are elongated from a barefoot massage, the body can also detoxify. Shortened muscles can be stretched, which can also help the body's lymphatic system release toxins throughout the treatment. It's necessary to drink plenty of water before and after this type of massage due to the detoxifying effects.

3. Very Deep Tissue with No Discomfort

Sometimes, getting the deep tissue work you need requires the massage therapist to use their thumbs and elbows. This can be rather painful and can cause discomfort.

With an Ashi massage, you don't have to worry about this as the therapist can deliver up to three times the pressure without using pointy elbows. They will use their feet and bodyweight to deliver the pressure, which can help to relieve chronic tension.

4. Better Posture

Getting a barefoot massage can also help to improve your posture. It can help to eliminate chronic muscle pain and give you a better sense of balance. With one treatment per week for about six weeks, you can get excellent results.

While an Ashi (Barefoot) massage comes with many benefits, it's not for everybody. This treatment should not be used for those trying to conceive or already pregnant, those with a compromised immune system, or anybody that has been recently injured. If you have high blood pressure or you're on specific medications, this is not the right treatment for you, either.

If you want the deepest possible massage and you suffer from chronic muscle pain, barefoot massage therapy might be right for you. It's designed to help athletes and is often used on very muscular people. Massage Theory offers this type of massage treatment in Jacksonville. When you need to rid your body of pain, let us help you choose the right therapy for your needs.