top of page

The Ultimate Guide to Ashiatsu Barefoot Massage: What You Need to Know

Updated: Oct 12

Are you familiar with Ashiatsu Barefoot Massage? It's a different kind of massage gaining popularity due to its therapeutic benefits and unique technique. Bull City Soles has you covered if you're in Durham, North Carolina, seeking a more holistic approach to pain relief, or want a deeper pressure massage to relax. 



Ashiatsu Deep Tissue Massage near me

Different forms of barefoot bodywork, involving using feet to apply deep, consistent pressure to the body, have been traced back thousands of years to many countries and cultures. The Westernized version is known as ashiatsu, barefoot massage, or ashiatsu barefoot massage.


Bull City Soles in Durham, North Carolina, offers this exceptional bodywork for those seeking a more holistic approach to pain relief or a deeply relaxing experience. This comprehensive guide provides a detailed overview of Ashiatsu Barefoot Massage, including its benefits and technique.


What is Ashiatsu Barefoot Massage?


Barefoot Massage is a form of massage therapy in which the therapist applies pressure using their feet instead of their hands on large posterior muscles such as the hamstrings and back. Some people call it "back walking," but it is SO much more than that!


This approach allows the therapist to use their body weight to deliver deeper pressure that is more effective in relieving tension and pain. It has gained popularity among individuals seeking alternative forms of pain relief, particularly those who prefer a more holistic approach to healthcare.


Bull City Soles is a reputable establishment that has been offering its clients Barefoot Massage for over twenty years. The massage therapists are highly trained and experienced in this modality, ensuring that clients receive optimal benefits from the massage. The establishment offers a relaxing and comfortable atmosphere that promotes a sense of tranquility and rejuvenation.


"My husband & I were searching for a new massage place. We preferred it be local, & especially wanted a place where they attend to your individual needs & really make a difference. BULL CITY SOLES, in Durham, NC, is all of these things & more! ASHIATSU massage was something I had never experienced before. It is incredible! Ashiatsu is beyond any other massage experience I have ever had - using a strong base knowledge of anatomy & physiology, all parts of the feet (& sometimes the hands), some gravity & some physics! I CANNOT RECOMMEND THIS PLACE HIGHLY ENOUGH!!!" Google Review Heather D.

Owner and Advanced Rolfer® Julie Marciniak trains and mentors our barefoot massage therapists in-house. She has 32 years of bodywork experience, 22 years of barefoot massage experience, and has been teaching other massage therapists this unique modality for 17 years.


So, what sets Ashiatsu Barefoot Massage apart from other massage modalities? 


The answer lies in its unique method of application. Therapists can use their feet to deliver broader strokes and deeper pressure than traditional hand massage. This distinctive approach allows for a more comprehensive release of muscle tension and knots, leading to profound relaxation, recovery, and relief.


One of the key benefits of Ashiatsu Barefoot Massage is its ability to target deep-seated muscle tension and address chronic pain. Whether you're dealing with back pain, shoulder tightness, or stress-related tension, this technique can offer significant relief by accessing the deeper layers of muscle tissue.


For sports enthusiasts and active individuals, barefoot massage improves flexibility and range of motion, reduces inflammation, and promotes better sleep.


Furthermore, Barefoot Ashiatsu Massage is renowned for improving circulation and assisting lymphatic drainage. The rhythmic pressure applied by the therapist's feet helps to stimulate blood flow, allowing oxygen and nutrients to reach areas of the body that may be stagnant or restricted.


Ashiatsu Barefoot Massage applies deep pressure, yet it is not painful. This is because the broad surface of the foot evenly distributes the deep pressure, making it a very comfortable experience. Unlike the use of a pokey elbow or knuckles, many clients find the massage incredibly relaxing. They often drift into a deep state of relaxation or even fall asleep during the session.


What to Expect During Your Ashiatsu Barefoot Massage Session.


During a Barefoot Massage session, your therapist will discuss your medical history and any areas of concern before the massage begins, allowing them to customize the treatment to your needs. Once the massage starts, you will lie comfortably on a massage table while the therapist uses their feet to apply pressure to your body. You can fully undress for a gliding compression massage while being draped by sheets, or choose our Stretching Therapy session, where you wear comfortable yoga-like clothing for compression and stretching.  


Woman receiving Ashiatsu Barefoot Massage

If you've booked an hour-long massage to relax, the therapist may begin the session in a prone position, face down, and start at your feet, moving up the legs, hips, and back. Then, the therapist will turn you over supine to work the anterior legs, hips, and arms. Upper neck and trapezius work may be performed with the feet or the hands. However, the anterior neck and face, being more delicate areas that need less pressure and more precision, will be massaged by the therapist's hands. 


If you are seeking clinical treatment for chronic pain or recovery, your massage therapist can use a side-lying position to address often neglected and hard-to-reach areas of the body. During the massage, the therapist may apply prolonged, sustained pressure to trigger points or adhered layers of tissue and use deep myofascial strokes on the anterior and lateral sides of the body.


At Bull City Soles, our barefoot massages range from 30 to 90 minutes, allowing you to customize your experience and suit your budget. Sessions start at $60 for a 30-minute massage. We have convenient online scheduling via the BOOK NOW button above so you can see what's available without waiting for a phone call. We also have a waitlist you can join for last-minute cancellations when we are booked and you're trying to get in fast.


 

In conclusion, Barefoot Massage at Bull City Soles in Durham, NC, offers a holistic approach to wellness, addressing both physical and mental aspects of health. If you're ready to experience the rejuvenating benefits of this ancient healing art, book your appointment with Bull City Soles today and embark on a journey to total relaxation and well-being.

bottom of page