I've recently discovered a way of doing massage that's far superior to anything I've done or experienced before... it's called Ashiatsu Oriental Bar Therapy. With AOBT, you get more from each and every massage. Deeper layers of tissue are reached, but with an increased comfort level not typically associated with "deep tissue" massage. Your muscles are relaxed and stretched with gentle, flowing strokes, and the spinal column is elongated with compression traction, naturally creating more space between the vertebrae, and creating a push-pull pumping effect that rehydrates spinal discs more than traditional massage does. Circulation is increased at a deeper level in the layers of muscle and fascia, bringing freshly oxygenated blood to starved tissues.
What does it feel like?
AOBT is known as "the deepest and most luxurious massage on the planet". But don't let the deep part fool you! Traditional deep tissue massage can be painful, bony, pokey, sharp, and has even left clients bruised. By contrast, AOBT can get even deeper, but far more comfortably. Even clients who shy away from deep pressure love AOBT! The long flowing strokes ease you into a deep state of relaxation and feel absolutely luxurious, but at the same time are perfect for athletes and others in need of serious therapeutic work.
"Sooooo much better than 'deep tissue'. I feel looser."
-Pam Bauer, Denver
Who is it for?
Most people can benefit from AOBT, though there are a few contraindications (like pregnancy). Because of the techniques used, people may find that their gluts, hips, hamstrings and low back benefit more with Ashi than with any other massage they've had in the past. That makes it an ideal massage for skiers, bicyclists, runners, and people with chronic low back pain. It also allows me to get into the shoulder and upper trap area with much greater effectiveness. If your shoulders feel like they're creeping up to your ears, this is the massage for you!
If you have any questions about specific health issues and whether AOBT would be right for you, please contact me, and we can chat about specifics.
"Just wanted to thank you so much for the wonderful Ashiatsu massage. The whole experience was so relaxing. I love the feel of a deeper massage, but still without any after pain. I felt much looser afterwards. While I do so enjoy the feel of a regular massage, especially with the hot stones and aromatherapy, the Ashiatsu massage is definitely one I will continue to have as often as possible. The atmosphere in the room is very soothing and relaxing and I feel very safe and secure in your experience with both the regular massage and the Ashiatsu massage and always know that I am going to have a wonderful time and a great feeling afterwards."
~Karen Cook, Lafayette, Colorado
What is it, exactly?
AOBT is a style of massage where the therapist uses his or her bare feet to provide pressure instead of their hands. Overhead bars are used both for balance and to help regulate pressure. Because of the bars, and the ability to have one foot on the table while the other is on the client, the pressure, while it has the ability to be deep, is completely customizable. Because the foot is a wider tool, more tissue is accessed at once, allowing for a comfortable compression effect.
Despite the name, Ashiatsu Oriental Bar Therapy is not a traditional Asian technique. The use of the bars and feet are Asian, but it is primarily a Western style of massage, similar to Swedish massage. However, we do borrow a tool from the Asian Anma therapy, so it's really an East-meets-West modality.
"When I first heard that you were offering Ashiatsu, I was a bit skeptical to say the least. The idea of receiving a massage where the primary modality is by using the feet, is well, kinda weird. However the more I thought about it, I became intrigued. It wasn't until I was talking with a co-worker about the idea, and he mentioned that he loves it when his grade school daughter walks on his back, that it clicked. Way COOL!!
While receiving the massage, it was incredible! This was better then any previous deep tissue massage. There seems to be a unique characteristic with Ashiatsu that is unlike traditional deep tissue using the hands. The ability to get deep into the larger muscles where so much stress and tension resides is incredible. When getting the work done, I would find myself drifting off into semi euphoric state. I felt like a ton of weight was being removed from my soul.
The following day, I found that my back, hips, and legs were slightly sore, akin to a good workout. Awesome!!
I will definitely be coming back for more Ashiatsu!!! Thanks so much!"
-Adam Bechtold, Arvada
"Ewww... feet?"
If right about now you're thinking "I'm not sure I want someone touching me with their feet", let me assure you that I'm not walking around barefoot and then massaging you with my feet. Just like I do with my hands before a traditional massage, my feet are always cleaned immediately before and after each session. Once my feet have been cleaned they won't touch the floor. I use sandals that I can slip on and off to walk on the floor, and the sandals get sanitized between each client as well. In addition, I keep my feet immaculately pedicured so they're always wonderfully soft. In fact, my pampered peds are softer than my hands! Every client I've done an Ashi session on comments that it didn't feel anything like feet. And rest assured, I'll still use my hands for facial and scalp massage.
I know it's hard to visualize, so I've included a video below. The video isn't me, but it'll until I get my own video up here it'll give you a REALLY good idea of what to expect.
Also, if you're a "research geek" like I am, check out the digital lounge on Ruthie Hardee's (the founder of AOBT and one of my instructors) website. Bottom line though, you've just got to try this technique! ~When you do, you may NEVER want a massage from someone's hands again!
"I just wanted to say thank you very much for all the wonderful healing work you have performed on me throughout the years. I have really enjoyed all your wonderful work! Thank You! Thank You! Thank You! When you decided to follow your heart and learn a new modality of massage it really didn't surprise me because I know you are always trying to improve your skills and your practice. I really appreciate that about you! So when you said you were learning a new way of healing called ashi, that uses the feet to massage rather than your hands, my first reaction was 'but I like your hands'. At the time what I didn't realize is that your feet can heal too! So when you practiced this new modality on me I realized how powerful feet can be in the healing process as well! I have always said you have healing hands and now I believe that you have healing feet too!
One of the things that I experienced is some great release of some tightness that I had been holding on to. Your feet are real smooth almost like an elephant trunk. I felt myself drifting off to another world. This type of massage is refreshing and very beneficial. It also felt like I was getting a deep tissue without the soreness that sometimes follows a deeper massage. I like that you can still use essential oils and hot stones in this type of massage. Those are some this I like about your signature massage! I usually go in for an adjustment from the chiropractor or else I seem to have repeating headaches but after experiencing this type of massage my headaches have decreased. Thank you so much for your beautiful work Rachel! Look forward to seeing you soon!"
-Jessica Opfer-Bechtold, Arvada
Is Ashi right you?
Interested in trying Ashi? Click here for a list of conditions that would make AOBT inappropriate for you to make sure.
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