Ashiatsu is a form of bodywork that mostly utilizes foot pressure on the body of the patient to reach a sense of total relaxation. Although this type of therapy is known for using the foot as primary tool in treating the client, it also includes various techniques of elbows, knees and hand manipulations on certain areas of the body.

The history of ashiatsu can be traced in Japan in the lineage and tradition of Macrobiotic which was developed by Shizuko Yamamoto. Also known as Shizuko Yamamoto’s barefoot; it uses specific techniques to balance the energy system of the client to attain good health and healing. This type of therapy also implies the traditional Chinese medicine in its treatment with the use of dietary patterns, herbal medicines and forms of meditation on the patient. Ashiatsu was later on developed by Ruthie Hardee as a form of relaxing massage therapy.

Ashiatsu is used on the patient’s body to unblock clogged pathways where the life force flows throughout the body. The main objective of this therapy is to work on the various body meridians with the use of the foot and hands. The end result of this manipulation is the balancing of the energy within the body which is believed to hold the key to a good health.

This technique utilizes both shiatsu and Swedish massage therapy which are known for calming the body and removing body pains. Shiatsu is a Japanese style of massage therapy that focuses on applying pressure on the deep tissue of the body while Swedish massage works best for delivering soothing strokes for calming the whole body. This combination is good for removing back pain, neck pain and other muscle pains as well as for comforting the physical and mental condition of the client.

When maintained regularly, the patient can expect:

– Improved Immune System – ashiatsu is effective in boosting the immunity of the body in order to fight off and prevent disease.

– Improve Circulation – the combined techniques of acupressure, shiatsu and Swedish massage helps a lot in giving the body a good flow of blood and oxygen which maintain good body condition. This is great for preventing medical conditions such as high blood pressure and respiratory problems.

– Relaxed Muscles – adhesions within the patient’s body are removed during sessions of ashiatsu. Muscles are relaxed due to the release of tensions on stiff muscle areas that are formed due to stress and overuse.

– Total Body Relaxation – this is definitely one of the primary goal of ashiatsu therapy. The combination of various therapies results to this wonderful effect in the body.

– Improves the Mood – the soft massage strokes stimulates the nervous system of the patient’s body during the therapy which in return contributes to the improvement of the mood of the client.

Ashiatsu can be enjoyed on massage spas not only for treatment but as a form of pleasure. When searching for a therapist, see to it that he or she is licensed and that you are comfortable with the massage therapist.

Author Bio: I write for TIR Massage Stone, the leading hot stone massage kit supplies provider. They carry products such as massage stones, as well as many other accessories for hot and cold stone therapy.

Category: Wellness, Fitness and Diet
Keywords: hot stone massage kit, hot stone massage