Saturday, June 26, 2010

Ashiatsu massages with Sole: Part 4

Ruthie Hardee and her team of dedicated instructors currently teach four classes in barefoot massage: Barefoot Basics, Anterior/Sidelying, Advanced Ashiatsu, and the all new Ashi-Thai!

The Barefoot Basics workshop is one footed strokes suited for the posterior side of the client's body. Any therapist with grace and coordination can learn these strokes, and she or he learn to shift body weight according to the client's needs. In Anterior/Side-Lying, the massage therapist learns both clinical side lying work as well as a luxurious spa approach to the anterior side of the client's body. The client's eyes are comfortably covered during this anterior massage, and all neck and pectoral work is done with the LMT seated on a stool. Arms and legs are included in the anterior protocol as well.

The Advanced Ashiatsu class, previously known as the separate Deepfeet 2 and Fusion workshops, teaches the massage therapist to use his or her entire body weight in two footed posterior strokes and blend them with flow into the basic one footed moves. Therapists need good upper arm and core strength to give this wonderful two footed massage. 

Our newest course, Ashi-Thai, was developed by Ruthie Hardee and Kina Ueda, one of her Associate Instructors, is an expression of traditional Thai techniques and exercises that have been modified to use with bars on the ceiling for the therapists stability, support and balance.  Ashi-Thai massage is performed with the client fully clothed, without any oils or creams. This flowing and rhythmic approach was developed for any bodyworker who wants to stretch and loosen their client before a massage. As a compliment to any Ashiatsu session, or as a stand alone treatment, these combinations of techniques have been arranged following traditional energy lines and stretches for elongating and relieving tightness in commonly used muscles groups.

As author Toby Osborne says, "Of course, whether you try Ashiatsu because you want to recharge your chi or relax your body, barefoot massage has an illustrious past that's worth celebrating."

If you're interested in trying Ashiatsu Oriental Bar Therapy (otherwise known as AOBT), Hardee's website Deepfeet.com has a therapist locator service for all the states with certified Ashiatsu therapists. Not all AOBT therapists choose to list on the site, but you can always contact Ruthie at Ruthie@deepfeet.com if you can't find a certified Ashiatsu therapist in your area.

Ashiatsu with Ruthie Hardie (Founder)

Sunday, June 13, 2010

Ashiatsu massages with Sole: Part 3

Please see the previous Ashiatsu blog posts for Part 1 & 2 of this article. 

"What I like about barefoot massage," says fan Scot Voss of Cincinnati, "is that it's so much softer than regular massage. I don't have to worry about pointy elbows and fingers. In fact, it's really deep and relaxing all at the same time."

In fact, many spas throughout the country list Ashiatsu Oriental Bar Therapy on their menu. Canyon Ranch health spas offer this style of barefoot massage in their locations in Tuscon, AZ, Lenox, MA, onboard the Queen Mary 2 cruise ship as well as at the Venetian, Bellagio and Aria Hotel's in Las Vegas. Ashiatsu can also be found at prestigious massage spas such as Urban Oasis in Chicago. The Insider's Guide "Best of the Rockies" lists Ashiatsu massage at Park Kyatt Beaver Creek as one of the "Most Memorable."

Sports enthusiasts and professional athletes who require deep work are typically harder for massage therapists to work on because of their muscle density. But by using gravity assisted effleurage, trained therapists can saave some energy, reduce fatigue and save their wrists by performing this style of barefoot effleurage. In fact, the September/October 2007 issue of Luxury Spa Finder list Ashiatsu Oriental Bar Therapy as their "ultimate skier's massage."

Stick around for Part 4 with more on this article- stay tuned!

Posted via email from Deep Foot Notes

Wednesday, June 2, 2010

Ashiatsu massages with Sole: Part 2

Please see the previous Ashiatsu blog post for Part 1 of this article.

While other forms of ashiatsu take into consideration breathing patterns, chi, and other energetic work, AOBT focuses on muscle and bone. Purely the application of the work, not the theory. Many orthopedic surgeons, chiropractors and physicians across the nation are fans of Hardee's style of barefoot massage. As Dr. Eric Dieffenbaugher, owner of Progressive Chiropractic Health and Wellness in Fairfield, Ohio says, "Ashiatsu is a wonderful adjunct to chiropratic car, in particular in regards to patients with lumbar disc problems because of it's deep compression and ability to traction out the spine." 

This Western style of barefoot massage can be very deep but can also be modified for those who don't like as much pressure. While contraindicated for such clients as those who have uncontrolled blood pressure, women who are pregnant or are trying to conceive, and those on heavy blood thinners, this massage treatment can be very helpful for those clients with chronic low back pain. It's known to help improve posture, relieve pain and yet do it in a gentle but deep fashion.

Part 3 is coming soon - stay tuned!

Posted via email from Deep Foot Notes