Fasci-Ashi: "Hip Sweep/Swoop/Swirl""

"Fasci-Ashi"... as in Fascia+Ashiatsu=Fasci-Ashi.   

(And you thought you finally figured out how to pronounce "Ashiatsu", now I throw a curve ball at you!) 
I'd like to talk about what ~I see~ is happening during the strokes that we teach in our Barefoot Basics class. In my head, I call this work "Fasci-Ashi"... as in Fascia+Ashiatsu=Fasci-Ashi.  (A true "Jeni-ism" term that I'm pretty proud of, no matter how cheesy it sounds!) 
An amazing thing about Ashiatsu is that although it’s billed as a westernized luxurious adaptation of eastern styles of barefoot massage, the therapeutic benefits of its modern and ancient roots are working synergistically – you just need to know what to look for within the strokes to understand how to use it strategically in more clinical applications.
So to stir things up, periodically I'll post this series of Fasci-Ashi's, each one on a different aspect of our modality.

The "Hip Sweep/Swoop/Swirl" series of strokes from our beginner class: 

Focusing on the strokes from our introductory level class that deal directly with the spine, I’ll start with what I see is happening during the Hip Sweep/Swoop/Swirl series, which addresses thick connective tissues of the Lumbodorsal Fascia.
Working this area of the low back and hips starts a chain reaction of relaxation throughout the entire body. Gliding effleurage barefoot compressions and multidirectional frictions to the sacrum and surrounding areas will gently mobilize the web of deep and superficial membranes – increasing range of motion and tissue rejuvenation, naturally assisting a passive realignment of the Sacro-Iliac joints and pubic symphasis. Prolonged compressions will heat, stretch and energize connective tissues while also activating the parasympathetic nervous system as the body gently attunes itself. Passive jostling as we exit the stroke helps the client feel an effortless freedom of movement, encouraging a release of deep physical holding patterns.

Gliding effleurage, multidirectional friction, compression, and jostling. All in Ashiatsu? Yep.  

Sound Scrumtrulescent?!!? This is only 1 stroke of the many we have to offer! This will feel amazing to your client and is very gentle on your own body. If you haven't felt an Ashiatsu session from one of our Certified Alumni, maybe it's time you do!
You can learn how to do these strokes in any Fundamentals class taught by our authorized instructors on the FasciAshi Instructor team, listed here

Stay tuned and I'll periodically tell you more of what I see is structurally happening in each Ashi stroke we do.

Jeni Spring has been an instructor of Ashiatsu since 2008, and is the owner of Heeling Sole Barefoot Massage in San Antonio, Texas. She rides scooters and watches Roller Derby. 

Jeni Spring, LMT, MTI

TexasAshiatsu.com  

Do I have to be a small / petite person to learn Ashiatsu?

Do I have to be a small / petite person to learn FasciAshi Barefoot Massage?
Not at all!  There are no height or weight requirements for our Fundamentals class.  Some of our graduates are 150-220 pounds and are as smooth and gentle as can be.  It's really more about fluidity and flow.

We developed this work a long time ago to accomodate all therapists by creating different program levels.  The skills taught in Fundamentals and the Intermediate workshops can be done by anyone.  You only have one foot on the body when you're standing so you are in complete control of your pressure at all times.
We do recommend a certain level of coordination so your delivery will be  "sensational" and not received as "mediocre".
Here's some feedback from a male therapist who recently took the beginner level training:

"Until you actually try doing ashiatsu, it's a complete mystery what role therapist weight plays. I know some male therapists that are on the heavier side and would probably have a hard time doing more than one or two pull-ups, but I don't think they'd have any problem here.  So if I were asked, after my training, what's the real scoop regarding weight/strength and one-foot ashiatsu, I'd make the following points:

1) unless the therapist is really clumsy or heavy enough to damage the massage table while the client is on it, weight simply isn't an issue.  

2) the strength needed to moderate foot pressure doesn't come solely from the arms/upper body - much of

it comes from the core.  In my case, I found that my core got twice the workout of the upper body. I found that most of the time I could freely shift work between the arms and the core if one or the other got fatigued.  

3) the larger male foot distributes pressure over a larger area which also seems to make weight less of a concern."

So, if you've been hesitant to sign up for a class, we encourage you to contact one of our instructors to discuss your concerns. There are some simple outlines that we can go over to show what kind of balance and skill will be required in class to see if it will be a good fit for you. (For example: you should have enough balance to stand on a stool and stand on a massage table.)

Check our National schedule for an upcoming class near you: http://barefootmassagecenter.com/classes.

Cindy Iwlew has been an instructor in Michigan for

Ashiatsu since 2007.

She continues to operate her own private massage practice of 13 years and also co-owns Bodywork Buddy Massage Software.

For more information on Ashiatsu classes in Michigan and ChicagoLand, visit www.bodyworkbydesign.net.