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Author page: Jeni Spring, LMT, BCSI

National Massage Therapy Awareness Week: 2023

Resources for you to use to educate your immediate circles on the benefits of Massage AND ways to help YOU be more aware within your Barefoot Massage sessions.

First off, welcome to this years National Massage Therapy Awareness Week! This long holiday is our professions chance to spend an ENTIRE DEDICATED WEEK to promote the health benefits of massage therapy and their practices.

If you need some facts to share with your local community, follow these links for great resources to pull from:

OK, now lets get to the juicy part:

Our tips to tune into your own awareness while giving a Barefoot Massage session.

Pulling from the resources listed above, we noticed that according to the national consumer survey from the AMTA, & & . It’s important to recognize here that a well-informed Barefoot Massage COULD be perfect for many elements of injury treatment & pain management – depending on the person & situation …both client & therapist.⁣

This doesn’t just automatically happen when you put a foot on someone. & strategically . FasciAshi is Myofascial, Neuromuscular & Stretch Therapy techniques meant to be individually sequenced as needed for each person underfoot. No two appointments are the same. The more you learn, the more barefoot technique vocabulary & reasoning skills you’ll have to customize for these clients: it just needs to be put into practice to elevate the outcomes.

SO how can you pull details out of your massage education resources from the Center for Barefoot Massage and work with more attention on your intention?

If you’ve attended any of our Center for Barefoot Massage classes already, review your manuals & check out some of the “Why’s” & the anatomical focus points to help pick strokes that work for each client individually this week. Don’t do every stroke you’ve ever learned: just do the ones they “knead!” Next, ⁣check into the mindfulness lists from our Intermediate, ROM and Advanced class manuals to hone in on the intent of your stroke as needed for the person.

Here’s an example for you to try this week in practice:

How can you make your movements/strokes more effortless on your body, but still have the same intent and focus of intensity and effectiveness for your client? Now, this isn’t an excuse to massage lazily: we are asking you to reevaluate all the physical effort you are putting into each stroke, and check yourself to see if it’s needed.

  • Can you relax your grip on the bar?
  • Can your foot on the table be aimed in better alignment with it’s same side knee and hip in a way to better distribute pressure through the working foot?
  • Are you moving with breath – and how are your movements impacting the breath of you and your client?
  • Can you just give it weight, and wait?

⁣There you go!

Take that much of a new perspective to try this week in your massage appointments: our experience has shown that it definitely helps!

(We hope to see you in class soon to teach you more!)

Can I do Barefoot Massage on a mat? Or does it have to be on a table?!

This is a frequently asked question – especially if you have low ceilings that may be difficult to build bars in, if you are very tall with low ceilings and are considering dropping your table to the floor, and/or if you are already offering Thai/Shiatsu/Breema/Rossiter Matwork on the ground and want more footwork.

The style of Myofascial Ashiatsu Barefoot Massage that we teach does actually require the massage table to be elevated up off the floor – as techniques learned in our Fundamentals, Intermediate, Range of Motion and Advanced courses all “dangle” the clients limbs off the edge of the table and need that gravitational drop and hang in the joint. Westernized Ashiatsu in itself needs the trifecta of the overhead bars, on an elevated table and needs to be using some kind of lubricant to glide on the skin. So putting Ashiatsu Barefoot Massage down on the floor would take away from this potential and would not be true to the name or lineage.

…HOWEVER:

Our Fijian/Matwork Barefoot Massage class is meant to be on the floor! Ok, not literally on the floor: we teach on skinny mats, not even as wide as a typical massage table, but Fijian can also be done on your yoga mat with a BodyCushion system on top, on a massage table flattened to the floor, and/or on Thai and Shiatsu mats! No bars are needed to be installed for the Fijian/Matwork techniques, either!

Fijian Barefoot Massage class in actionFijian Barefoot Massage class in action

You can install the strap to make your life easier and to assure that you aren’t pushing through your wrists/hands on a support crutch – like the back of a chair, a cane/walker, or ballet bars (none of which are things we would ever recommend: underhand support is not your friend if you are trying to save your hands for a longer massage career.) In a Fijian Barefoot Massage, you can use the strap to lean into, or sit in a chair, or sit in a floor chair lie a Back-Jack, while using your feet to do the work. Read the many blog posts below that are related to Fijian Barefoot Matwork to better understand it’s rad potential – and read the Fijian/Matwork 1 class page to read the course description!


Read more about how Fijian Barefoot Matwork is different than our table-top Myofascial Ashiatsu Barefoot Massage

Fijian massage in action - the LMT is sitting on a chair working on the clients lumbosacral area
16 CE hours | Two days in class | *$500 tuition

 

Recap from the Phoenix 2023 AMTA National Massage Convention

Myself and four of our instructors just got back home after sharing Fijian Barefoot Massage in Phoenix at the AMTA national massage convention! We set up a booth in the exhibit hall, provided about 45 Barefoot Matwork sample sessions, and talked to many of the 1,500+ Massage Therapists in the conventions attendance that visted us!

Meet the feet: We had such a powerhouse of instructors present at this event – I’m not even sure if the visitors to our booth knew the extent of our team’s history and experience in the profession. Myself (Jeni Spring) from Central Texas, Sara from Missouri, Hillary from North Texas, Ashley from Southern California, and Dawn from upstate New York. (Click each name to be taken to their instructor profile pages!)

Center for Barefoot Massage instructors at the AMTA National Massage Convention

Each one of these Barefoot Massage Barbies have been using their feet as massage tools for ~at least~ 10 years – double that in some cases! Dawn Dotson is our FasciAshi Range Of Motion instructor who designed the portable bar system that you can strap into and use with a portable, electric, hydraulic table or a mat. Sara Newberry is an author of the 1st ever Hot-Ashi Barefoot Massage class and has been on many podcasts talking about our Barefoot work. Hillary Arrieta is a published author with her own massage book and is our lead Fijian/Matwork 1 class instructor trainer. Ashley Shears is a Fundamentals class instructor who is making waves with her approach to myofascial barefoot work on the table and on the mat. (Ashley also roadtripped to Phoenix with a knife that came in very handy in the booth all weekend because we forgot to pack scissors!) I was there, too, and I’ve also done cool things. 😉

It was great for this section of our instructor team to meet other leaders and forward thinkers in the industry, to find old friends, to share selfies with AMTA royalty and instructor buddies, to get our feet on the pulse of as many people as we could to share Barefoot Massage with, and to talk with the masses of LMTs in attendance to see what they have questions about. (There were so many people there!!!)

I want to tell y’all all about this experience, from beginning to end: read on and enjoy our journey to the desert!

Ashiatsu Barefoot Massage and cultural appropriation

When we talk about what we do, our instructor team at the Center for Barefoot Massage has been working very hard to deepen the use and understanding of the phrase “Barefoot Massage” rather than using the single A-word, ashiatsu. We see that word in play a lot, especially used alone on its own as a massage service across the nation or in casual conversation.

So today we’d like to offer a gentle nudge and reminder on considering how to refer to the massage work we all love to do!

In the mid-90’s when “Westernized ashiatsu” first came on the scene, it went through a long phase of trying to find its voice, name, identity, and place in the profession. In the massage industry the work became more easily recognized as just “ashiatsu” or “ashi,” but in the early days it went through phases of also being known as “ashiatsu oriental bar therapy“, “ashiatsu bar therapy” or “ashiatsu barefootbar therapy” and others. It really is so hard to define our work sometimes, and it’s been a struggle for so many of us to get it worded right.

Although the attempts at changing its name at the time had more to do with branding than anything, the issue surrounding the name overall is the A-word itself: it’s really not ours to use in the first place.

The traditional practice of Ashiatsu has its roots in traditional Asian forms of bodywork, particularly in Japan and China. Over time, it has been adapted and modified in various ways to suit the preferences and needs of Western practitioners and clients. The traditional practice is not on an elevated massage table, and there aren’t overhead bars or straps in play like we use today. It could cause confusion, therefore, to anyone specifically looking for the traditional work only to find the 2023 version. It’s all wonderful, beautiful bodywork, but let’s be careful to call it what it is.


While there may be concerns about cultural appropriation in certain cases, it’s essential to approach the topic with nuance and respect for different perspectives.

Here are a few points to consider:

1. Cultural exchange vs. appropriation: Cultural exchange occurs when two cultures engage in a respectful and mutually beneficial sharing of practices, ideas, and knowledge. Appropriation, on the other hand, involves taking elements of a culture without understanding or respecting their original context. Whether Westernized Ashiatsu falls under cultural exchange or appropriation can depend on how it’s practiced and presented.

2. Modification for local needs: When a practice like traditional Ashiatsu is introduced in a different cultural context, some modifications may occur to accommodate local preferences, regulations, and safety standards. These modifications can range from adjusting techniques, integrating different massage styles, or using specific equipment. However, it’s crucial to acknowledge and respect the origins of the practice and give credit to its traditional roots without calling it what it’s not.

3. Respect for cultural origins: Practitioners of Westernized Ashiatsu should strive to educate themselves about the cultural origins and traditions of the practice. They should honor and acknowledge the historical background and the cultures that developed and nurtured our modern-day approach of Ashiatsu Barefoot Massage. This includes recognizing and crediting the sources of knowledge and techniques, and including “barefoot massage” at the end of the name to show its different approach.

4. Collaboration and inclusivity: Encouraging collaboration between practitioners from different cultural backgrounds can foster a better understanding and appreciation of the original practice. Inclusivity involves creating spaces that embrace diversity and ensure that practitioners from different cultures have a voice and are respected within the traditional Ashiatsu community.

5. Ethical considerations: It’s important to consider the potential commercialization and commodification of cultural practices. Practitioners should be mindful of offering Ashiatsu Barefoot Massage in a way that respects the integrity and sacredness of the original practice. This can involve engaging in fair trade practices, supporting practitioners from the cultural origin, and avoiding misrepresentation or trivialization of the practice.

Ultimately, the issue of appropriation is complex and can vary from case to case. It’s essential to approach the adaptation and practice of traditional Ashiatsu and Ashiatsu Barefoot Massage with cultural sensitivity, respect, and an understanding of its historical and cultural significance.


The future of massage is afoot…

One of our pursuits is to help define Barefoot Massage as an umbrella term for any massage therapy technique that uses feet as tools, rather than hands. If “Barefoot Massage” is the overall approach, then “Ashiatsu Barefoot Massage” signifies one style under that umbrella term, and our specific lineage of “Myofascial Ashiatsu Barefoot Massage” just further specifies the style we teach. It really is so much easier to just say ~ashiatsu~, we completely understand and we occasionally find ourselves slipping back into the ease of that word, too. What we are doing with our feet is not a true representation of that traditional work anymore. So to best represent the truth in advertising and respect for our collective roots, you could generalize and call your westernized work “Barefoot Massage”… but if you’ve just gotta use the word Ashiatsu, be sure to put the extra qualifying descriptive words in when defining and referring to your massage services. 😉

We are currently working on transitioning away from using the phrase “Fijian Massage” for our courses continued on from Lolita Knights lineage. Although she did originally learn and develop the technique directly from her experiences while living in Fiji, continuing to call the work itself Fijian after all the evolutions it’s come through is not true to its traditional form, and we’d like to respect that. You’ll start seeing us refer to this class and body of work as Barefoot Matwork as we step forward.

What’s in a name? For a dive as deep as you can massage with your feet on this topic, we have blog posts discussing “Is Ashiatsu The Same As Barefoot Massage?” and another diving into the differences between “Myofascial Ashiatsu Barefoot Massage vrs Ashiatsu Barefoot Massage” Check those out!!! Also be sure to read Types of barefoot massage throughout the world, including Chavutti, Thai, Lomilomi, barefoot shiatsu, and more. (barefootmassagecenter.com) to get a quick overview on many different styles and approaches to barefoot massage (many are not referred to by the “A-word” BTW!)

(Which, sidenote, by the way, if you are an old-school practitioner trained prior to 2017 still using the full phrase "ashiatsu oriental bar therapy": please consider working to transition away from that! Check with the company/school that trained you in the work to see what your specific lineage is now referred to as, because they have been calling it something else for quite a few years! Consider adapting to that new name. The "O" word in AOBT is outdated, and its continued use is perceived as being politically incorrect, derogatory, and even insulting. Representation matters, and a recognized name change is a step to take that shows respect.)

I’m already ashiatsu trained – where do I start?

I’m already ashiatsu trained – where do I start?

We are SO glad that you found us, and that you are considering learning our myofascial ashiatsu barefoot massage style of work!

If you are ready to ask questions, be challenged, and grow your understanding of barefoot massage, then you are gonna love this game-changing take on westernized ashiatsu barefoot massage. This style will integrate beautifully and elevate the work you already do. You’ll get to challenge yourself by tapping into a beginners mindset and re-learn what you have learned, but from another point of view. You’ll learn WHY and HOW every stroke impacts the body, and you’ll be set free with your own confident knowledge to massage intuitively with your feet in the way your body feels comfortable with.

Existing Ashiatsu Barefoot Massage Therapists can jump into our Intermediate or Range of Motion (ROM) classes with proof of live training in an approved beginner ashi class from another company. Email us your CE transcript with proof of at least 16 live “feet-on” beginner ashiatsu hours from an NCBTMB provider – be aware that not all beginner classes are approved. The providing CE company must have been in existence and teaching that beginner class prior to 2017. We have a very short list of beginner classes that we can vouch for and allow you to skip over our entry-level class. (???????????? ???????? ???????????? ????????????’???????? ???????????????? ???????? ???????????????? ???????????????? ???????? ???????????? ???????????????????????????????????????????????? ???????????????????? ????????????????????, ???????????????? ???????????? ???????????????? & ???????????????????????????????????????? ???????????? ???????????????????????????????????????? ???????? ???????????? ????????????????!)⁣ ⁣This opportunity will not be around forever: we are considering sunsetting this opportunity no later than 2026, after which point Fundamentals would be required for our Next-Level courses.

Here’s how you can get your feet Centered with us:

(Updated 1/28/2024)

If you are already ashiatsu trained – you can jump right into our Intermediate, ROM or Fijian classes!

We’ll just need to see proof of your attendance in a live NCBTMB approved beginner ashiatsu class  (A class that used overhead bars – not silks or underhand bars or other balancing items)  the class must have been at least 16 CE’s* and be on our short list of approved programs/instructors/lineages that we’ve reviewed or are familiar with.

 

don't get cold feet - learn hot ashi barefoot massage

*A video audition from you and a course/instructor review by us may also be required if your training lineage is untraceable, or if it has been over 5 years. The providing CE company you trained with must have been in existence and teaching that beginner class prior to 2017. All classes must be live, in-person training: no hybrid or online versions. 

Email us a copy of your CE Transcript/Hours to info@BarefootMassageCenter.com, or text a picture of it to 210-816-1241.

(If you’d like to attend the Fijian Barefoot Massage floor classes – there’s no prerequisites, so no previous CE’s required. Just be an LMT and you are set for Fijian!)

If you’d like access to the Hot Ashi class, and any Relax Track courses available in the future, you’ll need to attend our 3 day Fundamentals class. Want into the new Clinical Track classes? The prerequisite is attendance in our FasciAshi Intermediate AND FasciAshi Advanced classes.

To gain access to our Advanced class, you’ll need to first attend our Intermediate course – no exceptions.

 

To sit in on a Revitalize/refresher on any class, you’ll have to actually attend that same course first and pay the full tuition. Revitalizer classes are a perk reserved ‘solely’ for Center for Barefoot Massage alumni.

Why?

???????????? ???????????????????????? ???????????? ???????????????????????????????? ???????????????????????????? ???????????????????????? ???????????????????????? ???????????????????????????? ???????? ???????????????????????? ???? ????????????????????????????, ????????????????????????????????????????????, ????????????????????????????????????, ???????????????????????????? ???????????? ???????????????????????? ???????????????????????????????? ???????????????????????????????? ???????? ???????????????????????????????? ????????????????????????????.

Because FasciAshi is not the same as anything else on the barefoot massage continuing education market. These are not the same classes you’ve taken with other providers. Even if you’ve trained with any of our current Instructors prior to 2017 – these same instructors are bringing a whole new level of content to the classroom. (We like to say “This ain’t yo’ momma’s ashi!”)

By verifying your previous training, and funneling you through the class progression at certain points along the way, it ensures that we can maintain a standard of education in our upper level alumni. We aim to support the massage industry with high quality, educated, intuitive barefoot providers working the field.

FasciAshi Barefoot Massage Classes and Specialty Tracks

We are creating ongoing training opportunities for LMTs who are serious about a long, successful Barefoot Massage career.

The Center for Barefoot Massage gives massage therapists the tools to become fanatical ashiatsu practitioners, curious anatomy nerds and confident barefoot massage specialists. We aim to teach evidence-based theories of massage that, through your intent and knowledge, can be applied to clinical, sports, and relaxation-based sessions.

FasciAshi is raising the standard of barefoot massage.

Come and continue your studies in massage therapy with our style of myofascial ashiatsu FasciAshi, Fijian, other barefoot modalities hosted at the Center! We are excited to offer a future for existing and new barefoot massage therapists.


Read more about how the Center for Barefoot Massage and FasciAshi are different:

recommended-ashiatsu-training

Center for Barefoot Massage Continuing Education Class Policies

Before you sign up for a class, please read our “Before You Sign Up For Our Barefoot Massage Training” blog post. Once enrolled, look for a registration confirmation email from info@barefootmassagecenter.com! At any time, you may read our frequently asked questions, and contact us for more information on any topic. We are here to help you transition to a confident Barefoot Massage therapist. These guidelines are to support healthy boundaries for all parties involved.

Before you sign up for a class, please read our “Before You Sign Up For Our Barefoot Massage Training” blog post. Once enrolled, look for a registration confirmation email from info@barefootmassagecenter.com! At any time, you may read our frequently asked questions, and contact us for more information on any topic. We are here to help you transition to a confident Barefoot Massage therapist. These guidelines are to support healthy boundaries for all parties involved.

The Center for Barefoot Massage Cancellation Policy 

Updated 11/27/2024

 

Cancellation Policy

The cancellation policy takes effect once you sign up for a class. By signing up, your 50% retainer or payment in full serves as your commitment to training, your agreement to the Training and Use Agreement, and your acceptance of the Cancellation Policy.

Because class participation involves receiving strokes from another student and the instructor, you must be healthy and able to receive deep tissue and myofascial bodywork. If you are pregnant, trying to become pregnant, have had breast, gluteal, or calf implants, or have undergone certain surgeries within the past nine months, are currently undergoing radiation or chemotherapy, or have any condition contraindicated for deep tissue massage, you cannot attend the seminar at this time. You are welcome to attend after you recover and when receiving deep, prone-positioned massage is appropriate for your health.

Refunds
  • There are no refunds for the 50% retainer/deposit fee.
  • All sales are final for attended classes.
Continuing Education Credits
  • You must attend the entire course to receive NCBTMB Continuing Education credits (CE’s). Partial credits are not available.
  • Any missed hours must be made up with the instructor at their hourly rate before you receive access to post-class support materials such as videos.
  • All attendees of any Center for Barefoot Massage class will be emailed a PDF diploma showing the number of Continuing Education hours/credits they earned, with the date, location and instructor of the class they attended documented.  This diploma serves as proof of training as well as a CE Transcript, it may be used for your own display, and is useful for submitting to state massage and association boards for renewals.
  • CE’s provided are referred to as a “diploma”, and are in accordance with all accreditation boards that the Center for Barefoot Massage is affiliated with. Your CE’s are not proof of any form of “certification.” You will not become “certified” and cannot use any “certification” terminology in reference to your training at the Center for Barefoot Massage.
Retainer To Reserve Your Space
  • A non-refundable retainer of at least 50% is required to hold your space in class.
  • If you cancel, all monies paid will be retained by The Center for Barefoot Massage to offset the loss of business to the instructor and the company.
  • Retainers cannot be transferred to other individuals.
  • You must meet all prerequisites for the class at least 15 days before it starts; otherwise, you will be removed from the roster with no refund or roll-over option.
If We Cancel

The Center for Barefoot Massage will always give ample notice to any party impacted by any class cancellation and will follow the company cancellation policies.

  • The Center for Barefoot Massage may cancel a class up to 14 days before the start date if there is insufficient interest (standard minimum: 50% capacity for instructors home-base studio, 75% capacity for offsite/travel classes)
  • If we cancel, you may choose either a full refund or a transfer of your retainer to another class within 18 months of original purchase date.
Deadlines For Students Rescheduling Their Training Dates
  • 30+ days before class: You may reschedule without fees. Your retainer will be applied to another class within 18 months. Funds not used within 18 months will expire.
  • 16–29 days before class: A $75 roll-over fee applies unless you provide proof of an emergency (e.g., COVID-19, illness, injury, pregnancy, family death, or extreme weather). This special emergency consideration will be allowed one time at the discretion of their instructor, and proof must be provided in writing (including any doctors notes to show diagnoses or surgery) prior to the start of class. Reschedule within 18 months or forfeit unused funds.
  • 2–15 days before class: Late cancellations may forfeit 50% of your retainer. Emergencies may allow rescheduling with a $75 roll-over fee, pending approval.
  • 2 days or fewer/no show: All payments are forfeited with no roll-over option.
Fees
  • The roll-over fee is $75.
  • Refunds for tuition payments beyond the retainer will incur a 10% processing fee.
Tuition Prices
  • For travel classes (not at the instructor’s home base), tuition will include an additional $100. This will be reflected in your registration.
Travel Reservations

Do not purchase non-refundable travel tickets/reservations until the class is confirmed at least 14 days in advance. The Center for Barefoot Massage is not responsible for travel-related cancellation costs.

Training and Use Agreement 

By attending our training workshops you will be a part of our professional family. As such, we have quality assurance and maintenance considerations to uphold the professional standards of the industry, and to respect the intellectual property of The Center for Barefoot Massage.

Attendees in our classes do not have permission to teach Center for Barefoot Massage content, techniques, theory, approaches, present any form of barefoot massage with the use of overhead suspended strap(s) or reproduce any materials presented/provided in our courses. It is essential that the purity of this work and the high-quality teaching standards established for this curriculum be upheld and honored for the continued respect of this lineage, as well as for the growth and support of our loyal FasciAshi practitioners.

By taking this training, you agree to the following:

That you are currently a Licensed Massage Therapist legally eligible to provide paid, professional therapeutic massage therapy services to the public in accordance with the laws in your state. Your massage license number and status will be verified by our staff. If your state is not regulated, then a transcript showing completion of a 500-hour entry-level massage therapy training program, (this 500-hour requirement began in 2025 for students living/working in unregulated states – our prior requirement of 200-hour stands for any courses attended in 2024 or earlier) as well as proof of professional liability insurance will be required. Failure to meet prerequisites within the 15-day cancellation period results in a forfeit of tuition retainer.

You will not become “certified” and cannot use any “certification” terminology in reference to your training at the Center for Barefoot Massage. All attendees of any Center for Barefoot Massage class will be emailed a PDF diploma showing the number of Continuing Education hours/credits they earned, with the date, location and instructor of the class they attended documented.  This diploma serves as proof of training as well as a CE Transcript, it may be used for your own display, and is useful for submitting to state massage and association boards for renewals.

You recognize and commit to stay within your Scope of Practice regarding how you implement Barefoot Massage into your work, as well as to respect and stay within your Scope of Training. The information we present and empower you to use in practice pertains to the level of FasciAshi training that you have attended. Diplomas awarded after each successful completion of any FasciAshi class you attend document and support your incremental expansion of training available to use within this scope.

This training does not qualify or certify you to teach myofascial ashiatsu barefoot massage, or any style of barefoot massage within any environment where you demonstrate to or train others in any capacity how to utilize these protocols, sequences, techniques, trade secrets, equipment use/design, or methods, including the suspended support strap used during a barefoot massage session. Attending our workshops or acquiring our materials does not qualify you, or give permission to teach or present FasciAshi or any style of barefoot massage/bodywork, and thus you will not imply that you are such, or any similar designation, in any format unless you have successfully passed our instructor training program that leads to status as a FasciAshi Instructor and has written consent from the creative forces behind The Center for Barefoot Massage, LLC.

You will not photocopy, publish, reprint, share or broadcast any materials or content from the training, in part or in whole, without the expressed written consent of its copyright holder, The Center for Barefoot Massage, LLC. Audio and video recording, as well as photographs of the class materials or techniques, are not permitted in any workshop. You will not use the protocols and techniques within this training in any form of media without the expressed written consent of The Center for Barefoot Massage, LLC.

If this agreement and our trust is broken, the following consequences may include, (but are not limited to) a Cease & Desist order, Ethics violation reports to affiliated professional boards/associations, financial damage claims, removal of access to any Center for Barefoot Massage support or future training, removal of Sole Provider directory listing, and our endorsement of your work will end.

Liability Waiver

This agreement releases The Center for Barefoot Massage, LLC, it’s faculty, the host site and the associated business(es) of the training facility from all liability relating to injuries that may occur in FasciAshi continuing education courses, internship training, intensive seminars, and private mentorship. Attendance in this class requires agreement to this waiver, and you agree to hold the aforementioned parties entirely free from any liability, including financial responsibility for any instances of injuries, illness or dis-ease incurred, regardless of whether instances are caused by negligence.

Due to the emphasis on receiving strokes from another student as well as from the instructor during your time in class with us, all students must be healthy and able to receive deep tissue, myofascial bodywork. 

You also acknowledge the risks involved in providing and receiving barefoot massage and using the overhead support system in a learning environment. You understand that many of the strokes and sequences within the FasciAshi technique are designed to be received by persons who are thick muscled and weigh 50 – 100 pounds over the practitioner’s body weight. The risks in giving and receiving the FasciAshi technique for extended increments of time over a short period of days include, but are not limited to stiffness, soreness, redness, skin irritation, headaches, sinus congestion, bruises or any condition due to residual effects of giving and receiving deep tissue, trigger point, myofascial release and range of motion massage techniques.

You understand that any information provided regarding the installation of the overhead support systems constitutes as part of this disclaimer, and the company is not liable for their installation outside training facilities.

You swear that you are participating voluntarily and that all risks have been made clear to the Center for Barefoot Massage. Additionally, you do not have any conditions that will increase your likelihood of experiencing injuries while engaging in this activity.

You forfeit all right to bring a suit against The Center for Barefoot Massage, LLC or the host site and associated business(es) of the training facility for any reason. In return, you will receive continuing education hours for attending this course. You will also make every effort to obey safety precautions as listed in writing and as explained to me verbally. You will ask for clarification when needed.

Model Release

You grant The Center for Barefoot Massage, LLC, and their instructor teams content creation associates permission to use photos or videos of you for any lawful purpose. You waive rights to inspect, approve, or receive compensation for their use.

You agree not to publish or edit images/videos featuring your likeness without content attribution and prior written consent from the company.

You release, discharge and agree to hold harmless Photographer/Videographer from any and all liability that has or may occur or be produced in the taking of said pictures or any subsequent process thereof, as well as any publication thereof.  

You acknowledge that you are at least 18 years old, and have the right and ability to consent to the terms herein.    

Barefoot Massage training during COVID19

The Center for Barefoot Massage understands your concerns about attending a class during a pandemic.

  • We will be following the FSMTB’s “Massage and Bodywork Guidelines for Practice” modeling our classrooms after the precautions set forth on pages 28-33.
  • We have implemented Air Quality monitoring in each classroom to help our instructors maintain sufficient fresh airflow and have an effective number of HEPA Air Purifiers and Humidifiers to clean/exchange the air proportionate to the space and occupancy.
  • As of 3/17/2022, Face Masks are required in all of our classes and locations IF the county the class is held within is considered “Red” or “High” according to CDC Community Levels – otherwise, masks are optional at select locations.  Surgical or K95 masks are recommended, cloth masks with at least 2 layers and a good seal are acceptable.
  • Check your Instructors Page, or the Location Page to see what the current CDC Community Level is for their county so that you know if you are required to wear a mask indoors or not. Instructors & training locations may change their masking requirements at any time – if this occurs, you will be notified prior to class by the instructor.
  • Please review our “6 Feet Together” blog post that goes over the 6 steps we are taking to support our students, alumni, and instructors during the pandemic.
  • You may review our Cancellation Policy here.

 

To continue to mitigate the spread of COVID-19, we are taking local and national precautions/warnings/restrictions and guidelines set forth for the Massage Industry (see links under the Blue paragraph below) into serious consideration for each class we teach.

 

We are experts on Barefoot Massage.

We are not experts on viruses:

but we are doing our best to stay informed with facts!

We are not here to advise what is right for your massage practice in regards to “what to do about Covid-19” – we are “solely” here to help equip you with the skills and techniques that enable you to provide barefoot massage therapy. There are professionals far more qualified than us to guide you through your back-to-practice process and advise you on business procedures, career plans, or personal choices during this pandemic. We are following the science, trying to lead by example, and are staying within our scope of practice as massage therapy educators.

In alignment with the CDC and FSMTB’s guidelines, our instructors will be implementing detailed screening, cleaning, and disinfecting protocols that we will teach you during our classes, and practice daily to establish a repeatable routine.

Listed below is everything we’ve been looking at, so you can dive in with both feet yourself! If you have questions on how to reopen, what to do, what to buy, etc, we can only recommend that you utilize the resources linked below, as we empower you to “think on your feet”  and do some critical thinking, problem-solving, (plus some deep breathing!) to choose what is right for your situation, business plan and budget.

So that we can move forward and focus on our excitement and dedication to teach you barefoot massage in class, we are deferring to the experts on pandemic policies who can better guide you through your business and career decisions:

Our instructors have prepared their businesses and classroom environments with these precautions in mind. Safety for our team, our students, and their clients is our priority.

Thank you for your patience, grace, understanding and respect as we all bravely step forward into the emerging new future of the massage industry. 

Is there a payment plan for barefoot massage training?

 

In a way – yes!

Since we require a 50% RETAINER TO SAVE YOUR SPOT IN ANY CLASS – THAT MEANS WHEN YOU SIGN UP , YOU ONLY HAVE TO PAY HALF!

 

The remaining balance is due before class starts – so the sooner you sign up, the longer you have to save and pay off your tuition.

 

Barefoot massage training payment plans

In order to be provided with the option to make payments, our current registration system, MindBodyOnline, has some mobile system limitations that we cannot control:

Make sure that you use a laptop or desktop computer to register for classes, and do not use the Mindody App if the pop-up screen asks you to, because the MindBodyOnline system and their app will not allow mobile devices to select certain options (such as payment plans or waitlists.) You must register through the browser on a desktop-site view of the page to be offered these options.

We can also accept payments in smaller increments after your initial 50% deposit/retainer has been paid – as long as the full balance is paid for by the 1st day of class. Just log into your student profile on our MindBody system, and make a payment to your account. We accept all major credit cards.

Gift Cards can be issued for tuition! If a friend or family (or amazing client) wants to gift you the gift of barefoot massage training, they can click here and purchase any dollar amount with their credit card, and send it to you in an emailable gift card eligible to be spent on tuition.

You can pay by check or cash in class- so save your tips and bring them with you.

If you know you need a few months to save up and pay the cost of class tuition, just look forward into the future on our calendar, and choose a training date far enough out for you to make realistic payments that fit your budget.

 

How much are classes?

  • Fundamentals:  $750 (3 days, 24 CE’s)
  • Fijian: $500  (2 days, 16 CE’s)
  • Intermediate: $500  (2 days, 16 CE’s)
  • ROM: $500  (2 days, 16 CE’s)
  • Advanced: $500  (2 days, 16 CE’s)
  • Hot Ashi: $250   (1 day. 8 CE’s)
  • If a class is a travel class, meaning that the instructor had to travel to offer the class away from their usual home base training center, then class will be +$100 more than the base prices listed able.

How do I become a Barefoot Massage Specialist?

It’s one thing to want to learn how to massage with your feet – and it’s a whole other world when you realize that you want to do this all day, every day, for the rest of your life!

If becoming a Barefoot Massage Specialist is your “thang”, we want to help you!

The Center for Barefoot Massage offers an innovative series of pathways to help cater your massages exactly to what your clients “knead”

Find your thang, your niche, your specialty… we’ve got the steps laid out in different training pathways to help you achieve success.

In addition to training and our Endorsement process that shows your own approach to the work has been vetted by the founders of FasciAshi, we are also creating tracks of classes for you to “choose your own adventure” and specialize in Relaxation, Clinical or Sports Barefoot Massage!

 

Are you already trained in other forms of barefoot massage of ashiatsu? We can help you really dig your heels in! Read this page for what to do next.

Are you just MESMERIZED by the barefoot massage and want to do it, too? Do you have a specific niche that you want to focus on?
CLICK HERE to read how you can follow our classes down the rabbit hole that gets more and more specific as you go!

 

We are actively recruiting students who want to take this work seriously. Our passion for ashiatsu and our drive to build barefoot massages presence within the field of massage therapy is driving this movement. We’ve rallied all of our training and experience down into each class for you (so you don’t have to figure it out the hard way as we did!) We are consulting with industry leaders to create course content that is accurate, modern and ready to apply to your clients. We’ve tried and tested the techniques and have put them to use in practice with our instructors and their local teams. We share our successes and struggles in the FasciAshi Tribe Facebook Group, a supportive community of FasciAshi alumni. We continue to educate beyond the classroom with our #BarefootLikeABoss Pro Membership, which is dedicated to growing and scaling their skills both with their clients & in their business. There are so many ways that we try to help you create a successful barefoot massage career – and as we learn and grow even more, we pass that onto our students.

The future for barefoot massage is afoot!
Here are some more resources that we recommend as you search your SOLE to find its purpose!recommended-ashiatsu-training

Find a Barefoot Massage Therapist near me

Are you looking for one of our Myofascial Ashiatsu and Fijian Barefoot Massage trained students to give you the best deep massage of your life? Follow this link to find a trained professional near you.

(Or follow this link for help on how to use the directory!)

Want to be a “guinea pig” in one of our Student Clinics during a Center for Barefoot Massage class? Although our instructors don’t typically recruit straight from the public to fill these spots, every member of our teacher team is still a practicing Barefoot Massage therapist with a local business: you’ll want to schedule a series of sessions with them to get on their radar. We keep a list of our existing clients who would work well with our students for future classes. You can find our list of instructors and track down their local businesses here.

Center for Barefoot Massage alumni can list in our SOLE Provider directory for free!

We have a great network of Barefoot Massage Therapists across the nation – and their clients travel! We all know that once you try Myofascial Ashiatsu, you won’t want to go back to normal massage, so lets help these fans of our work find their favorite bodywork in the town they are relocating to, or visiting! If YOU are a Barefoot Massage Therapist and want to get found, dig your heels in and read more below to get started!