Get ready for this years Barefoot Massage Open Challenge! This year’s topic for the “Open” is on common physical imbalances of Barefoot Massage Therapists that could result in injury. Our instructors have been talking behind the scenes A LOT about all the things that make up “body mechanics“… things like your alignment while working, as well as what movement possibilities and…
For those of you who know me – you know that I love the ashiatsu portable bars. I was originally trained in ashiatsu on a very old style of the portables, (that were new at the time) and they feel like home to me. Although I honestly couldn’t afford them back then, I put my first set on a credit card and made sure I got my money’s worth out of them ASAP. Ever since, I’ve used them regularly at local Farmers’ Markets, sporting/yoga events and massage conventions. I’ve taught on portable bars across the country and in Germany. I used ashiatsu portable bars daily for 6 months at one point because I wasn’t sure I wanted to stay in that location long enough to justify building permanent bars.
I just spent 3 solid days working on a set of portable bars that I own. Now that *anyone* can go buy a set of portables, I wanted to fill you in on all the things I don’t think anyone will actually tell you about them. HERE WE GO!
In this Tuesday Toesday tip, we’ll show you how to add in a delightfully warm pillow to enhance your barefoot or hands-on massage. It’s perfect for the winter or even if you keep air conditioning running in your massage room year ’round. Items needed (in addition to your massage table and all that jazz): ❀ an inexpensive heating pad. I actually…
It’s finally WEEK 5 of the Barefoot Massage Open ashi-challenge! You’ve started a massage at the clients feet. You’ve used your non-dominant foot for 20 minutes straight. You’ve began a massage with them face up. You’ve done an ENTIRE MASSAGE APPOINTMENT in the side-lying position. What now? What game changing difference can you POSSIBLY add to your barefoot massages?
Patience, Padawan. Read on to find out.
I think you’ve shown yourself to be tough enough to challenge the way you massage over the last 4 weeks. I’m sure asking yourself “but why?” in every move you make is becoming more second nature. Just you wait…. there’s SO.MUCH.MORE.
The goal all along has been for you to get out of your little shell and try something NEW. Our main focus with FasciAshi is for you to make this ashiatsu intuitive, but also educated. Your inner wisdom shines through when you are able to contemplate WHY or HOW your massage strokes work, and then put that $#!+ into action!
Massage Challenge, WEEK 4. Have you been keeping up with our first annual Barefoot Massage Open, a weekly massage challenge for ashiatsu therapists?! You got this, we’re over half way through. This week WILL make or break you, though. Are you still tough enough to continue to challenge the way you massage!? Are you questioning WHY you do what you do during each massage? Do or do not, there is no try: and this time there is no crying back to your mom, either – cuz the Week #4 challenge ain’t your momma’s ashiatsu!!!
Last week you started your massages with the client face up. How was it?! Are you feeling more confident in your work?
Just wait till you do a week of what we are about to put you up to. You will be hard-core after this. If you aren’t yet trained in ashiatsu strokes that pertain to this weeks challenge – then use your hands. (And go take the Intermediate FasciAshi class already! You are missing out!)
BAREFOOT MASSAGE OPEN: FIVE WEEKS – FEB. 22-MARCH 26
1.1- Feb. 22-26 Start the massage at the clients feet #FeetFirst #AshiChallenge1point1
1.2- March 1-5 Use your Non-Dominant Foot for 20 consecutive minutes #GoofyFoot #AshiChallenge1point2
1.3- March 8-12 Start with your client FACE UP! #GameFace #AshiChallenge1point3
1.4- March 15-19 Scroll down to see this weeks challenge! #NotYourMommasAshi #AshiChallenge1point4
1.5- March 22-26
We are already 2 weeks into the first annual Barefoot Massage Open, a weekly massage challenge for ashiatsu therapists – and we’re about to step into WEEK 3! Are you feeling tough enough continue to challenge the way you massage!? Are you questioning WHY you do what you do during each massage? Put your game face on, cuz your massage game is about to get REAL up in week 3!
Last week we pushed you to use your non-dominant foot continuously for 20 minutes. How did it go?! Are you feeling a little more ambidextrous?
This week we do what your massage instructors have been telling you to do ALL. ALONG. The thing you’ve been afraid to do ALL. THIS. TIME.
Be like Nike: Just Do it.
If you aren’t yet trained in ashiatsu strokes that pertain to this weeks challenge – then use your hands.
BAREFOOT MASSAGE OPEN: FIVE WEEKS – FEB. 22-MARCH 26
1.1- Feb. 22-26 Start the massage at the clients feet #FeetFirst #AshiChallenge1point1
1.2- March 1-5 Use your Non-Dominant Foot for 20 consecutive minutes #GoofyFoot #AshiChallenge1point2
1.3- March 8-12 Scroll down to see this weeks challenge! #GameFace #AshiChallenge1point3
1.4- March 15-19
1.5- March 22-26
Are you tough enough to challenge the way you massage? Can you question the way you think about WHY you do what you do during each massage? Step up to our 5 week massage challenge that will change your massage game. Last week we had you start at the clients feet and see how that changes your perspective. How did…
Are you tough enough to challenge the way you massage? Can you question the way you think about WHY you do what you do during each massage? Step up to our 5 week massage challenge that will change your massage game.
To coincide with the Crossfit Open, a 5 week long worldwide online challenge with a different workout every week, I thought we’d do one of our own!!! Whether you massage with your feet or not, whether you know FasciAshi or not, it doesn’t matter: this Ashi-Challenge is open to every massage therapist! Shake things up, push yourself and try to incorporate the challenge into whatever massage you have on the books – lets see what happens.
If you are already massaging with your feet, you’ve probably spoken with clients who perceive “Barefoot Massage” to be some kind of foot massage, like reflexology.
“Oh I LOVVVE to get my feet rubbed” is one of the top responses I get when I introduce myself as a Barefoot Massage Therapist.
::eyeroll:: <
Just laugh it off and show them this video:
“Give it weight, then wait” to impact the fascia (but really, the nervous system) is a pretty heavy theory that we’ve found to be important to our FasciAshi technique. Addressing the deep fascial bands, navigating the contours of muscle and bone, and applying a great amount of pressure directly to specific tissues creates a form of myofascial release that your hands only WISH they could achieve with such consistency and accuracy. The broad pressure from a Barefoot Massage is a no brainer for deep bodywork. Moving slower, OR NOT AT ALL, helps you get to that “deeper than deep tissue” feeling so many clients are looking for.