East Valley Therapeutic Massage
First off, what is Ashiatsu-style massage?
“Ashi” is Japanese for foot, and “atsu” for pressure, or foot pressure.
Ashiatsu-style is in short – a better, more luxurious style of deep tissue massage. The therapist will apply her heels as massage tools vs her hands and elbows. Still using slow, gliding strokes across the client’s body for better pain management and physical pain relief in the neck, shoulders, back, hips, and legs.
Most clients can’t tell that the therapist is using her heels and not her hands and elbows. The biggest difference they feel is less sharp pain in a Ashiatsu-style massage vs the more traditional deep tissue. The therapist’s bony landmarks like sharp knuckles, pointy fingers and elbows can sometimes cause unnecessary pain to the client. Ashiatsu-style does not use sharp tools, rather just a deep, compressive, non-painful tool.
Ashiatsu-style can also provide even deeper pressure. The therapist can use gravity and more body weight to go deeper into the muscle tissues than traditional deep tissue. Most clients can find they can take even more pressure than usual with Ashiatsu-style because it doesn’t hurt.
The “no pain, no gain” phrase only applies to the gym people, NOT in a massage room.
What should I choose? Ashiatsu-style or traditional deep tissue?
If you actually enjoy that sharp pain you get from traditional deep tissue massage, then by all means, please choose what feels better to you. Everyone is different and enjoys different experiences.
If you like medium to deeper pressure, but not a fan of the sharp pain, then I recommend trying out Ashiatsu-style.
Fair warning though. Once you try Ashiatsu-style, you can’t go back to regular style deep tissue. It is just that luxurious!
What are the contraindications for Ashiatsu-style massage?
There are only very few contraindications for this style of deep tissue.
1. Not a good choice for those who like light pressure only. If you like light pressure, I recommend Swedish massage or even my new Himalayan Hot Stone massage.
2. Breast implants.
3. Any recent back injuries and/or surgeries.
Most people are good with Ashiatsu-style. Hey, about 80% of my clientele are Ashiatsu!
A fan of deep tissue massage and want to try something better? Book your session below!
Located at 931 E Southern Ave Suite 208, Mesa, AZ 85204
(602) 616-3671
East Valley Therapeutic Massage
