A massage performed with the feet? It might sound a little unconventional at first, but it’s one of the oldest and most effective forms of bodywork in the world. This isn’t about someone simply walking on your back. Ashiatsu is a highly refined and controlled therapy where a skilled therapist uses overhead bars for balance, allowing them to apply deep, gliding strokes with their feet. The broad surface of the foot delivers a consistent pressure that hands and elbows simply can’t replicate. It’s the secret to unlocking chronic tension in a way that feels wonderfully compressive, not painful. If you’re ready to try something truly transformative, you’ve come to the right place to learn about Ashiatsu massage New Orleans style.
Key Takeaways
- Get Deep Relief Without the Sharpness: Ashiatsu uses the therapist’s feet to apply broad, consistent pressure, allowing for a deeper massage that releases tension without the pointed discomfort of elbows or thumbs.
- Go Beyond Basic Relaxation: This technique is highly therapeutic, helping to improve flexibility, speed up athletic recovery, and provide lasting relief from chronic pain by lengthening muscles and decompressing the spine.
- Make the Most of Your Session: Prepare for your appointment by hydrating, communicate your specific needs to your certified therapist, and follow simple aftercare like rest and drinking water to extend the benefits.
What Exactly Is Ashiatsu Massage?
If you’ve ever wished for a massage that could deliver deep, consistent pressure without the sharp discomfort of an elbow or thumb, you’re in the right place. Ashiatsu is a unique and luxurious form of bodywork where the therapist uses their feet to perform the massage. It might sound a little unusual at first, but it’s one of the most effective ways to achieve deep relaxation and relieve muscle tension.
Using parallel bars suspended from the ceiling for balance and support, your therapist applies smooth, gliding, and gravity-assisted strokes. This technique allows for a level of depth and consistency that’s hard to match with traditional methods. It’s a modern practice rooted in ancient techniques, refined to give you a therapeutic experience that feels both powerful and incredibly soothing. Let’s break down what makes this barefoot massage so special.
The Art of Barefoot Massage
At its core, Ashiatsu Deepfeet Bar Therapy is the art of barefoot massage. Your therapist uses the broad, soft surfaces of their feet to apply long, flowing strokes across your body. Think of it as a more encompassing version of a Swedish or deep tissue massage. Instead of small, targeted pressure points, the foot can cover a much larger area at once, warming and lengthening tight muscles more efficiently.
This isn’t about walking on your back. It’s a highly skilled and controlled technique. The overhead bars are essential, as they allow the therapist to precisely manage their weight and pressure, tailoring every movement to your body’s specific needs. The result is a seamless, deeply relaxing massage that feels like one continuous stroke.
How Ashiatsu Compares to Traditional Massage
The biggest difference you’ll notice between Ashiatsu and other massage services is the quality of the pressure. Because the foot is a larger and softer tool than a hand, thumb, or elbow, it distributes pressure more evenly. This allows the therapist to work deeper into the muscle tissue without causing the sharp or poky sensation that can sometimes come with traditional deep tissue work.
In fact, the pressure from an Ashiatsu massage can be up to three times deeper than what’s possible with hands-on techniques. This means your therapist can effectively release chronic tension, knots, and adhesions in a way that feels wonderfully compressive, not painful. It’s the perfect solution for anyone who loves deep pressure but wants a more comfortable and relaxing experience.
Common Ashiatsu Myths, Debunked
A few misconceptions about Ashiatsu sometimes keep people from trying it. Let’s clear them up. One common myth is that Ashiatsu is only for people who want extremely deep pressure. While it’s fantastic for that, a skilled therapist can easily adjust their weight to provide a lighter, more moderate massage that’s just as effective. It’s all about what your body needs.
Another hesitation is the idea of having someone use their feet for a massage. Our therapists are highly trained professionals who adhere to the strictest hygiene standards. Ashiatsu is a specialized modality that requires extensive training and certification, and our dedicated team has perfected this art. It’s not a replacement for traditional massage, but rather a powerful and unique tool for healing.
Discover the Benefits of Ashiatsu
If you’re looking for a massage that delivers serious results, Ashiatsu might be exactly what your body needs. This unique therapy goes beyond what’s possible with hands and elbows, offering a range of benefits that can transform how you feel. From deep, painless pressure to lasting relief from chronic pain, Ashiatsu is a powerful tool for recovery, relaxation, and long-term wellness. Let’s look at what makes this barefoot massage technique so effective.
Enjoy Deep Pressure Without the Pain
Many of us crave the relief of a deep tissue massage but flinch at the thought of sharp elbows and thumbs digging into sore muscles. This is where Ashiatsu truly shines. Because the therapist uses their feet and body weight, they can deliver deep, broad, and consistent pressure that feels both therapeutic and incredibly relaxing. It’s the perfect way to get the intensity of a deep tissue massage with the soothing, gliding sensation of a Swedish massage. You get all the benefits of releasing tight knots and tension, without the discomfort or bruising that can sometimes come with more pointed techniques.
Improve Your Mobility and Flexibility
Feeling stiff and restricted in your movements? Ashiatsu can help. The long, flowing strokes work to lengthen and stretch tight muscles and fascia, effectively releasing old holding patterns that contribute to poor posture and limited mobility. This technique is especially effective for decompressing the spine and opening up the hips and shoulders. By creating space in the body and releasing adhesions, an Ashiatsu Deepfeet Bar Therapy session can help you stand taller, move more freely, and regain a sense of ease and flexibility in your everyday life. It’s a fantastic way to reset your body and improve your overall range of motion.
Aid Athletic Recovery and Performance
For athletes or anyone with a physically demanding lifestyle, recovery is just as important as training. Ashiatsu is an incredible tool for enhancing that recovery process. The deep, sustained pressure is ideal for flushing out metabolic waste from overworked muscles, reducing soreness, and accelerating healing. It’s particularly effective for individuals with dense muscle mass who may feel that traditional massage doesn’t quite reach the deepest layers of tension. By improving circulation and releasing muscle restrictions, regular Ashiatsu sessions can help prevent injuries, improve performance, and keep your body working at its best. Our massage services are designed to support your active goals.
Manage Stress and Relieve Chronic Pain
Living with chronic pain and stress can take a toll on your physical and mental health. Ashiatsu offers a profound sense of relief by calming the central nervous system and addressing the root causes of discomfort. The deep pressure helps decompress the spine, which can alleviate pressure on pinched nerves and reduce back spasms. This process encourages your body to enter a state of deep relaxation, promoting a powerful sense of calm and well-being that lasts long after you leave the table. If you’re looking for a way to manage persistent pain or simply unwind from daily pressures, Ashiatsu massage can be a truly transformative experience.
Support Your Long-Term Wellness
Think of Ashiatsu as an investment in your long-term health. While a single session provides immediate relief, incorporating it into your regular wellness routine can create lasting change. Consistent sessions help retrain your muscles, improve your posture, and prevent the buildup of chronic tension that leads to pain and injury. Because the pressure can be up to three times deeper than a traditional hands-on massage, it creates significant structural improvements over time. Our dedicated team is passionate about helping you achieve your wellness goals, and Ashiatsu is one of the most effective therapies we offer to support your journey toward a healthier, more comfortable life.
Your First Ashiatsu Session: What to Expect
Trying something new, especially a different kind of massage, can bring up a few questions. You might be wondering what it feels like, how to get ready, or what the process involves. We want you to feel completely comfortable and excited about your first Ashiatsu session. Let’s walk through exactly what you can expect, from preparing for your appointment to the simple aftercare that will help you hold onto that blissful feeling. Our goal is to make sure you feel informed and at ease so you can fully relax and enjoy this unique and deeply effective therapy.
How to Prepare for Your Appointment
Getting ready for your Ashiatsu massage is simple. The most important thing you can do is hydrate. Try to drink plenty of water the day before and the day of your appointment, as this helps your muscles respond better to the deep work. On the day of your session, wear comfortable clothing that’s easy to change out of. We suggest arriving about 10-15 minutes early to give yourself time to unwind, use the restroom, and fill out any necessary paperwork without feeling rushed. This is also the perfect time to chat with your therapist about any specific areas of tension or concern you have.
What Happens During the Massage
Once you’re settled on our sturdy, comfortable massage table, your session will begin. Your therapist will use a set of parallel bars on the ceiling for balance, allowing them to apply pressure with incredible precision and control. Using their clean, soft feet, they will deliver long, gliding, deep strokes across your body. This technique allows for a much broader pressure than you’d get from hands or elbows, which feels both deeply therapeutic and incredibly relaxing. The pressure is consistent and never feels sharp or pokey. It’s a unique experience that many people describe as the most effective and luxurious deep tissue massage they’ve ever had.
Simple Aftercare for Best Results
What you do after your massage is just as important as the session itself. To get the best results, continue to hydrate by drinking plenty of water for the next 24 to 48 hours. This helps your body flush out any metabolic waste that was released from your muscle tissues during the deep compression. We also recommend taking it easy for the rest of the day. Avoid any strenuous activities or intense workouts. Instead, allow your body time to rest and integrate the work that was done. A warm Epsom salt bath can be a wonderful way to soothe your muscles and extend that feeling of deep relaxation.
How We Ensure Your Safety and Comfort
Your safety and comfort are our top priorities. The idea of someone using their feet for a massage might sound intense, but our therapists are highly trained and certified in Ashiatsu Deepfeet Bar Therapy. The overhead bars are crucial, as they give your therapist complete control over how much weight and pressure is applied. They can easily adjust the pressure to match your comfort level, from light to very deep. We maintain open communication throughout the entire session, and we encourage you to speak up if you’d like anything adjusted. This is your time, and we are here to make sure your experience is both safe and wonderfully effective.
Find the Right Ashiatsu Therapist in New Orleans
Finding the right massage therapist is a personal decision, especially when you’re exploring a specialized technique like Ashiatsu. You want someone with the right training, a professional approach, and an understanding of your specific needs. Taking a few moments to check credentials and ask questions ensures you’ll have a safe, effective, and deeply relaxing experience. It’s all about finding a provider you can trust, so you can fully let go and enjoy the benefits of your session.
What to Look for in a Provider
When searching for an Ashiatsu therapist, the most important factor is proper certification. This isn’t a technique someone can learn from a quick video; it requires in-depth, hands-on training to master the specific pressures and movements safely. A certified therapist has proven their expertise and commitment to professional standards. Here at Nola Bliss, we are a certified training center for Ashiatsu Deepfeet Bar Therapy, which means our therapists are held to the highest standards of skill and safety. Always look for credentials to ensure you’re in good hands—or, in this case, good feet.
Questions You Should Ask Your Therapist
Don’t be shy about starting a conversation with your therapist before your session begins. Open communication is the key to getting the massage you truly need. It’s a great idea to discuss any specific areas of pain or tension, your pressure preferences, and any health concerns you might have. You can ask about their experience with Ashiatsu or what to expect during the session. Our team of highly experienced therapists is always ready to listen and tailor the treatment to your body’s needs, ensuring you feel comfortable and cared for from start to finish.
Is Ashiatsu Right for You? (Contraindications)
While Ashiatsu offers incredible benefits for many people, its deep, compressive pressure isn’t suitable for everyone. We prioritize your safety, so it’s important to know that this massage is not recommended if you are pregnant or have had surgery within the last six weeks. It should also be avoided if you have breast implants less than nine months old, varicose veins, or certain lymphatic conditions. If you have any of these contraindications, don’t worry! We offer a variety of other wonderful massage services and can help you find the perfect alternative to meet your wellness goals.
Location and Finding Us
Ready to experience Ashiatsu for yourself? You can find Nola Bliss Massage conveniently located in the Warehouse District of Downtown New Orleans, just a short distance from the French Quarter and the Convention Center. Whether you’re a local looking for regular relief or a visitor wanting to add some bliss to your trip, our studio is easy to get to. Appointments are required, but we can often accommodate same-day requests. The easiest way to book your session is by visiting our website or giving us a call at 504-615-9414. We look forward to welcoming you.
Why Choose NOLA Bliss for Ashiatsu?
When you’re looking for an authentic Ashiatsu experience in New Orleans, you want a studio that not only understands the technique but has mastered it. At NOLA Bliss, Ashiatsu isn’t just another service on our menu—it’s our specialty. We’ve dedicated ourselves to providing this unique therapy at the highest level, combining ancient traditions with modern expertise. Our focus is on delivering a truly therapeutic massage that addresses your specific needs, leaving you feeling deeply relaxed and restored. From our highly trained therapists to our customized treatment plans, every part of your visit is designed to show you why we’re the premier destination for Ashiatsu in the city. We believe that a great massage is more than just a luxury; it’s a vital part of your wellness routine. That’s why we’ve created a space where you can feel comfortable, heard, and cared for by professionals who are passionate about their craft. Choosing where to get a massage is a personal decision, and we want you to feel confident that you’re making the right one. We’re not a chain or a spa that offers a little bit of everything; we are specialists focused on providing the most effective massage services available. In the sections below, we’ll walk you through exactly what makes the NOLA Bliss Ashiatsu experience different, from our unique approach to the expertise of our team.
Our Unique Ashiatsu Techniques
Ashiatsu is a barefoot massage technique that uses deep, gliding strokes from the therapist’s feet. At NOLA Bliss, we practice a modern refinement of these ancient methods, using overhead bars for balance and control. This allows your therapist to apply the perfect amount of pressure, giving you a deep and effective massage without the discomfort that can sometimes come from pointed elbows or thumbs. An Ashiatsu Deepfeet Bar Therapy session with us is a grounding and profoundly relaxing experience. We focus on long, flowing strokes that help elongate the spine, stretch shortened muscles, and improve your posture, providing relief that you can feel long after you leave the studio.
Meet Our Certified Expert Therapists
The quality of a massage comes down to the skill of the therapist, and our team is second to none. We specialize in Ashiatsu, and our therapists are not only highly experienced but also deeply passionate about this healing art. In fact, NOLA Bliss is the only certified training center for Ashiatsu Deepfeet Bar Therapy on the entire Gulf Coast. This means our team is held to the highest standards of practice and has an in-depth understanding of the technique. When you book with us, you can feel confident that you’re in the hands of a dedicated professional who has committed their career to providing what many call “the deepest, most luxurious massage on the planet.”
Your Personalized Treatment Plan
We believe that no two bodies are the same, which is why we never offer a one-size-fits-all massage. Your session is all about you. Before we begin, we’ll talk with you about your goals, whether you’re seeking relief from chronic pain, recovering from an injury, or simply need to unwind from stress. We offer full 60, 90, and 120-minute sessions to ensure you have the time you need to fully benefit from the treatment. Our focus is on providing quality, customized therapy rather than a generic routine. We tailor every Ashiatsu massage to address your specific areas of tension and help you achieve lasting results.
Enhance Your Session with CBD or Salt Stones
Want to take your Ashiatsu experience to the next level? We offer luxurious enhancements that pair beautifully with the deep pressure of barefoot massage. Add our high-quality CBD treatment to help soothe inflammation and calm your nervous system for an even deeper state of relaxation. Or, you can try our Hot Himalayan Salt Stones, which are used to gently warm and relax your muscles. The smooth stones are rich in minerals and provide a soothing heat that melts away tension. This isn’t your typical hot stone massage; it’s a unique therapeutic addition that perfectly complements your customized session.
Ready to Book Your Session?
Feeling ready to experience the deep, consistent pressure of an Ashiatsu massage for yourself? Taking the next step is simple. We’ve designed our booking process to be as relaxing as our massages, allowing you to customize your session to fit your exact needs. Whether you’re planning a solo wellness retreat or a special day with a partner, we have an option for you. Here’s everything you need to know to schedule your visit and get the most out of your time with us.
Choose from Individual or Couples Massage
An Ashiatsu massage is a wonderful experience to enjoy on your own, but it’s also something special you can share. We offer our full range of services for both individual appointments and couples massages. You and your partner can each enjoy a personalized session in our serene couples suite. You can both opt for Ashiatsu, or one of you can choose a different modality like a Swedish or Deep Tissue massage. It’s the perfect way to connect and unwind together, whether you’re celebrating an anniversary, on vacation, or simply making time for one another.
Explore Our Luxury Add-Ons
To make your Ashiatsu session even more memorable, consider one of our unique enhancements. Many clients love adding our Hot Himalayan Salt Stones, which use warm, smooth stones to soothe muscles and gently exfoliate the skin, leaving you feeling grounded and refreshed. This isn’t your typical hot stone massage; the mineral-rich stones provide a distinct therapeutic benefit. You can also add CBD oil to your session to help reduce inflammation and deepen your sense of calm. These thoughtful additions are designed to complement your massage and support your wellness goals.
Learn About Membership Perks
If you’re committed to incorporating regular bodywork into your wellness routine, ask us about our membership options. Consistent massage is key to managing chronic pain, reducing stress, and maintaining mobility over the long term. Our members receive preferential pricing on our full 60, 90, and 120-minute massage services, making it easier and more affordable to prioritize your health. We focus on providing high-quality, customized therapy that addresses your specific needs during every single session, ensuring you always get the focused care you deserve.
How to Schedule Your Visit
When you’re ready to make an appointment, you can easily book online through our website. Our online system allows you to view availability and select the therapist, service, and time that works best for you. If you have questions or prefer to book over the phone, you can always give us a call at 504-615-9414. All of our sessions are by appointment only to ensure each client receives our full, undivided attention. We often have same-day availability, so don’t hesitate to check for last-minute openings.
Get the Most from Your Ashiatsu Experience
An Ashiatsu massage is a deeply restorative experience, and with a little intention, you can extend its benefits long after you leave our studio. Taking a few simple steps before and after your appointment helps your body fully embrace the healing effects of the treatment. Think of it as setting the stage for relaxation and then giving your body the support it needs to maintain that blissful state.
Tips for Before You Arrive
To make your session as effective as possible, arrive a few minutes early to settle in without feeling rushed. This is also the perfect time to communicate with your therapist. Let them know about any specific areas of tension, pain points, or goals you have for the session. The more we know about what you’re feeling, the better we can tailor the Ashiatsu massage to your body’s unique needs. Also, try to drink plenty of water throughout the day and avoid eating a large meal right before you come in.
Aftercare to Extend Your Bliss
What you do after your massage is just as important as the treatment itself. Your main job is to hydrate. Drinking plenty of water—aim for about half your body weight in ounces over the next 24 to 48 hours—helps your system flush out metabolic waste released from your muscles. We also recommend taking it easy for the rest of the day. Avoid any strenuous activities to give your body time to rest and integrate the deep therapeutic work. A warm Epsom salt bath can also be a wonderful way to soothe your muscles and prolong the feeling of relaxation.
Why Regular Sessions Make a Difference
While a single Ashiatsu session can provide incredible relief, the real magic happens with consistency. Regular appointments create cumulative benefits, helping your body maintain a state of balance and release long-held patterns of tension. This is especially true for athletes, individuals with dense musculature, or anyone dealing with chronic pain. Consistent deep tissue work helps improve mobility, prevent injuries, and manage stress over the long term. Think of it as essential maintenance for your body’s health and performance.
Create Your Own Wellness Routine
Incorporating Ashiatsu massage into a broader wellness routine can profoundly impact your overall health. This routine starts with preparing for your session and continues with thoughtful aftercare. Make hydration a non-negotiable part of your day, especially for a couple of days following your massage, as it supports detoxification and general wellness. Paired with gentle stretching and mindful movement, regular massage becomes a powerful tool for self-care. By making this a consistent practice, you invest in your long-term vitality and well-being.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is it sanitary to get a massage with someone’s feet? This is a common question, and it’s a great one to ask. Our therapists follow strict hygiene protocols, and their feet are meticulously cleaned before every session. Think of the therapist’s feet as highly skilled tools, just like hands. Because Ashiatsu is a specialized modality requiring extensive training, professionalism and cleanliness are fundamental parts of the practice.
I want deep pressure, but I’m worried this will be too painful. How intense is it? Ashiatsu is famous for providing deep pressure without the discomfort you might associate with a sharp elbow or thumb. Because the foot has a broad, soft surface, it applies pressure evenly across your muscles. This feels like a deep, compressive sensation rather than a poky one. Your therapist uses overhead bars for balance, giving them total control to adjust the pressure to your exact preference at all times.
How do I know if Ashiatsu is the right type of massage for me? Ashiatsu is a fantastic choice if you love the feeling of a deep tissue massage but wish the pressure was more consistent and less sharp. It’s especially effective for people with dense muscle mass, athletes needing to aid their recovery, or anyone dealing with chronic back pain and tightness. If you feel like you can never get a massage that’s deep enough, this is definitely the service for you to try.
What’s the real difference between Ashiatsu and a regular deep tissue massage? The main difference is how the pressure is applied and how it feels. A traditional deep tissue massage uses smaller tools like thumbs, knuckles, and elbows to target specific knots. Ashiatsu uses the entire surface of the foot to deliver long, flowing, and gravity-assisted strokes. This allows for a deeper level of compression that can lengthen and stretch muscles more broadly, often feeling more relaxing and seamless than other deep tissue methods.
Are there any health conditions that would prevent me from getting an Ashiatsu massage? Yes, your safety is our first priority. Because of the deep compression involved, Ashiatsu is not recommended if you are pregnant, have had surgery in the last six weeks, or have breast implants less than nine months old. It’s also not suitable for individuals with varicose veins or certain lymphatic conditions. If any of these apply to you, we can help you choose another one of our wonderful massage services that will be a better fit.
