A massage performed with the therapist’s feet might sound unusual, but it’s one of the most effective and therapeutic treatments available. This isn’t a gimmick; it’s a highly skilled technique called Ashiatsu, where a trained therapist uses overhead bars for balance and control while applying deep, gliding pressure with their feet. The broad surface of the foot allows for a level of depth that’s hard to achieve with hands alone, melting away chronic tension without the sharp discomfort of traditional deep tissue work. It feels less like being worked on and more like your muscles are being gently and effectively lengthened and soothed. If you’re ready to experience this incredible modality, here’s what makes Deepfeet Bar Therapy in New Orleans so special.
Key Takeaways
- Experience Deep Relief Without the Discomfort: Ashiatsu uses the therapist’s feet to apply broad, consistent pressure, offering the benefits of deep tissue work without the sharp, targeted feeling of elbows or thumbs.
- Your Session is Completely Customizable: The pressure is always adjusted to your comfort level, and you can enhance your experience with additions like CBD or hot salt stones. Open communication with your therapist is encouraged to get the exact treatment you need.
- Expert Training Ensures a Safe and Effective Session: This specialized technique requires extensive certification to be performed correctly. Choosing a studio with highly trained therapists guarantees you receive a safe, professional, and deeply therapeutic massage.
What is Deepfeet Bar Therapy?
If you’re searching for a massage that offers deep, lasting relief without the sharp pressure of traditional techniques, you might have just found your perfect match. Meet Ashiatsu DeepFeet Bar Therapy—a unique and powerful modality that uses the therapist’s feet to deliver an incredibly effective massage. It might sound unusual, but it’s one of the most luxurious and therapeutic experiences you can have. Let’s break down what it is and how it works.
The Origins and Technique
You might be wondering, “A massage with feet?” Absolutely! The name “Ashiatsu” comes from the Japanese words for foot (“ashi”) and pressure (“atsu”). Ashiatsu DeepFeet Bar Therapy is a barefoot massage technique in which the therapist delivers deep, broad, consistent pressure while utilizing their feet and body weight. This isn’t just someone walking on your back; it’s a highly refined and controlled therapy performed by a trained professional. The technique allows for a level of depth and consistency that’s hard to achieve with hands alone, making it fantastic for releasing chronic tension and soothing sore muscles.
How Overhead Bars Allow for Deeper Pressure
So, how does the therapist maintain balance and control? That’s where the overhead bars come in. Your therapist holds onto bars mounted on the ceiling for balance while using their feet to apply pressure. This setup is key to the whole experience. It allows them to apply slow, smooth foot pressure and gentle squeezing to different parts of your body, especially along the spine. The bars give your therapist complete control over how much of their body weight is used, so they can tailor the pressure perfectly to your comfort level—from light to very deep. It’s a safe, stable, and incredibly effective way to work on your muscles.
Deepfeet vs. Traditional Massage: What’s the Difference?
Many people who love deep tissue work are curious about how Ashiatsu compares. The biggest difference is the quality of the pressure. While a deep tissue massage often uses thumbs, knuckles, or elbows to get into tight spots, Ashiatsu uses the broad, soft surface of the foot. This gives a deep, broad pressure that doesn’t feel sharp or uncomfortable. In fact, it’s often described as feeling like a very relaxing Swedish massage, but with much deeper, more consistent strokes. You get all the benefits of intense muscle release without the “pointy” feeling, making it a deeply therapeutic yet incredibly soothing experience.
Discover the Benefits of Deepfeet Therapy
If you’re searching for profound relief from muscle tension and chronic pain, Ashiatsu Deepfeet Therapy might be exactly what you need. This unique massage style uses the therapist’s feet and body weight to deliver deep, consistent pressure that can address issues that hands and elbows simply can’t reach. It’s a game-changer for many, offering the intensity of a deep tissue massage with the relaxing, gliding sensation of a Swedish massage. Let’s explore how this powerful technique can help you feel your best.
The Physical Advantages of Deep Pressure
The magic of Ashiatsu Deepfeet Bar Therapy lies in its ability to provide deep, broad pressure without any sharp or uncomfortable poking. Instead of pointed elbows or thumbs, your therapist uses the soft surfaces of their feet to apply long, flowing strokes. This technique allows for a much deeper compression that feels incredibly relaxing. It’s the perfect solution if you love the results of a deep tissue massage but not the discomfort that can sometimes come with it. The broad pressure helps to lengthen the spine, stretch shortened muscles, and open up the intervertebral disc space, creating lasting relief and a wonderful sense of openness in the body.
What Conditions Can It Help Treat?
Because of its deep, compressive strokes, Ashiatsu is particularly effective for a range of chronic conditions. Many people seek it out for persistent neck and back pain, sciatica, and postural misalignments. It’s also a favorite among athletes and individuals with dense muscle mass who often feel that traditional massage doesn’t go deep enough to be effective. This therapy can help address spinal issues like bulging or herniated discs by creating space and relieving pressure. By gently stretching the muscles and fascia, it improves circulation, reduces inflammation, and can significantly improve your flexibility and range of motion. Our full menu of massage services offers something for every need.
Is This Therapy Right for You?
Ashiatsu is an excellent choice if you enjoy deep tissue work or have chronic pain in your back, hips, or neck. However, this deep work isn’t suitable for everyone. We don’t recommend it if you are pregnant, have had surgery within the last six weeks, or have had breast implants within the last nine months. Certain other medical conditions may also be contraindications. For expectant mothers, we offer a wonderful Prenatal Massage designed specifically for your comfort and safety. If you’re unsure whether Deepfeet Therapy is the right fit, feel free to give us a call. We’re always happy to discuss your specific needs and guide you toward the perfect treatment.
How the Technique Works
If you’ve only ever had a traditional massage, you might be wondering how exactly a therapist uses their feet to work out knots. It’s a fair question! The technique is incredibly precise and effective, relying on the therapist’s expert training, body weight, and a set of overhead bars for balance and control. This combination allows for a depth of pressure that’s hard to achieve with hands alone, all while feeling wonderfully broad and soothing. Let’s walk through how this unique therapy delivers such profound results.
The Power of Broad, Consistent Strokes
Imagine the difference between someone poking you with a finger versus pressing with their entire palm. That’s the core principle behind Ashiatsu Deepfeet Bar Therapy. Instead of using thumbs, knuckles, or elbows, which can feel sharp and targeted, your therapist uses the soft, broad surfaces of their feet. This larger surface area warms up your muscles more quickly and delivers long, flowing, and consistent strokes. By using gravity and their own body weight, your therapist can apply deep, sustained pressure that encourages your muscles to relax and release without the resistance they might put up against more pointed pressure.
Releasing Muscle and Fascia Tension
The goal of Ashiatsu is to achieve a deep release without the discomfort. The broad, compressive strokes are perfect for tackling tension in large muscle groups and unwinding the fascia, the connective tissue that surrounds your muscles. This technique helps to elongate the spine, which can create space between the vertebrae and relieve nerve impingement. Clients often find that the relief from Ashiatsu lasts longer than with other forms of massage and that they experience less soreness afterward. It’s an incredibly efficient way to address chronic pain, improve circulation, and restore your body’s natural sense of balance and ease.
Why Professional Training Is Essential
This is not a technique that can be learned from a weekend course. Proper Ashiatsu requires extensive, certified training to ensure every session is both safe and effective. Your therapist uses overhead bars for support, allowing them to glide smoothly over your body and meticulously control the depth of pressure. This ensures the force is always just right for your comfort level. At Nola Bliss, we take this expertise seriously. We are the only certified training center for Ashiatsu on the Gulf Coast, and our dedicated team of therapists has the highest level of skill. You can relax knowing you’re in the care of true experts who are passionate about this healing art.
What to Expect During Your Session
Knowing what to expect can help you relax and get the most out of your massage. From the moment you book until you float out the door, we’ve designed the experience to be seamless, comfortable, and deeply therapeutic. Here’s a step-by-step look at what your Deepfeet Bar Therapy session will be like.
Before You Arrive
Your comfort and safety are our top priorities. Before your appointment, it’s a great idea to think about any health concerns or specific areas of tension you’d like to address. When you book, please let us know about any medical conditions or injuries. This conversation helps us confirm that Ashiatsu Deepfeet Bar Therapy is the right fit for you and allows your therapist to tailor the session to your specific needs. On the day of your massage, try to arrive well-hydrated. Drinking water before and after your session helps your muscles process the deep work they’re about to receive.
The Massage Experience from Start to Finish
Once you’re settled in our calm treatment room, your session will begin. For Ashiatsu, you’ll lie on a comfortable, sturdy massage table. Your therapist will use overhead bars for balance and support, allowing them to apply pressure with their feet. This isn’t just any barefoot massage; it’s a highly skilled technique. Using their body weight, your therapist delivers long, flowing, and consistent strokes. Many clients describe the sensation as a luxurious, deep-pressure Swedish massage. The broad surface of the foot makes the pressure feel deep without being sharp or pokey, allowing for a profoundly relaxing and effective treatment.
How We Customize the Pressure for You
One of the most common questions we get is about pressure. Will it be too much? The answer is simple: the pressure is completely customized to you. When performed by a certified therapist, Ashiatsu is both safe and incredibly effective. Our team of therapists has the training to adjust the pressure with precision, ensuring it’s always within your comfort zone. We encourage open communication throughout your session. If you want more or less pressure at any point, just say the word. Your feedback allows us to create a massage that feels just right for your body and your goals for the session.
After Your Session: Post-Treatment Care
The benefits of Deepfeet Therapy often last long after you leave the studio. Clients frequently report that their muscles feel released more quickly and that the relief from pain and tension is more enduring compared to other types of massage. You might also notice less soreness afterward. The long, gliding strokes help to elongate the spine, stretch tight muscles, and improve circulation. To maximize these benefits, we recommend drinking plenty of water for the rest of the day. This helps your body flush out any metabolic waste released from your muscle tissues, leaving you feeling refreshed and renewed.
Preparing for Your First Visit
Your first visit for an Ashiatsu massage should be a relaxing and restorative experience from the moment you walk through our doors. To make sure you feel completely comfortable and get the most out of your session, a little preparation goes a long way. Think of this as setting the stage for true relaxation. We handle all the details of your therapeutic massage, but knowing what to expect can help you settle in and enjoy the process. From what to wear to what to share with your therapist, here’s everything you need to know to make your first appointment a blissful one.
What to Wear to Your Appointment
When you come in for your massage, comfort is key. We recommend wearing loose, comfortable clothing that’s easy to change in and out of. During your Ashiatsu Deepfeet Bar Therapy session, you will undress to your personal comfort level, just as you would for a traditional massage. You’ll be securely draped with a sheet and blanket throughout the treatment, with only the area being worked on exposed. Your privacy and comfort are always our priority, so wear whatever makes you feel most at ease for your arrival and departure.
When to Arrive at the Studio
Please plan to arrive about 10 to 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment time. This gives you a moment to unwind, use the restroom, and fill out our brief client intake form without feeling rushed. Arriving early also ensures you have time for a quick chat with your therapist to discuss your goals for the session. Our dedicated team wants to use every minute of your appointment to focus on your needs, and starting on time means you get to enjoy the full, therapeutic benefits of your massage.
How to Communicate with Your Therapist
Open communication is the most important part of a successful massage. Before the session begins, tell your therapist about any areas of pain, tension, or discomfort you’re experiencing. Let them know what you hope to achieve—whether it’s relief from a specific ache or simply deep relaxation. During the massage, don’t hesitate to speak up. If the pressure is too much, not enough, or if anything feels uncomfortable, just say so. We can easily adjust the pressure and technique to suit your needs. Your feedback helps us create the perfect customized experience for you.
Important Health Information to Share
Your safety is our top priority. It’s crucial to inform your therapist about your complete health history, including any medical conditions, injuries, or allergies. Ashiatsu is not recommended if you are pregnant, have had surgery in the last six weeks, or had breast implants within the last nine months. Please also let us know if you have conditions like high blood pressure, osteoporosis, or varicose veins. While Ashiatsu may not be suitable in these cases, we offer wonderful alternatives like Prenatal Massage that we can recommend instead. Being transparent allows us to ensure your session is both safe and effective.
Find Expert Deepfeet Therapy in New Orleans
Our Convenient Downtown Location
Finding a moment of peace shouldn’t be a hassle. Our studio is located right in the heart of New Orleans’ Warehouse District, making it easy to fit a therapeutic session into your day. Whether you’re a local working downtown, a visitor staying in the French Quarter, or attending an event at the Convention Center, we’re just a short walk away. We designed our location to be an accessible retreat from the city’s energy, allowing you to step away from the noise and into a space dedicated to your well-being. You can easily find us and start your journey to relaxation without adding stress to your schedule. It’s the perfect spot to decompress after a long day of work or exploring the city.
Why Our Certified Therapists Stand Out
When you’re seeking specialized bodywork like Ashiatsu, the therapist’s expertise is everything. At Nola Bliss, we take that seriously. Our studio is more than just a place to get a massage—it’s a nationally certified training center for Ashiatsu Deepfeet Bar Therapy. This means our therapists are so skilled in the technique that they teach it to other professionals from across the country. You’re not just in good hands; you’re in the hands of the experts who set the standard. Each member of our team is a dedicated, licensed professional who is passionate about the healing power of massage. This commitment to mastery ensures you receive the most effective and authentic treatment possible every time you visit.
Our Calm and Professional Studio
From the moment you walk through our doors, you’ll notice a difference. We’ve cultivated a calm, professional, and welcoming environment focused entirely on therapeutic healing. We’re not a chain spa or a salon; our purpose is to provide high-quality, targeted massage therapy that addresses your specific needs. Every treatment room is a private sanctuary designed for your comfort and relaxation. Our team of highly experienced therapists are all licensed and deeply committed to their craft. We believe that a truly effective massage happens in a space where you feel safe, respected, and completely at ease. That’s the environment we promise to provide, allowing you to fully let go and receive the maximum benefit from your session.
Explore Our Service Enhancements
Your massage should be as unique as you are. While our Ashiatsu therapy is known for providing deep, lasting relief without the sharp discomfort sometimes associated with traditional deep tissue work, you can also personalize your session further. We offer several enhancements to complement your treatment and target your specific wellness goals. Consider adding the soothing warmth of Hot Himalayan Salt Stones to melt away tension and gently exfoliate your skin. Or, you can incorporate CBD oil to help reduce inflammation and deepen your relaxation. These thoughtful additions allow you to create a truly customized experience, ensuring you leave our studio feeling refreshed, restored, and cared for.
Customize Your Massage Experience
Your massage should be as unique as you are. At Nola Bliss, we believe a therapeutic session is a personal experience, not a one-size-fits-all routine. That’s why we encourage you to tailor your Deepfeet Bar Therapy session to fit your exact needs. Whether you’re looking to address specific muscle tension, deepen your relaxation, or share the experience with someone special, we have options to make your time with us truly your own.
From the moment you book, think about what your body is asking for. Do you need broad, deep pressure to work out stubborn knots, or are you seeking a more moderate touch for general relaxation? You can also add enhancements to your session, like the calming properties of CBD or the soothing warmth of Himalayan salt stones. And if you’re visiting New Orleans with a partner or just want to share a relaxing afternoon with a friend, any of our massage services can be transformed into a memorable couples experience. It’s your time to unwind, and we’re here to make it perfect.
Finding Your Perfect Pressure Level
One of the biggest misconceptions about Ashiatsu Deepfeet Bar Therapy is that it’s always intense. While it’s known for providing incredible depth, the pressure is completely in your control. The magic of this technique is that it delivers deep, broad pressure that feels wonderfully relaxing, not sharp or painful. Think of it as the satisfying weight of a very deep Swedish massage, with long, flowing strokes that melt away tension.
Our certified therapists use overhead bars for balance and support, which gives them precise control over how much pressure they apply. This allows them to glide smoothly over your muscles, adjusting the depth to your comfort level. Communication is key, so we’ll check in with you to ensure the pressure is just right for your body’s needs.
Add Soothing CBD
If you’re looking to take your relaxation to the next level, consider adding CBD to your massage. This enhancement is a simple way to deepen the therapeutic effects of your session. CBD is known for its anti-inflammatory properties and can help soothe sore muscles, calm the nervous system, and promote a profound sense of well-being.
When blended with our massage oils, CBD works with your body to help release tension and ease discomfort. It’s an excellent choice for anyone dealing with chronic pain, stress, or simply wanting to get the most out of their time on the table. Our therapists can help you decide if this is the right addition for your session, ensuring a completely calming and restorative experience.
Include Hot Himalayan Salt Stones
Imagine the feeling of warm, smooth stones gliding across your muscles, melting away every bit of stress. That’s the experience you get when you add our Hot Himalayan Salt Stones enhancement to your massage. These stones are warmed and used by your therapist to massage your body, helping to relax muscles, increase circulation, and gently exfoliate the skin.
The gentle heat from the salt stones provides a deep sense of comfort and helps your muscles release tension more easily. Rich in minerals, the stones also leave your skin feeling soft and smooth. This enhancement is a perfect addition for anyone looking to treat themselves to an incredibly soothing and grounding massage experience. If you have any health concerns, just let your therapist know.
Make It a Couples Massage
A relaxing massage is a wonderful gift to give yourself, but it’s even better when shared. You can enjoy the unique benefits of Deepfeet Bar Therapy alongside a partner, friend, or family member by booking a couples massage. It’s the perfect way to connect and unwind together, whether you’re celebrating a special occasion, enjoying a New Orleans vacation, or simply making time for each other.
You’ll both receive your massages in the same room, each with your own dedicated therapist. The best part is that your experiences don’t have to be identical. While you enjoy a deep and therapeutic Ashiatsu session, your partner can opt for a classic Swedish or Deep Tissue massage. It’s a shared experience, completely customized to each of your preferences.
How to Book Your Session
Ready to experience the deep, therapeutic relief of Ashiatsu for yourself? Scheduling your session at Nola Bliss is straightforward. We believe getting the care you need should be simple and stress-free, from the moment you decide to book until you walk out of our studio feeling renewed. We are by appointment only, which ensures every client receives our full, undivided attention. Here’s everything you need to know to arrange your visit and make the most of your time with us.
Why Certification Matters
When you’re seeking a specialized treatment like Ashiatsu, the therapist’s training is incredibly important. This isn’t just any massage; it requires a deep understanding of anatomy and a high level of skill to apply pressure safely and effectively with the feet. At Nola Bliss, we are the only certified training center for Ashiatsu Deepfeet Bar Therapy on the Gulf Coast. This means our therapists aren’t just practitioners—they’re experts who train other professionals from across the country. Choosing a certified therapist guarantees you’re in the hands of someone who has mastered the technique, ensuring a session that is both safe and profoundly effective.
Our Simple Scheduling Process
We make booking your appointment as easy as possible. You can schedule your session directly through our website at any time that’s convenient for you. Just pick your preferred service, therapist, and time slot. If you’d rather speak with someone, feel free to give us a call, and we’ll be happy to assist you. While we can often accommodate same-day appointments, we recommend booking in advance to secure your ideal time, especially if you’re interested in a couples massage or a specific therapist. The entire process is designed to be seamless so you can focus on looking forward to your treatment.
Review Our Packages and Memberships
Your therapeutic needs are unique, and your massage session should reflect that. We offer several session lengths—60, 90, and 120 minutes—so you can choose the duration that best fits your goals and schedule. A 60-minute session is great for targeted work on a specific area, while our 90- and 120-minute sessions allow for a comprehensive, full-body treatment that addresses multiple concerns. You can explore all of our massage services to find the perfect fit. We focus on providing high-quality, therapeutic care, and offering flexible session lengths is part of that commitment to personalizing your experience.
The Perks of Becoming a Member
Consistent massage therapy is one of the best things you can do for your long-term health and well-being. For our local clients who want to make massage a regular part of their self-care routine, we offer memberships and packages that make it easier and more affordable. Becoming a member is a great way to invest in your health, ensuring you get the consistent care you need to manage stress, relieve pain, and feel your best. If you’re visiting New Orleans with a partner, our couples massages are a wonderful way to relax and reconnect together in a shared, tranquil space.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Will an Ashiatsu massage hurt? I like deep pressure, but I’m a little nervous. That’s a great question and a very common one. While Ashiatsu provides incredibly deep pressure, most people find it feels far more relaxing and less painful than a traditional deep tissue massage. Instead of the sharp, targeted pressure from elbows or thumbs, your therapist uses the broad, soft surface of their foot. This delivers a deep, consistent compression that feels more like a weighted blanket than a poke, allowing your muscles to release without tensing up against the pressure. Plus, you are always in control, and we encourage you to communicate with your therapist to find the perfect pressure for you.
Is it sanitary for the therapist to use their feet for the massage? Absolutely. Your health and safety are our top priorities, and we follow strict hygiene protocols. Before your session begins, your therapist thoroughly scrubs their feet and sanitizes them, just as they would their hands. During the massage, their feet only touch the clean linens on the table and your body, and they never touch the floor. You can relax knowing the entire process is as clean and professional as any other massage modality.
I usually get deep tissue massages. Why should I try this instead? If you love the results of deep tissue but not always the discomfort that can come with it, Ashiatsu could be a perfect fit. The main advantage is the quality of the pressure. The therapist’s foot provides a broader, more consistent stroke that can cover more ground and warm up your muscles more efficiently. This often leads to a deeper, longer-lasting release of tension in your muscles and fascia. Many clients find they get all the therapeutic benefits they’re looking for without any of the lingering soreness.
Can I still get an Ashiatsu massage if I have a specific injury or health condition? It’s essential to discuss your full health history with your therapist before your session. While Ashiatsu is fantastic for many chronic pain issues, it isn’t suitable for everyone. We don’t recommend it for clients who are pregnant, have had recent surgery, or have certain conditions like osteoporosis or varicose veins. Being open with your therapist allows us to ensure your safety and, if Ashiatsu isn’t the right choice, guide you toward another one of our services that will be both safe and effective for your needs.
Can my partner and I get different types of massages if we book a couples session? Yes, you absolutely can. A couples massage is all about sharing a relaxing experience, but the treatments themselves are completely tailored to each of you. If you’re excited to try Ashiatsu but your partner prefers a classic Swedish or Deep Tissue massage, that’s no problem at all. You’ll each have your own dedicated therapist in the same room, ensuring both of you get the exact treatment you want.
