The idea of a massage therapist using their feet might sound a bit unusual at first, but it’s one of the most controlled and effective techniques in modern bodywork. Your safety and comfort are our highest priorities, which is why our practitioners undergo extensive, specialized training to become certified. In fact, Nola Bliss is the only certified training center for this modality on the Gulf Coast. The overhead bars give your therapist complete control over the depth and pressure, ensuring the treatment is perfectly calibrated for your body. This isn’t just walking on your back; it’s a precise, sophisticated, and incredibly safe healing art. Let’s demystify DeepFeet Bar Therapy and show you why you’re in the best hands—and feet—with us.
Key Takeaways
- Experience a Deeper, Smoother Pressure: Ashiatsu uses the therapist’s feet to deliver broad, gliding strokes, allowing your muscles to release without the sharp or poky feeling sometimes associated with traditional deep tissue massage.
- Achieve Lasting Structural Improvements: This therapy excels at stretching chronically tight muscles and elongating the spine, leading to better flexibility, improved posture, and long-term relief from issues like back pain and sciatica.
- Your Treatment is Fully Customizable: The overhead bars give your therapist complete control over the pressure, so it can be tailored from very light to extremely deep. Always communicate your preferences to ensure the session is perfect for your body’s needs.
What is DeepFeet Bar Therapy?
If you’ve ever felt like your deep tissue massage just wasn’t deep enough, I’d like to introduce you to your new favorite treatment: Ashiatsu, also known as DeepFeet Bar Therapy. It’s a unique style of massage where the therapist uses their feet to deliver long, flowing, and incredibly deep strokes. Imagine the broad, consistent pressure of a foot gliding over your back, sinking into tight muscles in a way that hands simply can’t. It’s a game-changer for anyone dealing with chronic tension.
How It All Started
This incredible technique wasn’t created overnight. The modern practice of barefoot massage was pioneered by Ruthie Hardee, who founded DeepFeet in 1995. She developed a standardized, safe, and effective way to perform this ancient practice, creating a system that allows therapists to provide deep, therapeutic massage without straining their own bodies. By blending different barefoot techniques from around the world, she created the modality we use today. It’s a thoughtful approach rooted in providing profound relief, and we’re proud to be the only certified training center for it on the Gulf Coast.
How the Technique Works
So, how does it actually work? During an Ashiatsu Deepfeet Bar Therapy session, your massage therapist uses their bare feet and body weight to apply pressure. By holding onto parallel bars mounted on the ceiling, they can move gracefully along your body, delivering deep, broad strokes. This method allows for a much deeper and more consistent pressure than a traditional massage. Instead of the pointed pressure from thumbs or elbows, you get the full, comfortable surface of the foot, which can cover more area and ease into muscles more gently.
Why Are There Bars on the Ceiling?
The bars on the ceiling are the secret to making this technique both safe and incredibly effective. They aren’t just for show—they are an essential tool for the therapist. These overhead bars provide the support and balance needed to apply just the right amount of pressure. By using the bars for leverage, your therapist has complete control over how much of their body weight is used, tailoring the massage to your specific needs. This ensures the pressure is always perfect for you, whether you need a light touch or the deepest work imaginable.
What Makes DeepFeet Therapy Different?
If you’ve only ever had a traditional hands-on massage, you might be wondering what sets Ashiatsu apart. While the goal is the same—to relieve tension and promote relaxation—the method is entirely unique. Instead of using hands, elbows, and forearms, your therapist uses their feet to deliver the massage. This fundamental difference creates a completely distinct and powerful therapeutic experience. It’s not just a novelty; it’s a highly effective technique that allows for a depth and consistency of pressure that’s difficult to replicate by hand. Let’s look at what makes this barefoot massage so special.
The Power of Barefoot Pressure
The most obvious difference is right in the name: “Ashi” means foot, and “Atsu” means pressure. In Ashiatsu Deepfeet Bar Therapy, your therapist uses their feet to apply deep, broad, and consistent pressure. Think about the surface area of a foot compared to a thumb or an elbow. The foot provides a wider, softer tool for the massage, which means the pressure is distributed over a larger area. This allows your therapist to sink deeper into the muscle tissue without the sharp or pointy feeling that can sometimes cause you to tense up during a deep tissue massage. It feels less invasive and more comforting, allowing your body to fully relax and accept the work.
Using Gravity for Deeper Relief
How can a therapist apply so much pressure with their feet? The secret lies in the overhead bars. These bars aren’t for acrobatics; they provide support and balance, allowing your therapist to use their body weight and the gentle pull of gravity to create pressure. This is a game-changer. Instead of relying on sheer muscle strength, which can be inconsistent and fatiguing, the therapist can deliver sustained, deep compression for the entire session. This gravitational force allows for a level of depth that can effectively release chronic tension, loosen adhesions, and create space in the joints. It’s a smarter, more efficient way to achieve profound relief.
Pressure Tailored Just for You
When people hear “barefoot massage” and “gravity,” they sometimes worry the pressure will be too intense. But one of the best things about DeepFeet Therapy is how adaptable it is. The therapist has complete control, using the bars to finely calibrate the amount of weight they apply. The pressure can be as light as a gentle Swedish massage or as deep as you can comfortably take. Your feedback is essential, and your therapist will communicate with you to find the perfect level of pressure for your body’s needs. This isn’t a one-size-fits-all technique; it’s a personalized treatment designed to give you exactly the relief you’re looking for.
Unique, Flowing Strokes
DeepFeet Therapy is known for its long, flowing, gliding strokes. Because the therapist can use the entire surface of their foot, they can massage the full length of a muscle group—like your entire back, from your shoulders down to your glutes—in one continuous motion. This creates a seamless and luxurious sensation that helps calm the nervous system. These long, sweeping strokes are fantastic for elongating the spine, stretching tight muscles, and improving circulation. It’s a technique that feels both deeply therapeutic and incredibly relaxing, offering a more comprehensive and effective massage experience that leaves you feeling open, lengthened, and renewed.
Is DeepFeet Therapy Right for You?
Deciding on the right type of massage can feel like a big choice, but it doesn’t have to be complicated. Ashiatsu Deepfeet Bar Therapy is a fantastic option for many people, but like any specialized treatment, it’s important to know if it aligns with your body’s needs and your wellness goals. This therapy is all about providing deep, consistent pressure that can work wonders on tight muscles and chronic pain. If you’re curious whether this unique barefoot massage is the perfect fit for you, let’s walk through what it can help with, who it’s best for, and a few important safety considerations to keep in mind.
Conditions It Can Help With
If you’re dealing with persistent aches and pains, DeepFeet therapy might be just what you need. It’s especially effective for chronic lower back pain, sciatica, and general muscle tension in the shoulders, neck, and hips. The long, gliding strokes help to lengthen and stretch tight muscles, which can significantly lessen pain and improve your overall flexibility. Many clients report a greater range of motion after just one session, finding it easier to move freely without that familiar feeling of stiffness. By using broad, consistent pressure, the therapist can address tension across large muscle groups in a way that feels both deep and incredibly soothing.
When to Choose DeepFeet
Do you love the results of a deep tissue massage but find the sharp pressure from elbows and thumbs to be a bit too intense? If so, you’ll probably love DeepFeet therapy. It delivers that satisfying, deep pressure you crave without the discomfort. The therapist’s foot is a broader, softer tool, allowing for a deep yet gentle application of pressure that melts away tension. It’s the ideal choice for anyone who needs serious muscle work but prefers a more comfortable and flowing experience than a traditional deep tissue or Swedish massage. It’s truly the best of both worlds: deep relief without the wincing.
Important Health Considerations
While DeepFeet therapy is beneficial for many, it’s not suitable for everyone. Your safety and well-being are always the top priority, so it’s crucial to be aware of certain contraindications. You should avoid this type of massage if you are pregnant or trying to become pregnant, have had recent surgery, or have certain medical conditions. These include contagious skin disorders, advanced diabetes, high or low blood pressure that isn’t well-managed, or severe kidney issues. If you fall into one of these categories, don’t worry! We offer other wonderful services, like a soothing prenatal massage, that can be tailored to your specific needs.
Our Commitment to Your Safety
You can relax knowing you’re in excellent hands. Every therapist at Nola Bliss Massage has completed extensive, certified training specifically in Ashiatsu DeepFeet Bar Therapy. This isn’t just a technique we offer; it’s a specialty we are deeply passionate about. In fact, Nola Bliss is the only certified training center for this therapy on the entire Gulf Coast. Our team of therapists is committed to the highest standards of professionalism and safety, ensuring your session is not only effective but also perfectly suited to your body. We take the time to understand your health history and goals to provide a safe, healing, and truly blissful experience.
Your First DeepFeet Session: What to Expect
Trying something new can be exciting, and we want your first Ashiatsu session to be purely relaxing. Knowing what happens from the moment you walk in the door to the moment you float out can help ease any nerves and let you focus on the experience. Your session is all about you, and our goal is to provide a comfortable, safe, and deeply therapeutic treatment. From the initial consultation with your therapist to the final, flowing strokes of the massage, every step is designed to address your specific needs. We’ll walk you through the entire process so you feel confident and prepared for one of the most effective massages you’ll ever have.
Before You Arrive
To make your experience as seamless as possible, we recommend arriving about 10 to 15 minutes early for your appointment. This gives you plenty of time to find our studio, use the restroom, and settle in without feeling rushed. You’ll have a moment to decompress and fill out a brief intake form where you can share your health history and goals for the session. As for what to wear, think comfortable. You’ll be undressing to your comfort level and draping yourself under a sheet and blanket, so choose clothes that are easy to take off and put back on. Taking these simple steps helps you transition from the hustle of your day into a state of relaxation before your massage even begins.
During the Massage
Once you’re settled on the massage table, your therapist will enter the room and begin the session. You’ll notice the overhead bars, which your therapist uses for balance and to carefully control the pressure they apply with their feet. Ashiatsu DeepFeet Bar Therapy involves the therapist using their body weight to deliver deep, broad, and consistent pressure. Unlike the pointed pressure you might feel from an elbow or thumb, the foot provides a wider surface that feels both powerful and gentle. The strokes are long and flowing, covering large areas of your body at once. Your therapist will work skillfully to warm up your muscles and then sink deeper to release knots and chronic tension.
After Your Session
When your massage is over, your therapist will leave the room so you can get up slowly and get dressed. It’s common to feel incredibly relaxed, a bit lightheaded, or even energized. We encourage you to drink plenty of water throughout the rest of the day. This helps your body flush out any metabolic waste that was released from your muscle tissues during the deep massage. Try to take it easy for a few hours afterward—avoid strenuous activity and allow your body to fully integrate the therapeutic work. A warm bath with Epsom salts later in the evening can also help soothe any residual muscle tenderness and prolong that blissful, relaxed feeling.
Talking with Your Therapist
Your feedback is the most important part of the session. Before the massage begins, your therapist will talk with you about any pain points, injuries, or specific areas you’d like to focus on. But the conversation doesn’t stop there. During the massage, we encourage you to speak up if the pressure is too much, not enough, or if anything feels uncomfortable. This is your time, and your comfort is our top priority. Open communication ensures your therapist can tailor the treatment to your exact needs, creating the most effective and enjoyable experience possible. This partnership between client and therapist is what makes for a truly great massage.
How Does DeepFeet Compare to Traditional Massage?
If you love a good deep tissue massage but sometimes find the pointed pressure of elbows and thumbs to be a bit much, you’re in the right place. While both traditional massage and DeepFeet therapy aim to release tension and promote relaxation, the experience and technique are worlds apart. Think of it as the difference between a targeted spot treatment and a long, luxurious full-body stretch. Traditional massage techniques, like Swedish or deep tissue, rely on the therapist’s hands, forearms, and elbows to apply pressure. This is fantastic for detailed work on smaller muscles and getting into tricky spots.
But what if you’re looking for deep, consistent pressure that covers a wider area? That’s where Ashiatsu Deepfeet Bar Therapy comes in. This unique modality uses the therapist’s feet and body weight to deliver broad, consistent, and deep pressure. The result is a deeper level of release without the discomfort that can sometimes accompany more focused pressure points. It’s a completely different sensation that many people find to be both more effective and more relaxing for releasing chronic tension across large muscle groups like the back, glutes, and hamstrings.
Deep vs. Sharp Pressure
One of the biggest differences you’ll notice is the quality of the pressure. In a traditional deep tissue massage, a therapist might use their thumb or elbow to work out a stubborn knot. While effective, this can sometimes feel sharp or poky. With DeepFeet therapy, the pressure is delivered through the therapist’s entire foot. This creates a deep, heavy compression that feels broad and consistent. It allows your muscles to release gradually and completely, without the instinct to tense up against a sharp point. It’s the deepest massage you can get, but it feels wonderfully soothing.
Broader Strokes, Better Coverage
Imagine a painter using a wide brush instead of a fine-tipped one. That’s the essence of Ashiatsu’s coverage. A therapist’s foot can cover a much larger surface area than their hand, allowing for long, flowing, uninterrupted strokes that can glide over the entire length of a muscle group. This technique is incredible for addressing broad areas of tension in the back, shoulders, and legs. The continuous, sweeping motions help to elongate the spine, stretch shortened muscles, and create a more holistic sense of release throughout your entire body. It’s a seamless experience that leaves you feeling open and connected.
Customizing Your Treatment
A common misconception is that DeepFeet therapy is always intensely deep. The truth is, it’s completely customizable to your preference. The overhead bars aren’t just for show—they are essential for control. Your therapist uses the bars to stabilize their body and precisely manage how much of their body weight is applied. This means the pressure can range from as light as a gentle Swedish massage to the deepest pressure possible. Whether you need light, flushing strokes to soothe sore muscles or deep, sustained compression to tackle chronic pain, the treatment is tailored specifically for you and your body’s needs.
What It Feels Like
So, what does it actually feel like? Most clients describe the sensation as a deep, melting warmth. Instead of feeling like someone is digging into your muscles, it feels like tension is being ironed out. The broad, consistent pressure encourages your muscles to relax and let go. After a session, people often report a significant improvement in their range of motion and a feeling of spaciousness in their bodies. It can help improve your posture by releasing the chronic tension that pulls you out of alignment. You’ll leave feeling not just relaxed, but also taller, looser, and more flexible.
How to Prepare for Your First Session
A little prep work can go a long way in making your first Ashiatsu session an amazing experience. By taking a few simple steps before you walk through our doors, you help your body and mind get the most out of every moment on the table. It’s not about adding stress—it’s about making your massage time as effective and enjoyable as possible. From what to wear to what to share, here’s everything you need to know to feel confident and ready for your treatment.
Tips for a Great Experience
One of the best things you can do for yourself is to arrive a few minutes early. Give yourself a buffer so you’re not rushing from your car to the massage table. Arriving early allows you some time to sit, breathe, and mentally transition from the busyness of your day into a calmer state. This helps you relax before the session even begins, making it easier for your body to receive the therapeutic work. It’s a small act of self-care that sets a peaceful tone for your entire appointment and ensures you get your full time on the table.
What to Wear
While you’ll be professionally draped with a sheet during your massage, what you wear to your appointment still matters. Opt for comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that’s easy to take off and put back on. This just makes the process before and after your session smoother and more relaxed. There’s no need to fuss with complicated buttons or tight jeans. The goal is to maintain a sense of ease from start to finish. Choosing simple, comfy clothes helps you stay in that blissful post-massage state a little longer without any hassle.
The Importance of Hydration
Drinking enough water is always a good idea, but it’s especially important before and after your massage. Proper hydration helps your muscles stay pliable and responsive to the deep pressure of Ashiatsu Deepfeet Bar Therapy. After your session, continuing to drink water helps your body flush out any metabolic waste that was released from your muscle tissue during the treatment. Think of it as helping your body’s natural cleansing process. It’s a simple step that can enhance the effectiveness of your massage and support your recovery.
What to Tell Your Therapist
Open communication with your massage therapist is the key to a great session. Before you get on the table, be sure to share any specific areas of tension, pain, or discomfort you’re experiencing. It’s also crucial to mention any medical conditions, past injuries, or allergies. This information allows your therapist to tailor the session specifically to your needs and safety. Don’t be shy about your pressure preferences, either! Our dedicated team is here to listen and adjust the treatment to ensure you’re comfortable and getting the relief you came for. You’re in control of your session.
How to Find a Certified Practitioner
Finding the right massage therapist is key to having a great experience, especially with a specialized technique like DeepFeet Bar Therapy. You want to feel confident that you’re in good hands—or, in this case, good feet. When you’re investing in your well-being, you deserve a practitioner who is not only skilled but also professional and properly trained. Here’s what to look for to ensure you find a therapist who can provide a safe and wonderfully effective treatment.
Look for the Certification
First things first: make sure your therapist is certified in DeepFeet Bar Therapy. This isn’t a technique someone can just pick up on their own. Certification means the practitioner has gone through specific, in-depth training to master the use of their feet and the overhead bars for a deep, gliding massage. This specialized education ensures they know how to apply pressure correctly and safely, protecting both you and themselves. A certified therapist understands the unique body mechanics required for this modality, so always confirm their credentials before you book an Ashiatsu Deepfeet Bar Therapy session.
Questions to Ask Your Therapist
Before you get on the table, it’s a good idea to have a quick chat with your potential therapist. A great practitioner will welcome your questions. You should ask if there are any reasons this type of massage might not be right for you. For example, DeepFeet therapy is not recommended if you are pregnant, have had recent surgery, or have certain health conditions like uncontrolled high blood pressure or contagious skin issues. Being open about your health history helps the therapist determine if this is the best treatment for you. This conversation is all about making sure you have a safe and beneficial experience.
What Makes a Great Practitioner
Beyond a certificate on the wall, a truly great practitioner has a genuine passion for their work and a commitment to ongoing learning. The best therapists are dedicated to refining their skills and staying current with best practices to provide the most effective treatment. At Nola Bliss, our team of therapists has devoted their careers to the art of massage. They don’t just perform a service; they are focused on the practice of healing. This dedication is what separates a good massage from a truly therapeutic and memorable one.
Ready to Book Your Session?
Once you’ve found a certified practitioner you feel comfortable with, you’re ready to experience the incredible benefits of this therapy. Knowing your therapist has the right training and a client-focused approach allows you to fully relax and let go. Here in New Orleans, our entire team is certified and highly experienced in providing this unique service. If you’re ready to feel the difference that deep, consistent pressure can make, we invite you to book your session with us. We’re here to answer any more questions you might have and help you on your path to feeling your best.
The Benefits of DeepFeet Therapy
If you’re looking for more than just a standard massage, DeepFeet Bar Therapy might be exactly what your body needs. This unique modality, also known as Ashiatsu, offers a range of benefits that go beyond surface-level relaxation. By using the feet and the power of gravity, our therapists can deliver a massage that is both incredibly deep and surprisingly gentle. From easing chronic pain to providing profound stress relief, the advantages are as deep as the pressure itself. Let’s explore what makes this treatment so effective and why it could be the key to unlocking lasting wellness for you.
Relieve Pain and Improve Flexibility
One of the most celebrated benefits of Ashiatsu Deepfeet Bar Therapy is its incredible ability to alleviate chronic pain and stiffness. The long, gliding strokes delivered by the therapist’s feet work to stretch and lengthen tight muscles and fascia in a way that hands simply can’t. This technique effectively stretches shortened muscle fibers, which can provide significant pain relief, especially for those with lower back pain, sciatica, or tight hamstrings. Clients often report a noticeable improvement in their range of motion and overall flexibility after just one session, feeling more open and mobile in their joints and muscles.
Reduce Stress and Find Calm
Imagine a massage that provides deep, therapeutic pressure without any of the sharp or poky sensations you might associate with traditional deep tissue work. That’s the beauty of DeepFeet Therapy. The broad, soft surface of the foot provides a constant, soothing pressure that calms the nervous system. This consistent contact allows your body to fully relax, helping you sink into a state of deep tranquility. Clients often find that the flowing, rhythmic strokes melt away muscle tension and mental stress, leaving them feeling profoundly relaxed and centered long after the session has ended.
Aid Recovery and Prevent Injury
For anyone leading an active lifestyle, muscle recovery is key. DeepFeet Therapy is a fantastic tool for flushing metabolic waste from your tissues and reducing muscle soreness after a workout. The deep, consistent pressure helps to increase circulation, bringing fresh oxygen and nutrients to your muscles to speed up the healing process. Furthermore, this technique is ergonomically sound for our therapists, which means they can practice it effectively for many years. This allows our dedicated team to build a wealth of experience, ensuring you receive expert care from a seasoned professional every time you visit.
Enjoy Lasting Results
While any good massage feels great in the moment, the goal is to achieve results that last. Because DeepFeet Therapy can address tension in the deepest layers of your muscle tissue, its effects are often more enduring than those of a standard massage. By releasing long-held patterns of tension and improving postural alignment, this therapy can help you feel better for days or even weeks. Regular sessions can create cumulative benefits, leading to sustained improvements in flexibility, reduced pain, and a greater sense of overall well-being. It’s a powerful way to invest in your long-term health.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Will a massage with feet hurt more than one with hands? This is the most common question I get, and the answer is almost always no! While the pressure is deep, it’s also very broad. Think of the difference between someone poking you with a finger versus pressing with their whole palm. The foot acts like a broad, soft tool that glides over your muscles, sinking in deeply without the sharp, poky feeling that can sometimes come from an elbow or thumb. It’s a more comfortable way to get the deep relief you’re looking for.
Is it sanitary for the therapist to use their feet? Absolutely. We treat our feet with the same care and hygiene standards as our hands. Before every single session, your therapist performs a thorough cleansing of their feet. During the massage, their feet only touch the clean sheets on the table and your body, never the floor. You can rest assured that our sanitation protocols are just as strict for this service as for any other.
How does the therapist control the pressure so they don’t crush me? This is where the overhead bars are so important. Your therapist isn’t just standing on you; they are using the bars for balance and leverage. This gives them complete control over how much of their body weight is applied to your body. They can add or subtract pressure with incredible precision, ensuring the massage is perfectly tailored to what you need and can comfortably handle.
Can I still get this massage if I don’t like extremely deep pressure? Yes, you can. One of the biggest misconceptions about Ashiatsu is that it’s always intensely deep. The pressure is completely adjustable. Your therapist can use the bars to apply just a fraction of their body weight, delivering a session that feels more like a flowing, relaxing Swedish massage. Always communicate your preferences; this treatment is versatile and can be customized for your comfort.
What parts of the body does the therapist work on with their feet? The therapist primarily uses their feet on the large muscle groups of the body where broad pressure is most effective. This includes your back, shoulders, glutes, hamstrings, and calves. For more detailed or delicate areas like your neck, arms, and hands, your therapist will use their hands, just as they would in a traditional massage session.
