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The vast majority of people are aware of the benefits provided by a massage therapist in balancing the mind, body and soul. They implement a vast range of techniques which has been handed down through the generations and are sometimes modified to meet the demands of modern demand. Yet another interesting modality is the one executed by an accredited barefoot massage therapist in Exeter. In this case, they use their bare feet in place of their hands, fingers and palms to apply the massage. If this is completely new to you, read this blog to know more!
What is a Barefoot Massage?
This type of massage is referred to as 'Ashiatsu' and is executed on similar principles to the Swedish massage. However, instead of hands, the massage therapist uses their feet. This creates the perfect blend between the pressure applied and the relaxation achieved, which is felt as a total mind and body surrender within the first few minutes of the session.
As Ashiatsu massage requires the therapist to work on the client's back from an elevated position, it eliminates the minor time gaps it takes to transition to a different position enabling the client to reach a trance-like state without anything distracting them. Using the weight of gravity and the strength of their legs to administer the massage, the therapist can apply fluid-like Ashiatsu massage techniques to help their client enter a dream-like state easily.
Types of Barefoot Massages and How They Are Executed
The Ashiatsu or barefoot massage can be categorized into two approaches which have been described in the following:
Myofascial Ashiastsu or FasciAshi Barefoot Massage
This a rather modern rendition of the barefoot massage where a licensed massage therapist uses their feet, gliding them slowly along the skin to release tension from the interconnected layers of fascia distributed throughout the body.
Barefoot massage therapists take training to specialize in various niches of massage techniques. This enables them to implement different theories and approaches to add to the deep state of relaxation and rehabilitate pain and injury.
During the FasciAshi barefoot massage, the therapist would need to adjust their pressure at different angles which is why they often use an overhead bar or suspended strap to support their weight, allowing them to lean back if needed.
The therapist can either choose to apply their body weight in part or in full, depending on the safety and weight ratio between the client and the masseuse.
Fijian Barefoot Massage
This is rather a neuromuscular sports massage version of Ashiatsu, otherwise known as Fijian Barefoot Massage. It is named after its country of origin and was later introduced in the US. This approach is rather a fast-paced form of bodywork where the receiver lies down comfortably clothed over a Thai or Shiatsu mat.
The therapist can be seated in a chair, on the floor or in a standing position while applying the massage. It is a more aggressive form of body work that does not involve the use of overhead bars, lubrication or applying the therapist's full body weight.
Benefits of Visiting a Barefoot Massage Therapist
The following benefits of a barefoot massage should serve as adequate reasons to book an appointment with a barefoot massage therapist:
Reduces Chronic Pain
A barefoot massage specialist applies various deep tissue compresses which are super effective in reducing pain. Implementing this technique the massage therapist manipulates the deeper layers of the soft tissue to relieve muscular tension.
This works by loosening the tightness in the muscles, thereby increasing blood circulation which helps eliminate pain-related inflammations. By applying compressive strokes the therapist can loosen adhesions and release the connective tissue. These adhesions are the primary causes of bodily discomfort.
Induces Stress Relief
Barefoot massage sessions offer a deeper sense of relaxation. It induces a feeling of relaxation and stress relief. The Ashiatsu barefoot massage is best known for its ability to reduce the cortisol level in the body thus providing a calming experience to the individual. Lowering the heart rate and cortisol level has a positive impact on the overall health and wellness of an individual.
Improves Flexibility
An Ashiatsu masseuse with the help of gravity-assisted strokes can broaden and lengthen the muscular fibers. This involves stretching the muscles in different directions to effectively restore flexibility. Other physical conditions like scar tissue, muscular adhesions resulting from past injuries, overuse and stress are known to respond well to a barefoot massage. It is even known to effectively stretch the iliotibial band. This refers to a thick tissue located on the lateral leg that runs from the hip to the knee. Ashiatsu massage is best known for releasing lateral knee pain.
Eliminates Residual Sores
The massage therapist also applies something called a back walk which deep compresses the muscles, thus protecting the blood vessels from bruising. In Ashiatsu massage, the patient does not feel much pain as it applies deeper compressions with a softer impact using the feet, compared to using the hands, elbows and fingers in other types of massage.
Conclusion
After reading about the benefits and types of Ashiatsu massage, all that is left to do is find the best body massager in Exeter. This can be quite easy if you know what to look for. Barefoot massage is growing exceedingly popular due to its relaxing and pain-relieving properties, and more spas and massage clinics are beginning to adopt them.
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