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Barefoot Shiatsu, Ashiatsu, or Ashtanga?

Meaning literally"foot stress (as) style," ashiatsu stems from the principles of Ashtanga Yoga, an Indian discipline. Ashtanga, or"eight limbs" yoga, has been introduced to the west by a group of instructors headed by David Banks, who later coached the famed circus performer, Kym Johnson. So as to train her students in Ashtanga style yoga, Banks had to introduce them to the fundamentals of yoga through Ashtanga and the deep bodywork, which he taught. That's where the Ashiatsu origin story comes in.


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Ashiatsu originates from Japan, but contrary to what many assume, it is not an ancient art. Ashiatsu is actually a derivative of yoga and various other spiritual practices that have been around for centuries. For instance, the Japanese Soka schools, who teach Ashiatsu, actually trace their lineage all the way back to the seventh century. The exact source of Ashiatsu has actually been lost in the mists of time.


However, many believe that Ashiatsu was affected heavily by the Japanese Sahara school of Buddhism, and also by Taoist philosophies and even Chinese acupuncture methods. Ashiatsu has been known to use such processes as finger tapping and eye movements, as well as the application of cold and hot temperatures on different parts of the body. Interestingly enough, the origin of Ashiatsu actually happened in India, in the region now called Kerala in India.


Today, lots of people around the world are practicing Ashiatsu as a healing art of Buddhist monks. In actuality, there are many Ashiatsu massage parlors found all over the planet. But, what's Ashiatsu exactly? How does one begin getting into this terrific massage therapy? And where can you find the best types of Ashiatsu treatment in the largest regions?


A good place to start the journey towards understanding Ashiatsu is to begin to learn about it's meaning. One of the most commonly known and widely practiced methods of Ashiatsu is foot massage. This can be done while the patient lies on a massage table, or while a client lies on the ground with their feet placed flat on the floor. A skilled Ashiatsu massage therapist will use their hands to apply pressure to certain points on the feet. This is done in order to help alleviate the pressure on the joints, and relieve the tightness and stress on the muscles of the feet and legs.


A more recent version of Ashiatsu uses the knees and elbows. Again, a professional massage therapist applies pressure to specific points on the elbows and knees so as to help loosen up the joints and muscles of the body. A popular method used for treating rigid muscles of the spine is the so called&quot;hardoe&quot; massage, which is named after the type of tree the Ashiatsu massage therapist uses. Examples of hardy trees include the fir, ebony, ashwagandha, thuja, and boxwood.


A less popular sort of therapy used as part of the healing practice of Ashiatsu is the use of&quot;moisturizing lotion&quot;. This sort of lotion is applied directly to the skin and may be combined with massage therapy in order to reduce swelling and alleviate pain from cuts, scrapes, and bruises. Many men and women who have chosen to be given a foot massage or a deep tissue massage by an experienced Ashiatsu therapist and who have received a Barefoot Massage state that they do not observe any difference in their appearance between the two types of treatments, but that the Barefoot massage was more enjoyable for them. Many folks agree that the deep tissue massage had an extremely positive effect on their lives.


While Ashiatsu may seem to be a Western innovation, many of the traditional Asian methods for treating the body have been in existence for several years. Barefoot shiatsu, although it is sometimes referred to as Japanese shiatsu, has actually existed all over Asia for centuries. In Japan itself, the technique originated as a tool for healing and relieving stress for many decades prior to becoming popular as a fitness and health technique from the West. Whatever you call it, the truth is that the origins of barefoot shiatsu have been in traditional Japanese medicine.


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