FAQ

What in the heck does ‘Ashi’ mean and how do you pronounce it? 

The Japanese meaning of ‘ashi’ (ahh-she) is foot and ‘atsu’ is pressure, so Ashiatsu means ‘FootPressure’, Ashi-Thai Massage means Foot-Thai Massage and FasciAshi is fascia and foot melting together because that’s exactly what happens during a FasciAshi Treatment. In Bhutanese the meaning of ‘Ashi’ is Lady, so AshiSazi means LadySazi (or FootSazi depending on the circumstances!) Oh yea and be ready for tons of puns and foot references to go with all the ‘ashis’, there’s heeling done with our soles, feet-ured specials and toe-tally awesome ped-ucation…

Can I have another one tomorrow?

Technically, yes… however, it usually takes a few days just to adjust to the the changes that occur as a result of your massage. During a barefoot massage the spine elongates, joints decompress, adhered tissue loosens, hyper toned muscle fibers relax, circulation increases and sometimes structural mis-alignments slide back into place, all of which might leave you feeling a little dazed and tired. Be sure to pay close attention to your body for a few days after your massage, avoid heavy lifting, aggressive workouts and sitting for long periods, drink lots and lots of water, ice sore areas and keep moving!

Where did you learn how to do that?

I am fully certified in Chavutti Thirumal, Ashiatsu Oriental Bar Therapy and Ashi-Thai Massage. I have also trained in FasciAshi, Fijian Barefoot Massage and the Rossiter System to have some of the smartest feet around.

FasciAshi is the future of barefoot massage, developed by a team of elite barefoot massage practitioners and taught exclusively at The Center for Barefoot Massage.  I originally learned barefoot massage from Jeni Spring in 2012 and I travel the San Antonio, Texas at least once a year to keep my toes and technique in tip-top shape. This type of barefoot massage combines ancient techniques from around the world with the latest anatomical discoveries and scientific information to address the root causes of chronic pain as nothing else.

Chavutti Thirumal is the original, ancient and incredibly effective barefoot massage from Kerala India. I am so very fortunate to have learned this amazing technique from Helen Noakes, a true master. Translated as ‘massage with foot pressure,’ Chavutti Thirumal addresses all of the myofascial lines to truly iron out and unwind deeply held tension and restrictions.

Can my Mom, Grandpa, Son, Niece, Uncle, Best Friend, Mailman, Boss, Neighbor… have one too?! 

Yes! I will be sure to get all the information necesary to make sure it is safe. Always check with your doctor if you are uncertain about your health conditions and massage.

If I have an event, trip or just can’t make it to your location, can you come to me?

Absolutely! Using portable bars that can easily travel and assemble at any location, I am able to go anywhere to provide this amazing bodywork experience. I have been fortunate enough to help keep families skiing, fishermen catching, festival goers reveling, cyclists spinning, triathletes going, yogis yogaing and vacationers relaxing all over the globe…

Where will my massage or bodywork session take place? 

Your massage or bodywork session will take place in a warm, comfortable, quiet room. After a quick check in with you, I will leave the room to give you time to change or undress and settle in beneath the sheet on a deluxe, padded and warm massage table.

Must I be completely undressed? 

If you are planning to receive an Ashi-Thai (sports/stretching) session, please wear or bring comfortable, flexible attire so that we can stretch you in all directions.  I do have comfy clothes on hand for you to borrow if needed!

All other sessions are best received when the client undresses completely. You may undress to your comfort level, but remember, less is more, so that I can fluidly glide from head to toe without getting caught on fabric, and to avoid staining your clothes with the massage oil or cream. You will always be safely and warmly covered by a sheet with only the area being worked uncovered – never inappropriately exposed.

Will the practitioner be present when I disrobe? 

I will leave the room while you undress, relax onto the table, and cover yourself with a clean sheet.

Will I be covered during the session? 

You will be properly draped at all times to keep you warm and comfortable. Only the area being worked on will be exposed.

What parts of my body will be massaged? 

A typical full-body session will include work on your back, abdomen, arms, legs, feet, hands, head, neck, and shoulders. This is your massage, so let me know if there are any areas you would like avoided.

What will the massage or bodywork feel like?

You are in control of your massage, so always feel free to give instant feedback on the pressure level – we are looking for perfection, no deeper than the “hurts so good” level. Your comfort is always most important to me, so let me know what you need and I’ll adjust right away! You can also choose to end the massage at anytime – but I bet you’ll be more likely to want to lengthen the session!

What should I do during the massage or bodywork session?

Your job during the massage is to focus on your breathing, be relaxed and melt into the table. If it helps you to relax by having a little conversation, go ahead, but don’t feel obligated – I love to hear your stories, or the sounds of your snooze!

How will I feel after the massage or bodywork session? 

Most people feel very relaxed and even a little dazed.  Some experience freedom from long-term aches and pains developed from tension or repetitive activity. After an initial period of feeling slowed down, people often experience increased energy, heightened awareness, and greater productivity that can last for days.

What are the benefits of massage and bodywork? 

Massage and bodywork can help release chronic muscular tension and pain, improve circulation, increase joint flexibility, reduce mental and physical fatigue and stress, promote faster healing of injured muscular tissue, improve posture, and reduce blood pressure. Massage and bodywork is also known to promote better sleep, improve concentration, reduce anxiety and create an overall sense of well-being.

Are there any medical conditions that would make massage or bodywork inadvisable? 

Yes. That’s why it’s imperative that, before you begin your session, you answer some general health questions. It is very important that you inform me of any health problems or medications you are taking. If you are under a doctor’s care, it is strongly advised that you receive a written recommendation for massage or bodywork prior to any session. Depending on the condition, approval from your doctor may be required.