Massage Therapy Journal Winter 2025

18 • Massage Therapy Journal

W ith some techniques dating back centuries and others that are more recent, Japanese massage techniques are varied in both style and the types of clients they can help. Shiatsu is probably the most well-known, at least in name, while others, such as Kobido or Seitai, are lesser known but can still provide a wealth of benefits.

sometimes, with the use of parallel bars to assist with balance and leverage. Because of the more intense pressure, a variety of contraindications exist. “There are many contraindications and precautions,” Facchini explains. “It’s important to do a thorough intake prior to the first session. Some are case by case and depend on the severity of the condition. In some instances, a doctor’s clearance may be required.” Contraindications and special considerations include: • People of advanced age • People who are pregnant • Clients with osteo conditions • Clients managing blood disorders • Armpits and popliteal areas, which are always contraindicated for deep pressure Ashiatsu provides many benefits for clients, but the technique is also helpful for massage therapists who need to give their hands and body a break. “Ashiatsu doesn’t put as much wear and tear on my body as deep tissue and Swedish massage does,” Rose says. “Ashiatsu practitioners can provide the same amount of energy to the first and last clients of the day without feeling drained.” Massage therapists who are interested in adding ashiatsu to their list of services need to remember the importance of proper hygiene and care for their feet, including: • Monthly pedicures • Keeping callouses and toenails trimmed and filed • Wearing socks to keep feet soft • Stretching to keep feet malleable “Before putting my feet on a client every session, I make sure that my feet are warmed up using a heating pad and cleaned using antibacterial wipes,” says Rose.

Here, you’ll get a brief overview of a few of the most popular types of Japanese massage.

Ashiatsu: Using Your Feet Despite the difference of only a single letter, ashiatsu did not directly evolove

from shiatsu or vice versa. While shiatsu directly translates to “finger pressure,” ashiatsu translates to “foot pressure.” Ashiatsu is a Western adaptation that has evolved from and blended with many ancient massage techniques found throughout Asia, including in places such as Japan, India and China. “Ashiatsu is a form of barefoot massage dating back to the 12th century in Kerala, India,” notes Sherlyn Rose, an LMT who practices ashiatsu. “The practitioner would balance themselves by holding onto a rope overhead while they slide their foot from one end of the body to the other. This Hindu and Ayurvedic tradition of using the feet along the energy lines of the body spread to China and other parts of the Oceana continents, including Hawaii.” Ashiatsu is especially beneficial for clients who may be seeking a deeper pressure massage, such as athletes or those with an active lifestyle. This technique can feel akin to deep tissue massage and Swedish massage. “Ashiatsu is like deep tissue. It can be very deep and therapeutic. It’s broader, as the foot conforms to the muscle groups,” says China Facchini, LMT, South Carolina DeepFeet Bar Therapy Instructor and Sarga Bodywork Instructor. “Ashiatsu is also like Swedish massage in that it can utilize various pressures and focus on luxurious flow. We practice effleurage, petrissage, vibration and friction with our feet.” During a massage, a therapist controls the amount of pressure with their body position and,

Ashiatsu provides many benefits for clients, but the technique is also helpful for massage therapists who need to give their hands and body a break.

Kobido: Focus on the Face Kobido, which is sometimes referred to as the Japanese facelift and directly

translates to “ancient way of beauty,” is a Japanese facial massage that uses fast, rhythmic movements to stimulate and sculpt the face, according to Renata’s Organic Skincare Spa.

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