Deep and Luxurious Massage

Ashiatsu Massage Therapy is a therapeutic western massage with an eastern twist. “Ashi” means foot and “atsu” means pressure. Ashiatsu is a barefoot massage technique using deep compression effleurage strokes that glide over the body. Yes, the therapist sometimes uses feet to massage the body instead of using hands.

In order to maintain balance and deliver just the right amount of pressure desired by the client, the therapist holds on to overhead bars or straps. The massage is deep without being painful. Like a typical western massage, the practitioner uses oil or lotion to allow a gliding motion.

Because the feet are bigger than the hands the pressure is broader. By contrast an elbow applied with deep pressure is a very focused pressure. In general, the more focused pressure applied to a muscle adhesion the more painful. Because the hips are much more powerful than the shoulders, much more pressure can be delivered. The result of this deep, broad pressure is a type of myofascial release which is considered a most effective technique to rid the body of chronic tension that resides in the muscle and fascia. (Fascia is the connective tissue that surrounds muscles) Ashiatsu is very effective in lengthening muscles that have been shortened by repetitive use, normal posture, fatigue, and injury. It creates a structural change in chronic soft tissue damage and non-acute muscle injury. Correct application will provide deep relaxation and stimulate the lymphatic system of the body.

Ashiatsu blends the best of traditional Thai massage, barefoot Shiatsu from Japan, Keralite massage from India with western Swedish and Neuromuscular massage. The focus is on the musculoskeletal system of the body. Skilled application of deep compression to the muscles on either side of a joint and the spine relieves tension and creates freer movement of the joint and spine. Just like any massage, the therapist uses only as much pressure as the client desires.

Marianne Fitzgerald is a licensed massage therapist who has been trained in Ashiatsu. She is well versed in many kinds of treatment type massage as well as relaxation massage. She uses feet, hands, and tuning forks to deliver a massage that creates change in the soft tissue of the body. She works with clients to incorporate movement into their daily life so that acute/chronic trauma becomes a thing of the past and everyday stress is managed.

Marianne provides massage and bodywork at her office, 4 Body Wellness, in downtown Dillon. She sees clients by appointment only and can be contacted at 970.485.4269.