Ashiatsu Massage

Ashiatsu Oriental Bar Therapy

 

A barefoot massage technique using deep compression strokes that glide over the body. It is performed with the therapist standing over the client, holding on to parallel bars that are suspended from the ceiling. Bars are used to provide support and balance. This creates a structural change in chronic soft tissue damage, provides deep relaxation, and stimulates the lymphatic system of the body.

 

It was originally practiced by Buddhist monks in China, Thailand, and Japan. Ashiatsu therapists work with their body weight and foot pressure to perform smooth, glowing, gliding movements. It is performed with the client laying face down. When this portion of the massage is complete, the client turns over and the therapist finishes the treatment with traditional massage and hot towels. Since first introduced it has proven to be the ideal service for male clients who want deep tissue work.

 

Follow-Up Care

 

After receiving Ashiatsu Oriental Bar Therapy, your back muscles will be very supple and the chances of injury are greater. Please take the following precautions for the first 48 hours after receiving a massage.

Do:

  • Drink lots of water!
  • Passive stretching- sit on edge of chair and hang forward. Try to touch elbows to floor.
  • Place cold packs or frozen gel packs on lower lumbar area for 20 minutes if you are stiff within 24 hours. You can also lie on floor with legs up on chair or sofa.
  • Wear back or neck support if your work requires rough activity daily.
  • Treat yourself to hot sauna, steam room or Jacuzzi.

Do NOT:

  • Sit for long periods of time in a hard chair. Don’t compress your back for 24 hours i.e. sitting in a theatre.
  • Lift heavy objects or perform heavy yard work, housework or work out in gym for 48 hours.
  • Engage is any rough contact sports that uses and twists your back muscles within the first 48 hours, i.e. golfing.
  • Drink heavy alcohol within the first 24 hours. You may experience a “lactic acid hangover” due to the deep compression work. It is better to hydrate and sleep!


Cost

Tuesday-Thursday by appointment only.
The treatment is 90 minutes for $95.

 

Contraindications

 

  • Pregnancy
  • Recent eye procedures/surgery within 72 hours
  • Skin lesions or abscesses
  • Breast implants within nine months
  • Blood clots, aneurysm, kidney disorders, irritable bowel syndrome
  • Any recent surgery or injury
  • Rib fracture
  • Osteoporosis
  • Heart conditions such as pacemaker, shunt
  • Persons on blood thinners
  • Any acute inflammatory conditions
  • Phlebitis/Cellulitis

Mihi (Babe) Dewes, MT

Mihi (Babe) Dewes MT is a physical therapist assistant from New Zealand. She has a diploma from the Naturopathic Institute for Therapies and Education as a Massage Therapist. She has completed course work in St. Johns Neuromuscular Therapies specializing in low back and sciatica pain, Rossiter System, cervical injuries, elbow, wrist, and hand repetitive injury, myofascial release, lymphatic draining, craniosacral therapy with the Upledger Institute, sports massage, and Healing Touch Level I and II through the Colorado Center for Healing Touch. She completed her certification in Ashiatsu Oriental Bar Therapy through Health & Bodyworks Unlimited in 2005.

She has been with Holistic Care Approach for 9 years.



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