Massage therapy is more than just a way to relax—it’s a powerful tool for healing both the body and mind. One particularly unique and effective method is Ashiatsu Barefoot Massage, which involves using the therapist's feet to deliver deep, broad pressure across the client’s body. This technique has gained attention not only for its effectiveness in relieving physical tension but also for its profound mental health benefits.
At Cincinnati Massage for Mental Health, I provide a specific form of this massage called FasciAshi because it offers a comprehensive approach to wellness, targeting both muscular and emotional tension. I’m proud to be personally trained by the Center for Barefoot Massage, which has equipped me with the skills and knowledge to offer this transformative technique to my clients.
What is Fasciashi?
FasciAshi, is a form of deep tissue massage where the therapist uses their feet to apply pressure to the client's body. This allows for broader, more even pressure than traditional massage techniques, making it ideal for relieving deep-seated tension and working with the body’s fascia—the connective tissue that surrounds and supports muscles, organs, and bones (Findley et al., 2015).
Fascia plays a critical role in overall body health. When fascia becomes tight or restricted due to stress, injury, or poor posture, it can lead to pain, reduced mobility, and even emotional strain (Schleip & Müller, 2020). FasciAshi specifically targets these areas of fascial tension, helping to restore flexibility, ease chronic pain, and promote emotional balance.
The Mental Health Benefits of FasciAshi
While FasciAshi is often praised for its physical benefits, such as relieving chronic muscle tension and improving mobility, it also has significant mental health advantages. Like other forms of massage therapy, Ashiatsu Barefoot Massage helps reduce cortisol (the stress hormone) levels, promotes relaxation, and supports emotional regulation (Field, 2020). However, because of its deep, soothing pressure, FasciAshi specifically can reach deeper layers of muscle and fascia, releasing tension and stress that have been stored for long periods.
When the fascia is tight, it can restrict not only physical movement but also emotional release. This is why FasciAshi can be especially helpful for individuals who have experienced trauma or chronic stress. By loosening the fascia and allowing for better circulation and movement, this massage technique helps free the body from deeply held stress, offering a sense of emotional relief and mental clarity (Schleip & Müller, 2020).
How FasciAshi Works with the Body’s Natural Healing Processes
FasciAshi massage is unique in that it works directly with the body’s fascial network, which is often referred to as the body’s "hidden organ." Fascia is not just passive tissue—it plays an active role in supporting the body’s natural movements and responses to stress (Findley et al., 2015). When fascia becomes restricted, it can lead to a range of physical and emotional symptoms, from chronic pain to anxiety.
Through the slow, broad pressure of Barefoot Massage, FasciAshi promotes the release of fascial adhesions and allows the body to return to a more natural, relaxed state. This release of fascial tension is not only physically therapeutic but can also have profound effects on the nervous system. Research shows that deep pressure massage techniques, such as FasciAshi, can activate the parasympathetic nervous system, which helps the body “rest and digest” rather than being stuck in the fight-or-flight response triggered by stress (Field, 2020).
Incorporating this technique into a regular self-care routine can support long-term emotional regulation, reduce anxiety, and promote better sleep. Clients often report feeling more grounded, less anxious, and emotionally lighter after their sessions.
Why Choose Ashiatsu at Cincinnati Massage for Mental Health?
As a licensed medical massage therapist and a mental health clinician with a Master of Social Work (MSW), I am deeply committed to providing holistic care that addresses both the body and mind. With my specialized training from the Center for Barefoot Massage, I bring a highly skilled and compassionate approach to FasciAshi, ensuring that each client receives the individualized care they need for their physical and mental well-being.
FasciAshi can be particularly effective for individuals dealing with high levels of stress, chronic pain, or emotional trauma. By targeting deep fascial restrictions, this massage technique helps to release both physical tension and emotional strain, providing a path to holistic healing.
How to Support Your Fascia Between Sessions
While Ashiatsu Barefoot Massage offers profound relief, there are several ways to maintain your fascial health between sessions:
Hydration: Staying well-hydrated helps fascia remain flexible and supports the body’s natural detoxification processes.
Stretching: Gentle stretching or practices like yoga can keep fascia healthy and prevent the buildup of tension.
Foam Rolling: Incorporating foam rolling into your self-care routine can mimic some of the benefits of deep pressure massage, helping to release tight fascia.
Conclusion
FasciAshi offers a unique opportunity to heal both physically and mentally. By working with the body’s fascia, this deep-tissue technique promotes relaxation, releases stored tension, and supports emotional well-being. At Cincinnati Massage for Mental Health, my specialized training allows me to offer this powerful treatment, helping clients experience holistic healing that goes beyond the physical.
Whether you’re dealing with chronic pain, emotional stress, or simply looking to enhance your overall well-being, FasciAshi can help you find the balance and relief you need.
References
Field, T. (2020). Massage therapy research review. International Journal of Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork, 13(1), 3-13. https://doi.org/10.3822/ijtm20
Findley, T. W., Chaudhry, H., Dhar, S., & Hatzfeld, J. J. (2015). Fascia research: Implications for massage therapy. Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies, 19(2), 186-193. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbmt.2014.11.005
Schleip, R., & Müller, D. G. (2020). Training principles for fascial connective tissues: Scientific foundation and suggested practical applications. Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies, 24(1), 33-39. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbmt.2020.04.002
About Cincinnati Massage for Mental HealthLocated in Milford, Ohio, just 15 miles east of downtown Cincinnati, we specialize in providing therapeutic massage services that support both your physical and emotional well-being. Our office offers a range of services, including Brazilian Lymphatic Drainage, FasciAshi Barefoot Massage, and customized therapeutic massage sessions tailored to meet the unique needs of each client. Our licensed therapists is trained as both a mental health clincian and a medical massage therapist, ensuring that our massages not only alleviate physical tension but also promote mental and emotional resilience. Whether you’re dealing with stress, anxiety, grief, or chronic pain, our holistic approach helps you find balance and relaxation. Visit Cincinnati Massage for Mental Healthto experience the lasting benefits of massage therapy for your mind and body. www.MentalHealthMassage.com
Comments