Please read the previous days' blogs for parts one and two of Massaging with Sole!

"What I like about barefoot massage," says fan Scot Voss of Cincinnati, "is that it's so much softer than regular massage. I don't have to worry about pointy elbows and fingers. It's really deep and relaxing all at the same time."

In fact, many spas throughout the country list Ashiatsu Oriental Bar Therapy on their menu. Canyon Ranch health spas offer this style of barefoot massage in their locations in Tuscon, AZ, Lenox, MA, onboard the Queen Mary 2 cruise ship and at the Venetian Hotel in Las Vegas. Ashiatsu can also be found at prestigious massage spas such as Urban Oasis in Chicago.  The Insider's Guide "Best of the Rockies"  lists Ashiatsu massage at Park Hyatt Beaver Creek as one of the "Most Memorable."

Sports enthusiasts who require deep work are typically harder for massage therapists to work on because of their muscle density. But by using gravity assisted effleurage, trained therapists can save some energy, reduce fatigue and save their wrists by performing this style of barefoot effleurage. In fact, the September/October 2007 issue of Luxury Spa Finder list Ashiatsu Oriental Bar Therapy as their "ultimate skier's massage."

Part 4, the last portion about our wonderful barefoot massage, is coming tomorrow! (Why is called "gamma"? It's the last letter in the Greek alphabet).

Please see yesterday's blog for the first part of this article.

While other forms of ashiatsu take into consideration breathing patterns, chi, and other energetic work, AOBT focuses on muscle and bone. Many orthopedic surgeons, chiropractors and physicians are fans of Hardee's style of barefoot massage. As Dr. Eric Dieffenbaugher, owner of Progressive Chiropractic Health and Wellness in Fairfield, OH says, "Ashiatsu is a wonderful adjunct to chiropratic car, in particular in regards to patients with lumbar disc problems because of it's deep compression and ability to traction out the spine."

This Western style of barefoot massage can be very deep but can also be modified for those who don't like as much pressure. While contraindicated for such clients as those who have uncontrolled blood pressure, women who are pregnant or are trying to conceive, and those on heavy blood thinners, this massage treatment can be very helpful for those clients with chronic low back pain. It's known to help improve posture, relieve pain and yet do it in a gentle but deep fashion.

Part 3 (aka "gamma") is coming tomorrow!

PART 1

Affectionately  coined as "the deepest most luxurious massage on the planet," Ashiatsu Oriental Bar Therapy allows the massage therapist to use gravity instead of sheer muscle strength. Using cleaned, sanitized and soft feet, she or he is able by using body weight to press, sweep and swirl along muscles to give broad, fluid movements.

Ruthie Hardee, founder of Ashiatsu Oriental Bar Therapy (AOBT), had seen various types of barefoot massage as a child while traveling with her missionary parents. She witnessed different styles of barefoot massage in Manila, Africa and the Indies.

Although many of the roots of Ashiatsu are Eastern ("ashi" means "foot, while "atsu" translates as "pressure"), therapists in the United States use a distinctly different style of barefoot massage. Traditional barefoot shiatsu is done through clothing on a mat. With Chavutti Thirummal, performed in Indiafor over 1000 years, the therapist typically uses a rope tied end to end and glides along the completely undraped client. Other forms of barefoot massage massage require props for balance such as chairs, poles a single bar, bamboo rods and even chains.

Hardee, however, wanted her style of massage to be luxurious and comfortable for both the client as well as the therapist. Hence, the system of parallel wooden bars placed over the massage table. The therapist is able to use the bars overhead for balance while she or he glides gracefully over the client's lubricated skin.

More tomorrow!

I studied Latin and Greek in high school. As my children are learning both in their grade, middle and high schools, I thought I'd bone up on my Greek alphabet. Hence, the "alpha, beta, gamma, omega". No, omega's not the 4th letter, it's the last. I thought it would be fitting for the last section of the article. Much more interesting than just parts 1-4, methinks!

The following comments have been provided by Dr. Eric Dieffenbaugher, a chiropractor and owner of Progressive Chiropractic Health and Wellness in Fairfield, OH.

I've been treating patients for eight years and have seen thousands of patients with all types of conditions. The chronic, deep tissue conditions are the hardest ones to get resolved. Since we started using Barefoot masage in our office, we have had some breakthroughs with some of our chronic pain patients that no other type of massage have been able to accomplish.

I currently have five licensed massage therapists at my office who utilize many different types of massage in their treatment of patients, but the Barefoot Massage is the most requested type of massage.

I receive regular massages from all of my therapists, but I choose the barefoot massage when I am experiencing the deep, chronic types of aches and pains.

Traditional Eastern massages include the treatment of the human body, mind and spirit, which also includes the energy field, and brings the body to a more aware "life" by pressure or manipulation. Based on traditional oriental medicine principles, the therapist assesses the energetic system. Oriental bodywork balances the energetic system for the purpose of treating the human body, emotions, mind, energy field and spirit for the promotion, maintenance and restoration of health. Below is just a very small sampling of these types of therapies and massage.

Shiatsu is Japanese for "finger pressure," but it's much more than acupressure. It is a combination of different techniques including pressing, hooking, sweeping, shaking, rotating, grasping, vibration, patting, plucking, lifting, pinching, rolling, brushing and walking on the client's back, legs and feet. Shiatsu strengthens the immune system, and if practiced consistently, becomes preventive health care. Unlike FasciAshi barefoot massage, where the client lies on a massage table, is undressed (and draped), and the therapist uses lotion, the shiatsu client typically lies on a mat. The therapist uses finger and barefeet or stockinged feet through the client's clothes.

Shiatsu is a Japanese healing art deeply rooted in the philosophy and practices of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Incorporating the therapeutic massage of Japan, shiatsu is a balance, a dance, between the practitioner and client, in which the healing power of both build upon each other to clear and balance the vital life force known as Qi.

Macrobiotic Shiatsu

Founded by Shizuko Yamamoto, Microbiotic Shiatsu supports a natural lifestyle and heightened instincts for improving health. Assessments are through visual, verbal and touch techniques including pulses and the Five Transformations. Treatment involves non invasive touch and pressure using hand and barefoot techniques along with stretches. This helps to facilitate the flow of Qi and to strengthen the body and mind. Dietary guidance, medicinal plant food, breathing and postural rebalancing are included.

Shiatsu/Anma Therapy

Shiatsu/Anma Therapy utilizes a unique blending of two of the most popular oriental bodywork forms practiced in Japan. Dr.. Keneko introduced traditional Anma massage therapy based on the energetic system of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and the neuromusculoskeletal system. Ampaku, abdominal massage therapy, is another foundation of Anma massage therapy in his school.

Traditional Thai Massage

Nuad Bo Rarn is the traditional Thai Medical Massage. Thai massage is based upon an integration of Indian Buddhist medicine and TCM. Thai massage utilizes hand techniques and a unique approach to passive movement. The therapist stretches the client in order to open up the energy passages and releases chronic tension in the body. Traditional Thai massage incorporates a spiritual dimension in it's gentle and focused approach to Eastern bodywork.

Tuina

Another method on Chinese bodywork, Tuina utilizes soft tissue manipulation, acupressure and structural realignment methods to treat a wide variety of musculoskeletal and internal organ disorders. Tuina also utilizes the use of external herbal medicines and therapeutic exercises.

Chavutti Thirummal

This information and photo are taken from Prabhat Menon's website, Panchendriya. Kerala in South India is mostly known for beautiful beaches and magnificent backwaters. But Kerala is also the home of the traditional medicine Ayurveda, the ancient martial art Kalarippayatt and the classical dance Kathakali. Chavutti Thirummal, the Keralite massage with the foot, is an inseparable part of these traditions.

This a unique whole body massage using massage using the feet instead of the hands. The therapist holds a rope and gives massage with the feet, the feet moving in several patterns all over the body. After applying healing oils, the therapist uses body weight to work on the energy lines focusing on muscle and bone alignment. This restores elasticity and flexibility. Massage is done mainly with the instep of the foot, at times using the toes and heels.

Chuvutti Thirummal is a delicate balancing act with the rope and requires tremendous  coordination, concentration and physical power. Chuvutti Thirummal is done on a firm, supportive mat on the floor. The client has to be bare bodied.

Now offering Hot Ashi, a combination of barefoot massage and Mother Earth Pillows.

Many massage therapists use different types of heating or cooling agents to assist in their clients' pain relief. Ashiatsu therapists often use Mother Earth pillows, heating pads or heated slippers to warm their bare feet prior to giving a massage. I like to use the large style flax pillow to warm my feet, then use it throughout the massage on the client's sacrum, feet, etc.

The following article has been reprinted with permission from Mother Earth Pillows.

HOT AND COLD THERAPY
by Karen Kowal, RN, LMT, NCTMB

Therapeutic Value of Warmth

Warmth has comforted and soothed us for ages. But the reality of the value of heat treatment can clearly be seen if we look at the action of warmth on tissues, cells, and circulation.

	Heat dilates the blood vessels to increase the flow of blood cells rich with oxygen to reach the skin. This transports vital oxygen and nutrients to the cells of muscle tissues and nerves. Areas of soft tissue that do not receive adequate oxygenation may suffer from ischemia or lack of oxygen.
	Warmth provides relief from muscle tension as the blood vessels dilate. More nutrients reach the fatigued muscles. Lactic acid, or waste material naturally created in cellular tissues and muscles are more easily swept away as the warmth increases viscosity of the thicker waste products (heading for the lymphatic system collectors) and by increasing blood flow. Compression from the weight of the warmed flax pillows helps deliver the warmth to a greater depth than surface warming can. This forms a flushing response in soft tissue.. blood flowing to the surface. waste products being moved out of surrounding tissues.resulting in healthier tissues.
	Stretching of soft tissues, muscles, connective tissue and adhesions can be facilitated by warming the area first. This is highly recommended to decrease injury and stiffness. Increased range of motion is experienced when stretching warmed tissue. An increased level of comfort is experienced.

Heat softens the lipids that form a barrier under the skin. Ingredients penetrate the skin layer more easily. This will affect permeation and absorption of any products (natural or chemical) placed on the skin. Moist warmth helps deliver minute quantities of the herbal blends or Pure Essential Oils deep into the skin with absorption. This provides activation and release of the minute molecules of essential oils as they are applied with carrier oil during topical application. Low levels of oil molecules released from natural herbal blends as the flax and herbal pillows are warmed will add to relaxation and comfort. Over the ages, flax has been used as a poultice, being moistened and often with medicinal herbs added. Once dried, it had to be discarded. The Herbal flax pillows offer an easy, efficient and clean way to provide the ?drawing' action of the ?poultice' application.

Warmth promotes a relaxed state of mind. Though experts are not certain how this occurs, they do know that heat, like touch, send positive signals to the brain, thus relaxing you, states Assaad Sayal, MD, director of emergency medical services of Boston's Brigham and Women's Hospital.

Dry Heat vs. Moist Heat

Dry heat approaches such as electric blankets, saunas and heating pads, pull away your body's natural moisture and leaves your skin dehydrated and prone to damage. Moist heat provides infusion of moisture to the top layer of skin and prevents moisture loss, thus maintaining improved hydration of the skin and cells. Moisture can be pulled from the surrounding air even though the product on the skin is not moist. Flax seeds and herbs in Mother Earth Pillows® provides warmth to tissues and creates a thin layer of moisture trapped on the skin. This helps deliver the warmth deep within the muscles.

Very hot products may burn or damage the tender tissue of the thinner skin such as over the chest, back, hips, tops of hands and face. Steaming towels can cause more damage than benefit due to the intense heat they deliver with the added moisture. The pillows provide excellent warmth that is prolonged and yet very even as it dissipates in a timely manner. Warmth is to be applied for therapeutic measure for approx 20-30 minutes. This is the anticipated length of intense warmth the Mother Earth Pillows ® provide. The remaining warmth lasting an additional 20-30 minutes offers comfort & nurturing and continues treating the muscle tissue due to the weight.

Cold application

When we experience an injury.a sprain, crushing blow, twisting a knee, ankle, ?pull' our back out or injure a muscle, the site is flooded with fluids from ruptured and torn blood vessels. This is a cellular response to bring fluid to an area, acting as a splint to the injured area to prevent further damage or bleeding. As the fluids accumulate, this additional pressure against nerves begins to cause pain.

Cold application, cold packs, ice and frozen bags of vegetables, placed over the area of trauma causes the blood vessels to contract. This contraction begins to reduce the amount of bleeding and diminish fluid leaking into the area. Using this approach helps prevent more extensive damage to the injured area and surrounding tissues. Hemorrhage or bleeding into the area is decreased and this reduces the size of hematomas or bruising at the site of injury.

Diminishing swelling means less pain and ice acts to anesthetize the nerve to help with the pain relief. As the ice is removed, usually after 15 - 20 minutes of application, the area slowly warms, allowing blood to flow back in the region. and gentle movement of blood returning begins the flushing action that helps carry away unwanted fluids and reduce the swelling. Allow the area to be without ice for as long as it has ice applied.

The guidelines for cold application is for at least 72 hours 3-4 times each 24 hour time frame after a new injury, strain or sprain. Then apply the hot and cold as alternating treatment to increase flushing of tissue and decreasing swelling.

Ice Therapy vs. Chilled Flax

When cold compresses are recommended, the first thought is generally applying ice. The frigid dripping ice cube mess or "ice burns" on the skin do not lead the patient to continued compliance. The object to cold application is to not only reduce pain but to reduce swelling. The importance of proper compliance is vital to accomplish either. Plastic waterproof covers, containers or plastic gel packs, still do not conform to the body to provide comprehensive area treatment. The flax pillow remains a pleasing cold and moves like silk to conform to the tender or swollen areas. The gentle weight of flax offers compression that reduces swelling.

Flax is capable of holding a cold temperature and providing compression at the same time. The tiny hard-shelled seed contain minute quantities of natural oil and this retains a cold temperature. A feature of the chilled flaxseed pillows is that the cold temperature is pleasant to the skin and reduces pain readily. There is only a sensation of softness and cold. without the ?burning and freezing' that accompanies plastic or frozen water applications over the skin.

What is a trigger point?  The following description (which is very good!) is taken from Clair Davies' book, "The Trigger Point Therapy Workbook," first edition p. 3.

Travell and Simons describe a trigger point as simply a contraction knot in the muscle tissue. It often feels like a partly cooked piece of macaroni, or like a pea buried deep in the muscle. A trigger point affects a muscle by keeping it both tight and weak. At the same time, a trigger point maintains a hard contraction on the muscle fibers that are directl connected to it. In turn, these taught bands of muscle fier keep constant tension on the muscle's attachments, often producing sympotms in adjacent joints. The constant tension in hte fibers of the trigger point itself restricts circulation in its immediate area. The resulting accumulation of the by-products of metabloism, as well as deprivation of the oxygen and nutrients needed for metabolism, can perpetuate trigger points for months or even years unless some intervention occurs. It's this self-sustaining vicious cycle that needs to be broken (Travell and Simons 1999: 71-75).

They often refer pain to other areas of the body. For instance, what you may think is a sinus headache can be caused by trigger points in the scalenes. Usually, therapists will work on trigger points with their thumbs, possibly fingers or elbows. Skilled Ashiatsu therapists can even use their feet, either the heels or the big toe, to release trigger points.

For those that self-treat, a variety of tools can be used. I frequently recommend a tennis ball or super ball on clients' upper back, hips, and those often problematic QLs (Quadratus Lumborums). Other people use devices like a Theracane, BackKnobber, Knobble or T-bar. In an emergency, a well placed door knob can help reduce lower back and hip pain!

Any massage therapist willing to improve him/herself needs to periodically take continuing education courses. How do you know what class is the best class to take? Is it the price? What about number of students in class? And is it possible to take a massage CEU class close to home?

I have taken a variety of continuing ed courses, with great variety, and I have been pleased with all the "hands on" time spent in them. The only class I've taken via homestudy was an ethics course, and I could have taken the test without reading the material.

Some hands on classes offer small class size, and others take place in an enormous room with the instructor wearing a headset. You'll find that Center for Barefoot Massage classes throughout the US are small in size, typically with one instructor for 8 students or less. We frequently have classes in Cincinnati, Durham, Albany, Palm Harbor, FL, Colorado Springs, St. Louis, Dallas, San Antonio and coming soon to Virginia and California

For more information on this style of barefoot massage continuing education courses, please check online at http://ashiatsuworkshops.com/. Instructor Mary-Claire Fredette teaches fun, small classes regularly in Cincinnati, Ohio.

The healing touch of massage therapy is cathartic! Because emotional pain can manifest itself in actual physical pain, if a skilled therapist can relieve physical manifestations, it can help cleanse the emotional self as well. Bodywork therapies arose from the belief that the body contains memories of every experience ever felt. According to Gloria Arenson, in Binge Eating-How to Stop it Forever, "Much energy and many feelings can be impirsoned in muscles habituated through years of restraint and posture control. This control is often the cause of specific body types and chronic body tensions."

By working out the knots and kinks in the body, an improvement in both the physical and emotional self can occur. The beauty of the natural body is mind boggling. By releasing tension through massage, the client can feel taller, more relaxed and "open." It can also restore homeostatis (the body's natural state of existing) to an unbalanced body. Dr. Andrew Weil reports that at the top of the list for causes of headaches is muscle tension. The best way to get rid of this common stress related disorder is to practice relaxation techniques or to get a massage.

Massage can also relieve many other kinds of physical pain as well as remove toxins and stimulate circulation of both blood and lymph flow. If the body's built in mechanisms for cleansing itself become blocked or don't function properly, toxins and waste matter build up. To maintain a healthy body, one needs to take out the "garbage" regularly!

There a many different types of massage and bodywork. One technique that I practice regularly, Barefoot Massage, is great at loosening up tissues. In fact, this type of barefoot massage has a tendency to make clients more ooey-gooey than a traditional hands-on massage. Clients report a significant increase in their state of well-being after just one session! And as one client commented, "This was really the most luxurious massage I've ever had."

Want to learn an anatomy based barefoot massage that's intuitive? Study with us at the Center for Barefoot Massage.