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ELEVATE ASHIATSU TRAINING
We offer beginner, intermediate and advanced ashiatsu barefoot massage CE classes and certificate of endorsement programs to licensed massage therapists. Learn how to use your feet to apply deep tissue massage techniques that release chronic holding patterns, restore functional movement, bring fresh, oxygenated blood to the surface and eliminate soft tissue pain. Train with us on the floor or on the table, with ashiatsu bars or without. Press, rock, glide, slide and stretch your clients into a state of deep relaxation and calm.
Click here to view a list of upcoming events and register for class.
ABOUT ELEVATE ASHIATSU
Our ashiatsu CE courses and programs integrate lubricant-based massage applications with the energetic, acupressure techniques of Shiatsu and Thai massage. The term “ashiatsu”, or “foot pressure”, is used to describe the application of Swedish-style gliding and kneading massage techniques using the feet and oil or cream. It comes from a similar term, “shiatsu”, meaning “finger pressure” And though the term ashiatsu is derived from the Japanese term shiatsu, the practice itself is a very western phenomenon informed by western medical science. Here at Elevate Massage Training we are committed to honoring our western AND eastern lineages. We talk about effleurage, petrissage, fascia, muscles, acupressure points, energy lines and element theory all together! Therefore, you will often hear us refer to our style of ashiatsu as "barefoot massage" or "barefoot bodywork" because we put the shiatsu (and Thai massage and Chinese medicine) back in. It's more than ashiatsu now!
The bar support system above the table is a key piece of equipment that is mounted above the massage table for support. While we DO offer a Barefoot Floor Fundamentals class, the rest of our classes are taught on the table to allow western practitioners the opportunity to integrate other, non-barefoot techniques into the session.
The overhead bar support system also allows us to apply a true, gravity-assisted massage. Using our body weight and gravity allows us to apply the greatest amount of pressure while exerting the least amount of effort. Gently pulling up into the bars allows us to apply pressure directly over the area being worked and produces less strain during deeper work. Some techniques can be performed sitting on a stool at the head, foot, or side of the table (Such as in our Seated Barefoot Bodywork class). Having the ability to lift your entire body weight up and above the client so that gravity can pull your bodyweight down is the only way to get this type of pressure. If you’re pressure is not coming down directly from above, whether you are sitting on a high stool or pulling up into the bar support, then you are not getting the full benefit of gravity-assisted barefoot massage.
