The Center for Barefoot Massage currently offers four different FasciAshi classes- and if you haven’t had a chance to read about them on our website, or experience them first FOOT in class, then here’s a quick overview – and a visual teaser to get you excited!

FasciAshi Classes:

Fundamentals is where you start your ashiatsu massage CE training – and we introduce you to the world of barefoot massage combined with myofascial release. This is where you learn your initial body mechanics, the safety “feetures” that go into giving a barefoot massage. (Things such as the contraindications and indications for different aspects of this work, the construction of safe bars built custom to fit your body’s natural movements, the inclusion of stable massage equipment, and of course – the knowledge of how to use all parts of your new tools TOE-LS of the trade.) This course is the prerequisite for everything that we offer, and the deep tissue theories combined with the concept of using gravity, your body weight, and specific angles of pressure will change the way you massage entirely! This beginner class is anything but basic, and will give you the knowledge, confidence and the opportunity to develop the skill to massage just as intuitively with your feet as you do with your hands. Down the road, if you choose to specialize as a FasciAshi Therapist, this class and it’s attached Certification self-study process are required.

Next progression: Intermediate or ROM

Intermediate is the next level up – where you’ll learn patience and leverage as you apply trigger point and neuromuscular theories, question yourself on how to troubleshoot each stroke and approach it based on the “kneads” of that client, and experiment with your angle of pressure as we utilize the Ashi-strap, the wall, and other tools that create leverage. Combine this with the  approach of a sidelying position, with the detailed, deep cervical strokes from your toes applied with your client supine, and you’ll have an arsenal of ideas to add into any massage session. We teach you how to SAFELY massage psoas, and work on the rib cage and hips from multiple angles to indirectly address the diaphragm, pelvic floor and the core muscles. Attendance in this class is required for anyone wanting to take our Advanced course – so don’t miss it!

We have been running this as a 12 hour class, but starting in 2018, it will be 2 full days and 16 CE’s! There’s so much good info packed into this training that we don’t want you to miss any moment of it!

ROM? That stands for Range of Motion. It’s not only passive stretches like Thai Bodywork, it’s also Facilitated Stretching techniques like Contract/Relax, Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation, Pin & Stretch and other forms of Stretch Therapy. We’ll teach you how to s-t-r-e-t-c-h your clients in 3D as you learn how to blend this work into what you are already doing. We cover the theories on each stretch technique, so that you can pick and choose which approach is best in the moment, and we’ll discover opportunities for joint manipulation, traction and more! This work encourages movement while creating mobility, stability and flexibility throughout their bodies to compliment the fascial release you provide in a massage. We’ll teach you draping techniques, so this can be incorporated within your FasciAshi massages, or leave the client clothed for uninhibited movement potential. This course, and it’s optional Certification self-study process, are prerequisites for those who want to specialize as a sports FasciAshi Therapist in the future.

The last of the 1st wave:

Advanced is the last of our “4 Core” classes, and empowers the experienced barefoot massage therapist to apply full body weight through 1 or 2 feet in the Anterior, Sidelying and Prone positions. Coordination, control and depth calculation are emphasized as your feet work bilaterally, unilaterally, in opposition, and out of sync to create glide between fascial layers, and movement of the bones. We’re palpating the topography of the anatomy below as we find the appropriate depth of pressure to apply, based on the highly developed “Sole Sonar” sensations and awareness developed in your well-practiced feet. There’s so much game changing material in this class that we can’t wait to teach you – so hurry up and take your prerequisites! You’ll need to attend this course, and finish it’s optional Certification self-study process, if you want to specialize as a clinical FasciAshi Therapist later!

There are more classes coming beyond these courses. What is listed above (with their accompanying certification processes) will accumulate 72 hours in class and 75 self-study training hours alone!

Already Ashiatsu trained, or need a refresher? We wrote a blog post a while back explaining our Revitalizer and Converge classes, for those of you who have already attended our own or another Ashiatsu course – read it here for more info! We only plan to offer the Converge classes through 2018, then we will retire the course. This year is your chance if you want a quick 1-day class to catch you up on the new strokes!

Some fun trivia: Every FasciAshi class involves the use of our signature straps suspended along the length of our overhead bars. This tool allows FasciAshi therapists to bend gravity as you massage in different planes while relieving strain on your body! (No need to death grip the bars or pull up a ton of weight when the straps got your back!)

When and where are our FasciAshi classes?

I’m glad you asked! You can always find our calendar HERE. We currently offer Ashiatsu Training in Texas, Ohio, North Carolina, Washington, Missouri, Michigan, Illinois, New York, and we’ll be in Nevada in 2018 – plus we have instructors coming on board to offer even more FasciAshi and Barefoot Massage classes near you! You can sign up to win a FREE DAY OF TRAINING while simultaneously be added to our monthly newsletter. In that newsletter you’ll receive a recap on whats up with us lately, some tips for your massage practice, and a schedule of upcoming classes. When the 2nd wave of classes comes out, our alumni will be the first to know!

Do you know someone who is destined to be a great barefoot massage therapist? Share this post with them! Do you have any questions? Ask us in the comments below!