You may have noticed that the Center for Barefoot Massage recently added a few new classes this year. One that I’m really excited about teaching is Fijian Barefoot Massage. This style is such a great addition to our company and having the original creator, Lolita Knight’s blessing to teach her original work and carry on her legacy has been a true honor for us. The Center for Barefoot Massage has done this technique right by putting more theory and intention behind the original format, which makes for an exciting and engaging class.
You may be asking two very important questions.
One, what IS it and two, how is it different from what I’m already doing with Ashiatsu and FasciAshi? (Bonus: how is it different than Hot Ashi?! Read this.)
Fijian massage is a deep tissue barefoot style of massage that’s done with the client fully clothed on a mat on the floor. It uses movements and techniques that are specific to its unique style. The original creator of this massage, Lolita Knight took influence from her massage experiences while visiting Fiji.
Fijian massage is much different from traditional Western Ashiatsu as well as FasciAshi but one major benefit to learning it is that it can be integrated into your Ashiatsu work, offering your clients even more by giving you additional skills and ways of using your foot, increasing your foot flexibility and giving your work a more detailed approach.
Some additional benefits you’ll receive from taking our Fijian barefoot class might surprise you.
1. Fijian is great for smaller frame clients where Ashiatsu is best on larger clients.
2. You don’t need creams or oils to perform Fijian massage.
3. It’s super portable.
4. You can incorporate it into any Matwork (like Shiatsu, Thai, Breema) that you may already be doing to save your wrists from all the palming compressions! Read more about Integrating Fijian into Matwork here
How to introduce people to Fijian barefoot massage
Fijian barefoot massage in the classroom
Most clients will be a little slow to jump on the barefoot massage train since it’s not as familiar as other styles of massage so suggesting a mini session or demo at a local health fair, sporting event, or market is a great way to introduce people to Fijian massage and do a little bit of public education on barefoot massage.
Additionally, Fijian barefoot massage can be way more convenient for the massage therapist over demos of ashiatsu when overhead bars are required.
Doing events and demonstrations of Ashiatsu requires a lot of gear but Fijian massage can be set up easily and inexpensively, which is perfect when you’re just starting out on your barefoot massage journey!
I’m reminded of a great post from the Center for Barefoot Massage’s owner and San Antonio instructor, Jeni Spring’s portable bar tell-all blog.
Personally, I love offering a mini session at events so that clients can get a more complete idea of the type of work they’ll experience in a real session. So, for example, I offer a 15-minute mini session for $20 to make it easy for everyone.
I also call it something that’s easier to request. Fijian massage can be a tongue twister for new clients but “barefoot sports massage” is simple, while “deep island sports massage” sounds fun and exotic.
Of course, you can get creative with your language to appeal to your demographic.
Avoid repetitive use injuries
Similarly to FasciAshi, Fijian massage is done entirely with the feet so it saves we therapists from the inevitable repetitive strain injuries common to those who work in our field by allowing us to use our lower body instead of our arms, wrists, and hands.
Clients who enjoy the deeper pressure but gentler, more thoughtful techniques really appreciate Fijian massage.
Hillary at the AMTA TX convention
One of the best parts about Fijian barefoot massage is that therapists can be comfortably seated ( yep, you read that right! SEATED) throughout the entire session and still give a deep, productive massage to clients by utilizing the weight of their body and deep tissue techniques.
I recently did a demo to show Fijian at the Texas AMTA convention and therapists would walk by and comment on my relaxed, seated posture and slow…sometimes quick movements. “ I want to do THAT!” they’d say.
When you’re giving a Fijian massage, you’re living the dream! Giving really skillful, deep work with little effort or risk of injury and everyone is happy.
In our classes, students will learn both the theory and the how-to of how specific techniques used during a Fijian Barefoot Massage protocol (such as: neuromuscular therapy, jostling, compression, cross-fiber friction, and shearing sustained pressure) and how it impacts their client’s experience both in class and in our student clinic.
Learn more about our Fijian classes here.
Today’s post is by our Dallas instructor, Hillary Arrieta, LMT
Hillary is a self-proclaimed, excitable dork when talking about her work and dresses one of her fur babies in a taco cape when necessary.
She specializes in deep tissue, Barefoot Ashiatsu-styled massage therapy, wholistic face rejuvenation featuring cupping and facial gua sha, ayurvedic Shirodhara and body therapies for seasonal wellness, meditation sessions, Reiki, and full cupping sessions.
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