Ashiatsu, an ancient practice performed by Buddhist monks which involves a massage therapist literally walking on your back is now available at Glacial Waters Spa. Meaning “foot” (ashi) “pressure” (atsu), Ashiatsu combines the elements of Thai massage and barefoot Shiatsu from Japan and Southern India that have been used for more than 3,000 years.
The traditional Ashiatsu Massage-Oriental Bar Therapy was developed by massage therapist, Ruthie Piper Hardee in 1995 as a result of her own scoliosis and disk pain associated with bending over the table to deliver deep tissue massage. “With regular massage, the No. 1 complaint is that the therapist didn’t go deep enough,” Hardee says. “People are yearning for deep tissue work,” and Ashiatsu does just that in allowing the therapist to stand straight up, utilizing their center of gravity to work the lumbar and the erectors.
The Western spin on barefoot massage is known to improve posture, relieve pain and stress, treat spinal problems, and provide an incredibly deep massage, all while still being gentle.
In 2009, there were only eight Minnesotan massage therapists trained to perform Ashiatsu, including Glacial Waters Spa’s Sarah Forsland. “We have seen an increase in popularity since its introduction and can imagine that it will only continue to grow once customers receive the treatment and realize how healing it can be,” said Forsland. Offering the therapy since July of last year, Glacial Waters is one of the only spas north of St. Cloud who can perform this unique form of massage practice.
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