Ashiatsu and Shiatsu
First and foremost, let’s make it clear that Ashiatsu is different from the most better known traditional Shiatsu.
Instead of using their hands, the Ashiatsu therapists use their feet to work on their patient’s back, using a much wider area and applying a potentially stronger force which allows them to modulate precisely the pressure that they apply on their patient’s bodies.
The common points between Shiatsu and Ashiatsu are that they are both based on Chinese Traditional Medicine that is working mainly with typically Eastern concepts like “Yin Yang”, ”Organs”, “Meridians” and ”Acupoints” to name a few.
But Ashiatsu goes much further by combining and blending with Western Medicine anatomy; orthopedics and chiropractics which are proven to be more effective when treating deep tissues and nerves.
In China, many hotels and spa centers offer Ashiatsu massages where certified practitioners provide these highly specialized services to their guests.
Conversely, in Chinese Traditional Medicine hospitals, there are special Ashiatsu beds and Ashiatsu specialists who provide these medical services.
