Introducing FasciAshi
Barefoot Massage Trainings for Massage Therapists
Ever thought about using your feet to massage? Or thought you would find a massage continuing education workshop that teaches you how to use your feet? Ashiatsu Barefoot Massage isn't as obscure as it was 20 years ago and there are many other choices out there for Barefoot Massage Trainings but many teach only dumb-downed routines and are only relaxation-based ashiatsu massage trainings that dead-end after just a few courses. You learn the basics and then maybe an advanced course and then you're left to figure out how to incorporate it into your pain clinic or myofascial massage practice.
WE'RE DIFFERENT. FasciAshi is an innovative, revolutionary style of Barefoot Massage classes for Licensed Massage Therapists who want to massage with their feet while confidently applying deep tissue, myofascial release, trigger point and range of motion techniques. Learning how to use the body more efficiently to treat clients with chronic pain is key to a long and successful Massage Therapy career.
We are NOT teaching you a cookie-cutter sequence of barefoot massage strokes - we teach you how to use your feet as intuitively as you use your hands! Find longevity in this rewarding career without hurting your body! Check out our cool video below to get just a taste of the 'wiping the drool off your chin' moves we'll teach you in our LIVE ashiatsu massage training. Follow our blog, get social with us and you'll find out why The Center for Barefoot Massage is the future of barefoot massage!
The Durham campus for the Center for Barefoot focuses on advanced myofascial barefoot trainings, so our introductory Fundamental classes are limited. Visit the Virginia campus for more Fundamental introductory trainings.
Meet Your Instructor
Julie H Marciniak
Owner, Certified Ashiatsu Barefoot Massage Instructor
I have to pinch myself sometimes when I think about how long I have been practicing bodywork. 29 years and counting! It has been quite the journey. They say the average career span of a massage therapist can be 5-7 years. How have I lasted this long?? By going barefoot!! After 10 years of practicing deep tissue massage, I was looking for alternative modalities because my arms, hands, and back were constantly bothering me.
In 2002 I began my barefoot journey, and I’ve never looked back! Three years later barefoot massage inspired me to go back to school at the Dr. Ida Rolf Institute in Boulder, CO to receive my Rolfing certification. I love structural work and being able to use my feet and adapt them to work with the fascia is incredible! In 2018, I completed my 168 hr Advanced Rolfing™️ certification. Learning barefoot bodywork has changed my life and extended my career beyond my wildest expectations! Read more about my experience in my blog 'Massage, Rolfing and Life Experiences'.
I've been an Ashiatsu barefoot massage instructor for 12 years now and I love teaching other therapists the possibilities of barefoot massage. It's not easy, nor glamorous, and quite time-consuming. But it's extremely rewarding to help massage therapists find hope after they thought their career was over. Or to help breathe new life in a boring Swedish slumber massage practice for those fresh out of massage school. I own and operate Bull City Soles Massage and Bodywork studio where our therapists provide barefoot massage EVERY DAY. We have the experience to help you transform your practice into a full-time barefoot massage and bodywork practice.
OUR OFFICE
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a weight limit for your ashiatsu massage training?
There is no weight limit for our Beginner, Intermediate and ROM level barefoot massage training. If you progress to the Advance level, then there is a strength and weight restriction. When you start using two feet for barefoot massage you have to take into account the clients weight, body build/structure before you start using your entire body weight on them. We recommend you only use two feet on clients that weigh 50-100 pounds more than you; thick, larger framed clients with dense muscles. Failing to do this and work on inappropriate body types leads to potential injuries for YOU and YOUR CLIENT.
Will I be able to actually feel knots and muscle tension with my feet?
Yes! It's not something that happens overnight and it depends on the sensitivity of your feet. If you are used to going barefoot often and wear minimalist shoes then you are going to have an advantage over someone that rarely engages their bare feet. They need to be strong and flexible and the sensitivity will come! A seasoned barefoot massage therapist can feel trigger points, muscle tension and palpate with their feet just as much as with their hands. Read our blog 'The Things Your Feet Can Do'.
How difficult is it to put up ashiatsu bars to practice barefoot massage?
It depends on your setup. We will cover ashiatsu bar construction in class and go over most setups, even homemade ashiatsu bars. Our instructors have come across many scenarios over the years and we have tons of knowledge and resources to help you figure out how to get your barefoot massage bars up quickly and safely. You will also have access to barefoot bar construction info on our Tribe Membership site with the Center for Barefoot Massage. Even when your ashiatsu training is over we are here to help and want you to succeed!
What's your cancellation policy for class?
Can I learn ashiatsu barefoot massage?
Learning barefoot massage isn't for everyone! But if you are a licensed massage therapist, here are some questions you can answer to see if Ashiatsu barefoot massage might be a good fit for you.
I have a clinical-based massage therapy practice. Will I be able to use Ashiatsu Barefoot Massage in my practice?
Absolutely! Barefoot Massage is just learning how to add a new tool to your toolbelt. You can learn how to do trigger point, myofascial work and deep tissue with your feet and eventually figure out what tool, your hands or your feet is appropriate for the goals of you sessions. Julie Marciniak, your instructor is an Advanced Rolfer® and has been Rolfing with her feet for 11 years! Read more about her barefoot bodywork journey.
What are the benefits of learning ashiatsu massage?
There are many benefits to taking our barefoot massage training but the most common one is that it SAVES YOUR BODY! Massage can be hard on your body, especially if your clients continually ask for deeper pressure. What if you work on a lot of athletes? Click here to learn more about The top 5 benefits of ashiatsu massage training.
What is Ashiatsu barefoot massage?
Some people call it Ashiatsu, or Barefoot massage or a combination of both. But Ashiatsu is just one form of barefoot massage where the massage therapist uses their feet to massage. If you are a MASSAGE THERAPIST, read our blog What is Ashiatsu Massage. If you are a MASSAGE CLIENT read, What is Ashiatsu Massage from Bull City Soles massage and bodywork studio. Both of these blogs give you an idea of what Ashiatsu is from a different point of view.
Can I practice barefoot massage while pregnant?
Due to liability and safety issues, we do not allow any therapist to receive prone or supine work while expecting a baby. Receiving is a part of the class learning experience, so please wait until after the baby is born and you are fully healed to register for our classes at NC Ashiatsu Barefoot Massage Training. If you have previous ashiatsu training, read our blog Barefoot and Pregnant for tips on doing barefoot massage while pregnant.
