Shiatsu vs Ashiatsu Massage: What’s the Difference?
In this blog post, we’ll explore the differences between two popular forms of massage therapy: Shiatsu and Ashiatsu. While both offer significant benefits, each has its unique techniques, origins, and advantages. We’ll break down what each massage style involves, their benefits, and which one might be best for you.
What is Shiatsu Massage?
Shiatsu is a traditional Japanese massage therapy that works with the body's natural energy flow. The word 'Shiatsu' literally translates to 'finger pressure' in Japanese, and this therapy is based on the principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). In Shiatsu, practitioners use their fingers, palms, and even elbows to apply rhythmic pressure to specific points on the body. This pressure is used to stimulate the body's self-healing response, promoting overall health and balance.
Shiatsu is ideal for those seeking relaxation, stress relief, and support for general well-being. Its benefits include reducing anxiety, easing muscle tension, improving circulation, and even supporting digestion and sleep.
What is Ashiatsu Massage?
Ashiatsu is a type of massage therapy that involves the therapist using their feet to apply deep pressure to the client’s body. The name 'Ashiatsu' comes from the Japanese words for 'foot' (Ashi) and 'pressure' (Atsu), meaning 'foot pressure'. This technique involves the therapist using their body weight to provide consistent, deep pressure to larger muscle groups, typically targeting the back, shoulders, and legs.
Unlike Shiatsu, which uses the hands for pressure, Ashiatsu is unique in that it allows for a deeper massage due to the leverage the therapist gets from using their feet. Ashiatsu is particularly beneficial for those who need deep tissue work but want a more relaxing experience than traditional deep tissue massage provides.
Ashiatsu Pronunciation
Ashiatsu is pronounced Ah-shee-at-soo (ʌʃiˈætsuː). It’s important to know how to pronounce it, as this term is often unfamiliar to many people.
What Does Ashiatsu Massage Do?
Ashiatsu Massage is designed to provide deep tissue relief using the therapist’s feet. By using their feet to apply sustained pressure, the therapist is able to work on tight muscles, relieve stress, and provide therapeutic benefits throughout the body. Some of the key outcomes of an Ashiatsu session include:
Deep relaxation
Relief from chronic muscle pain
Improved circulation
Tension release from large muscle groups, such as the back and legs
Enhanced flexibility and posture
Ashiatsu is ideal for individuals seeking a massage that combines deep pressure with a relaxing experience.
Ashiatsu Massage Benefits
Ashiatsu Massage offers several benefits, making it a popular choice for those seeking deep tissue work. Here are some of the benefits of Ashiatsu:
Deep tissue relief: Ashiatsu is particularly effective for individuals with chronic muscle pain or stiffness. The pressure applied by the therapist's feet can target deep muscles that are difficult to reach using hands alone.
Improved circulation: The deep pressure from Ashiatsu helps stimulate blood flow, which can support the body’s natural healing processes and reduce swelling or discomfort in muscles.
Reduced tension: Ashiatsu helps to relieve tightness in the muscles, reducing pain and discomfort from areas such as the back, neck, and shoulders.
Stress reduction: Like other forms of massage, Ashiatsu promotes relaxation, helping to reduce stress and anxiety.
What Is the Ashiatsu Technique?
The Ashiatsu technique involves the therapist using their feet to apply deep pressure along the client’s body. The therapist uses overhead bars for balance and control, allowing them to leverage their body weight for a more powerful yet controlled massage. The feet are used to apply pressure to large muscle groups, while the therapist maintains a smooth and consistent rhythm throughout the session.
This technique is particularly useful for targeting stubborn tension in large muscle groups like the back, shoulders, and thighs.
Shiatsu vs Ashiatsu: Key Differences
When comparing Shiatsu vs Ashiatsu, there are several important differences to note:
Pressure Application: In Shiatsu, the therapist uses their hands, fingers, palms, and elbows to apply pressure. In Ashiatsu, the therapist uses their feet to deliver deep pressure.
Techniques: Shiatsu focuses on stimulating energy points and balancing the body’s Qi (energy flow). Ashiatsu, on the other hand, provides deep tissue work through foot pressure, primarily focusing on muscle tension release and relaxation.
Origin: Shiatsu has roots in Japanese and Chinese medicine, whereas Ashiatsu blends Eastern and Western techniques, using feet as the main tool for delivering therapeutic benefits.
Pressure Intensity: Ashiatsu typically provides deeper pressure compared to Shiatsu, making it ideal for those seeking a more intense therapeutic experience.
Is Ashiatsu Better Than Deep Tissue?
Ashiatsu can offer deeper pressure than traditional deep tissue massage, as the therapist uses their feet for leverage. The technique allows for more consistent pressure over larger areas of the body, which can make it easier to release muscle tension in stubborn areas.
However, whether Ashiatsu is better than deep tissue massage depends on personal preference. If you’re looking for deep pressure but don’t want the forcefulness of a traditional deep tissue massage, Ashiatsu may be the perfect option for you.
Which is Better: Shiatsu or Ashiatsu?
Deciding between Shiatsu and Ashiatsu depends on what you're seeking from your massage experience:
If you're looking for relaxation, stress relief, and overall well-being, Shiatsu may be the best choice. Its focus on energy flow and pressure points offers a gentle approach to healing.
If you're seeking deep tissue relief, especially for chronic pain or tight muscles, Ashiatsu may be more effective. Its deep foot pressure targets large muscle groups, providing sustained relief from tension and pain.
Ultimately, both styles are beneficial, and the choice depends on your specific needs.
Conclusion: Which Massage Is Right for You?
Whether you choose Shiatsu or Ashiatsu, both therapies offer distinct benefits and cater to different needs. If you're unsure which massage is right for you, it's worth trying both to see which aligns best with your body’s needs. At Norma Shiatsu Croydon, we offer both Shiatsu and Ashiatsu treatments tailored to your health goals.
Ready to experience the benefits of Shiatsu or Ashiatsu? Book a session with us at Norma Shiatsu Croydon today and let us help you find the perfect massage for your well-being. Visit our homepage to learn more!
