How is Barefoot Shiatsu different?

Barefoot Shiatsu is a technique done while the client is fully clothed in loose garments.  Barefoot Shiatsu is done with the client lying on a low table or mat on the floor, according to preference. It is convenient because it can be scheduled in the middle of a workday at lunch, since a shower is unnecessary---there is no oil to wash off. A barefoot massage can either be done after a day’s athletic activity or work to relieve overused muscles, or before such activities for peak performance.

What is a barefoot shiatsu experience like?

Marsha stands close to the side of the person receiving massage. She moves around the body working with one or both feet at the same time focusing on different areas of the body. Depending on the person’s need, one area may be of greater importance than another, such as the upper shoulders or low back. Many people picture barefoot shiatsu as a small Asian woman walking on their back. Such a technique would be very unusual for Marsha to use because she is neither small nor Asian, and a percentage of her body weight is sufficient for most people to get the massage pressure they desire. Barefoot Shiatsu is performed with socks on for sanitary reasons.

Are special techniques or theories involved?

Communication during the massage is important. The client is expected to inform Marsha that more pressure or less pressure is desired on any area of the body.

The client is also expected to tell Marsha which areas are to be focused on. Marsha will also use her knowledge of trigger point therapy and referred pain when performing barefoot shiatsu techniques.

How effective is barefoot shiatsu massage?

Barefoot shiatsu massage is, just practical. The foot is twice the size of the hand and can cover twice the distance of a hand on the body. The foot provides more concentrated type of pressure than a hand, elbow, or finger, without the “pointed pressure” of a thumb or elbow.  Due to the shape of the foot, the client receives the benefit of massage techniques done with thumbs or elbows, while experiencing deep effective massage in a reduced time.  Because of her experience performing hundreds of massages on people in pain from hard labor and patients in physical therapy, Marsha has developed additional special techniques for cramped muscles in the low back, hips, legs, hands, shoulders and neck that are more efficient than a typical hands & oil massage.    For example, barefoot shiatsu techniques done on the shoulders and low neck muscles can enable the client to gain relief *65% faster than in a Swedish style massage because of the body angle of the masseuse.

Is barefoot shiatsu good for athletes or people who perform hard physical labor?

Yes, barefoot techniques can be used effectively to help athletes or anyone who works their body hard. With athletes, barefoot can help achieve peak performance, or to assist in recovering from overused muscles.  With people who work hard performing tasks such as dry walling, framing, heavy cleaning, or yard and gardening work, barefoot shiatsu is ideal to help speed recovery of cramped muscles and enable return to the work you love.

Are there any metaphysical benefits to barefoot shiatsu?

Barefoot shiatsu can enable the flow of energies through the body’s chakra’s, and assist in balancing them. When the chakra’s are energized, many unexpected healing benefits can result. Barefoot shiatsu is also a “grounding” experience, which can enable metaphysical experiences to occur and become fully integrated within the person. 

Who is Marsha Yates?
Marsha moved to Mt. Shasta in 2001. After a ski accident, she was unable to walk for a year. She learned massage to heal herself, and became a massage therapist in 2003. Previously, Marsha had careers as a freelance artist, in art education, and in mental health counseling working with people of all ages. Marsha enjoys an active outdoor lifestyle.

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