Rooted in Eastern health, this barefoot massage technique uses deep compression effleurage strokes that glide over the body. It combines flowing centrifugal and centripetal push, pull, pumping movements, which can create a structural change in chronic soft tissue damage. Bars are used above the head for balance and lubricant is essential for its purest application. Therapists who suffer from lumbar discomfort and hand or wrist pain, but specialize in deep-tissue massage, will find this technique less stressful on their bodies.
(Source: Ashiatsu Oriental Bar Therapy, www.deepfeet.com)