For thousands of years, the foot has been recognized as the area with the most concentrated energy pathways, the easiest and most effective place to begin to restore lymphatic fluid flow, release toxins, encourage circulation in the body and detect metabolites (substances produced by metabolism such as uric acid/oxalate crystals). Spafinder identified HEALTHY FEET TREATMENTS as the number one trend in 2012 as more people are simply seeking pain relief via foot-focused therapies.

For More on this picture see:  http://www.afar.com/users/randy-eady/trips/ohares-oasis-up-up-and-away-in-an-urban-garden#h ighlight_tea-and-toes-garden-hydro-therapy~japanese-style

Onsen Ashiyu Origins

The usual form of footbath (Ashiyu), which is commonly done in resorts or hot spas (Onsen) is different from the detox foot spa machines sold in the market today. Ashiyu originated from a Japanese legend that occurred about 2000 years ago. It was narrated by a group of afflicted people and monks who made pilgrimage.

One evening during that time, in a deep mountain, the group looked around to find a place to rest their exhausted bodies. They saw a hot spring streaming out of the rock where they decided to make their shanty for the night. Before sleeping, they placed their feet into the hot stream to relieve their fatigue. When they woke up the next morning, they noticed they felt healthier than ever before. The group completed their pilgrimage, and they were informed by their physicians that their illnesses were gone.

This occurrence of significant healing spread around from villages to villages. Thousands of people followed the same route of pilgrimage, and physicians found foot-bathing promotes symptom relief and healing. From then on, the term "footbath" or "Ashiyu" in Japanese was born.

Foot-bathing works by soaking your feet in a shallow hot spring. Thought being: If your feet become warm, then your whole body may become warm, too. You will feel relaxed just as if taking a hot spring bath. However, no Japanese manufacturers claim it can detoxify the body through the feet. They suggest it can help rejuvenate your health and alleviate fatigue and other stress-oriented illnesses. The recommended temperature is 39–42 EC (102-105 F) and about 10–25 minutes per treatment session. For added therapeutic benefit, I employ years of careful study and practice in Anma (traditional Japanese finger pressure) to enhance the overall health of the body by stimulating meridian points on the feet. This treatment typically follows the ashiyu and is tuned to the rhythm of body -- paced & slow, light & deep -- and is designed to create a sense of tranquil relaxation. This can also assist dramatically with a systematic and effective approach to achieve a better level of body symmetry called Ashiatsu.

Ashiatsu

Although the Japanese term "Ashiatsu" is used in a trade name, the technique Ashiatsu Oriental Bar approach and its application are quite different. The root word “Ashi” in Japanese means "foot" and "Atsu" means "pressure", so together they symbolize foot pressure. Only a few forms of barefoot massage use the hands above the head.

The roots of Ashiatsu therefore, came via the Philippines and then from India. Barefoot Shiatsu from Japan and Keralite massage from Southern India have been blended to create a massage modality that delivers,as many have said, "the deepest, most luxurious massage on the planet".

The application of this barefoot massage technique uses deep compression effleurage strokes that glide over the body. Bars are used above the head for balance and lubricant is essential for its purest application: combining a centrifugal and centripetal force flow and incorporation of push, pull, pumping effleurage movements. The results relieve symptoms of chronic soft tissue damage and in some cases, when lucky, a structural change.
Foot Whisperer (aka: Randy Eady), a Barefoot Doctor, Therapist, former Prof. and Course Chair of Cultural Anthro. @ the USAF Academy was awarded the Academy’s “Outstanding Behavioral Science Instructor Award” for innovative/creative treatment with behavioral approaches to trauma recovery. Randy has seven years direct experience with U.S. Defense Dept. positions as a trauma therapist and counselor for combat veterans with PTSD, movement and physical mobility challenge conditions (such as amputee phantom pain phenomena and Parkinson’s Disease). Over the past several years Randy has developed an authentic Japanese foot and body treatment unlike anything offered anywhere in North America. You’ll experience a rare combination of client-centered study of your footwear/gait pattern and have your feet treated symmetrically using the same pressure technique (on each of the feet) rather than on one foot before the other -- as is the likely case in a reflexology session.

About Barefoot Doctoring

Barefoot Doctoring is the grassroots approach to the healing arts that people use to help heal themselves, friends, family, and community. It is a lay or professional person’s endeavor to be responsible for their own health and those in their sphere of influence. The phrase “Barefoot Doctor” was popularized in the mid-1900’s by the People’s Republic of China, who trained lay people in the healing arts where medical care was not available. Today, Barefoot Doctoring is popular in countries the world over, and refers to the concept of people helping people to heal themselves.

Most Barefoot Doctors tend to specialize according to their own personal interests and the needs of the community. Some become herbalists, others bodyworkers; some are midwives, others teach yoga; some are medical doctors or nurses, others are bush doctors or shamans. Many Barefoot Doctors take a more holistic approach, combining many types of healing arts into their own unique blend and attempt to meet whatever needs that arise in their community. Some practitioners do Barefoot Doctoring professionally, and others as a hobby. Some have gone to years of schooling, some have done apprenticeships; others are self-taught. Some barefoot doctors are scientific, while others more intuitive; some are more conventional following protocol and modern standards of care, while others are more unconventional, doing “whatever it takes” to help another on their path. What defines a Barefoot Doctor is the intention to use knowledge appropriately, while attempting to “upright “ the life toward a higher quality of existence.

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