Ashiatsu Aftercare by Jeni Spring of Heeling Sole Massage 

So you just received an Ashiatsu or Ashi-Thai session and you feel great

After you have experienced this deep tissue barefoot massage, it will take sometime to adjust to the changes. Here are some things that happened during your massage: I elongated your spine, decompressed pressure on your joints, loosened adhered tissue and hypertonic muscle fibers, and I dramatically increased the circulation of fluids within your whole body. Your blood pressure and blood-sugar levels may have changed, sinus flow may be affected, and you might feel a little “dazed”.

So what?! Well, if you are like most Americans, you are constantly on the go. Listen to your body for the next 2 days, and slow down to help make this massage last longer.

A positive natural side effect of relaxation brings on a change in your nervous system – state of mind, emotions, hormone levels, awareness – all these things may be now working on a level that will enhance your body’s natural healing abilities. It’s a good thing! So what?! Well, if you are like most Americans, you are constantly on the go. Listen to your body for the next 2 days, and slow down to help make this massage last longer. Here are some “Ashi-Aftercare” suggestions:

Do:

• Drink your water, eat healthy.
• Take deep, slow breaths, and smile!
• Passive, gentle stretching periodically throughout the day.
• Enjoy a hot bath/steam/shower – enhance the experience and continue to help your body relax with Epsom salts and aromatherapy added to the water!
• Ice any sore areas to reduce inflammation, pain and muscle contracture/spasm..
• Wear supportive braces (neck, back, knee, ect) if your routine requires rough or aggressive lifting or activities.
• Rest – take a nap!
• Pay close attention to your body’s reaction to this massage, and tell Kassie!

Don’t:

• Sit for long periods of time in a hard, unsupportive chair or in a car.
• This will compress your spine and easily bring your joints out of alignment, which may trigger pain or spasm.
• Lift heavy objects: Your muscles are supple and relaxed – the chances of injury are greater if you are not careful.
• Engage in any rough contact sports or activities that put stress on your spine. (Wakeboarding, football, motorcycle riding, horseback riding, kick boxing, etc)
• Drink or smoke – your body is absorbing everything right now. You will feel the effects faster, and could risk dehydration and nasty hangovers!

If you are currently taking any form of medication, please pay close attention to the effects of this massage and how it relates to your condition. If you have further questions about Ashiatsu Oriental Bar Therapy and if it is an appropriate form of care for your tissue-issues, please talk to Kassie and your doctor.

Thanks for taking the time to receive this barefoot massage – now treat yourself to some peace!

-Kassie Cressall, LMT