Let's talk modalities: Ashiatsu and Thai!

How many modalities of bodywork exist? Off the top of my head: Swedish, deep tissue, neuromuscular, trigger point, myofascial release, structural integration... and many, many more. What makes one modality different from another, and how can you decide which approach is right for you? Welcome to the first installment in an ongoing series in which we explain different systems of bodywork! To start, we are looking at two modalities from Asia: Ashiatsu and Thai massage. 

Have you ever seen bars or straps suspended over a massage table and wondered what their use was? Ashiatsu is your answer! Ashiatsu is a Japanese modality in which the practitioner’s primary tool of choice is not their hands, but their feet. Those overhead bars are for the therapist’s stability while they walk, and also glide, on your tissue. Typically, the client will undress and the therapist will use massage oil or cream, although ashiatsu can also be done with the client clothed. If you’re not sure what to make of feet as massage tools, let me assure you they are potent. While not quite as dextrous as hands (no thumbs), feet have more surface area and are much stronger. The therapist can use their full body weight in this modality, so if massage hasn’t quite felt deep enough - or you love broad, gliding pressure - ashiatsu might be the modality for you.

Thai massage is practiced with the client wearing comfortable, loose fitting clothes, and it incorporates passive stretching, range of motion and deep compression. The therapist may use their feet during the session like in ashiatsu, but they will also use their hands, forearms, and even knees. This is another modality that allows the therapist to use their full body weight; although the pressure feels more focused with less glide - a feature of the client remaining clothed. Thai massage traditionally takes place on a floor mat, although it is modified quite easily for the table. Studies have shown Thai massage to be beneficial in treating low back pain, headache and joint stiffness. If you like the idea of a full body assisted stretch coupled with deep compression - or perhaps you dislike massage lubricant - consider a Thai massage.

Remember as well that massage is adaptive. Knowledge of one modality can inform another and your therapist may incorporate multiple modalities to customize a session for your therapeutic goals. So while it is useful to understand different bodywork systems, no two massages are ever identical. In fact, the rapport between therapist and client influences the session just as much as any particular modality! 

We have several skilled therapists at Mantis practicing Ashiatsu and Thai massage. Call or text for more information, or book online. And it’s always helpful to let your therapist know at the start of the session if there is a modality you’re interested in, or curious about. We’re here to help.