Ashiatsu is a Japanese word meaning "foot pressure". The technique dates back over 2,000 years in India and is practiced all over the world. Ashiatsu still very new to the U.S., a curriculum program didn't begin in the U.S. until the 1990's, hence the "newness."
After the shoulder routine is complete, I come to a standing position on the stool and gently step to the table. From there, the posterior body is massaged using SINGLE foot techniques. The posterior body routine begins with the posterior arms and hands, then to the back - upper and lower, gluts and then down the back of the legs and end at the feet. IT band and glut work is very easily accomplished with this type of massage.
Generally, 60 minute sessions consist of the posterior body only as strokes are slower and paced as not to damage muscles from working too deeply too quickly.
After working the posterior body, I step down off the table to a clean towel placed on the floor. Once my client is comfortably supine, I begin again by stepping back onto the table at anterior legs and work up to the arms. Returning to the seated position on the stool above the client I then finish with work to the lateral neck and pecs.
Clients begin sessions prone, while I am seated in front of the face cradle with my back directly against the wall. I begin using both feet bilaterally on the shoulders, rhomboids, and erectors. I use mostly the arches and the heels of my feet in this portion. This part feels particularly nice because I can push the shoulders down and away from the ears. When clients are supine, I am seated above them, again, and am able to work pecs and lateral neck.