Finding My Stride: Jackie's Journey to Barefoot Massage

For 25 years, I’ve been dedicated to the art of massage therapy. But after 21 years of using my hands, I felt the toll—especially in my neck and shoulders. Then life threw a curveball: a cross-country move and a fresh start. I took a job at a local spa specializing in Ashiatsu, and from the very first session, I knew I had found something special.

Using my whole body, letting gravity do the work, and applying deep, effortless pressure—it was a revelation. I could provide better results for my clients while protecting my own body from burnout. For the first time in my career, I wasn’t just working on the body—I was working with it.

What surprised me most was the precision. Many assume using feet means sacrificing control, but in reality, barefoot massage offers even greater accuracy. The broad surface of the foot covers more ground, while the ability to stand on the table provides angles and leverage that hands simply can’t achieve. The slow, rhythmic pace encourages the tissue to soften and open, allowing for deeper work without force or discomfort. The nervous system responds too—calming into a state of relaxation, like the soothing weight of a blanket.

I’ve always been a results-driven therapist, fascinated by muscle structure and fascia. Since I was 15, I knew this was my calling. Through my training with the Center for Barefoot Massage, I learned how to train my feet to do everything my hands had mastered over two decades—and what I discovered was that myofascial barefoot massage is even more effective.

This work is more than a technique—it’s a movement. It’s about sustainability, longevity, and working in a way that honors both the client and the therapist. The flow and rhythm of barefoot massage feel like an art form—a dance of connection, precision, and relief.

It’s changed my career, my body, and my approach to healing. And I can’t wait for more people to experience it.

Written by: Jackie

March 27, 2025