Using the foot as a massage instrument is more common than one might think. As you do more research on barefoot techniques, you will find that there are many different modalities, with a long history, that are still practiced today. Here are some great resources if you want to learn more about barefoot bodywork.
Barefoot Ashiatsu Massage: This course is designed for massage professionals who wish to learn ashiatsu safely at home. This is a complete approach for beginners, but also a great study for experienced barefoot practitioners. Includes a 160-page manual with photos, bar installation instructions, and built-in instructional videos.
Ashiatsu Oriental Bar Therapy™ AOBT: Ruthie Hardee is credited with bringing ashiatsu to widespread recognition. Only seminar courses are available.
Barefoot Masters Ahh Shiatsu™: Michelle Mace teaches ashiatsu seminars along with Fijian, bamboo and stone massage seminars.
Fijian Barefoot Massage: The Fijian massage does not use parallel bars. A chair or stool is used to sit on and maintain balance. Clients can be dressed or undressed.
Barefoot Lomi Lomi: This barefoot technique originated in the Pacific. It includes the philosophies and long, flowing strokes from head to toe characteristic of traditional lomi lomi massage.
Chavutti Thirumal: Chavutti Thirumal is believed to be one of the earliest ancestors of ashiatsu. Although it is not widely practiced here in the United States, there is a limited amount of training in the United States.
Barefoot Thai / HandsFree™ Thai: Thai practitioners often use their hands, feet, knees and body weight during a massage. Chuck Duff runs a specific HandsFree Thai course for foot-only practitioners.
Trisoma®: John Harris has an excellent video and manual on using barefoot compression techniques. A cane is used for balance and the client lies on a mat.
Barefoot European Massage: Sue Kent is a successful professional masseuse across the pond. Born without hands, she developed her own style of barefoot bodywork. She sits on a bench over her client during the session. A DVD is also available on her website.
There are a few other resources I recommend, but they’re pretty hard to come by these days:
- “Heeling” A VHS video of Kate McBride
- One Rope, Two Feet and Healing Oils: Chavutti Thirummal – The Ancient Art of Keralite Massage. A book by Prabhat Menon and Asokananda
If you have a specific interest in one or more of these barefoot modalities, do a quick Google search. There are many great learning resources available.