Question about Ashiatsu (AOBT)

[COD.warrior]

Hi all~

I'm scheduled to take the first level AOBT course and am concerned about how much I'll be able to actually use it in my practice. (I'm a recently license therapist and only do outcalls at the moment...can't afford portable bars, so...).
Question--can you give a decent AOBT massage with just the techniques learned in the first course? I won't be able to afford any additional courses anytime soon (I already can't afford the one I signed up for lol), and am wondering if I should just nix the idea altogether.
Also, how strong do you have to be for the first course? My upper body strength has weakened due to some health issues so I'm a little worried about that too.

Any insight would be great. thanks in advance

~tara

 

[Kaitlyn]

Hi Tara

I recently took the Ahh...Shiatsu class and I would recommend that all MTs take Ashiatsu to prolong their careers!!! More experienced therapists can probably give you more insight, but I feel that the bars are more for support and balance. There are a few movements that I do that require upper body strength, but for the most part, I am not "holding on for dear life." I usually just lightly grip the bars for support. So, I think you can do most movements and develop upper body strength over time.

Also, the class I took offered a bars or mat based class. If you can't afford bars, but want to take the class you may ask your instructor how to modify the technique so that you can do it on the floor. That would eliminate your need for upper body strength.

 

[Atherfool]

I've been practicing Ashi since July '04, and I took the course because of my high volume of men who needed and requested DEEP work. I thought it would be so much easier...and it is, just in different ways. It is a workout...don't kid yourself. You will be using (most likely) muscles in your legs that you are not used to. Upper body strength is important, and if you do not have it now, you will develop it.

Like I said, I got into this for my "guys" and they are so greatful for the work. Unfortunatly for them, I am now 7 months pregnant, and unable (And unwilling, despite the begging, pleading and guilt trips) to get up on the table. I had to go back to "normal NMT/deep tissue", and it is about killing me.

sooooo...I am now using my body cusion on the floor, in the hallway so that I can push and lean against the walls, and I have modified my ashi treatment to accomodate. I do it with the client clothed, so it is basically just serious compression and CFF, not much (if any) MFR or gliding, obviously.

I now Michelle of Ahh...Shiatsu teaches a seated ashi...(I have not taken it yet, because I don't think it would provide enough "umph" for these sado-masichist clients I seem to attract) But I think it would be a fabulous alternative if you are in a situation where upper body strength, purchasing bars, or setting up your own set, are an issue. I would suggest getting a body cushion system. We use them for all kinds of things, so it would be a wise long-term investment.

Good luck! I am counting the weeks down until I can get back up on the table! (My "guys" are suggesting I get a back-pack for the baby so he can just "hang out" while I am up there working so I can get back to work faster! I told you they are hooked!)

 

[Namibnat]

A few nice threads on the two types of "bar massage":

Ahh...Shiatsu Massage Therapy

Ashiatsu Oriental Bar Therapy

 

[Patio of Fun]

I took the AOBT class in August of 2004 as a recent MT school graduate. About 70% of my clients see me for just for that. Upper body strength isn't really required and the massage itself will get you in great shape quickly! I absolutely love giving the massage and my clients are very happy. Don't be concerned about not taking additional classes. I have just taken the first and don't really plan on taking more. There are so many modalities out there to sample!

I highly recommend finding some space where you can build your bars. It will pay for itself in no time. The biggest mistake you can make is to take the course and then not follow up with immediate practice! The class is only 3 days and no one in my class felt ready to go at the end. I spent a month practicing on friends before I charged anyone. Once I got started, the word spread and I had a practice that supported me nicely within 3 months.

Good luck!

Sally
Barefoot in Cozumel

 

[KatieLovesMichael]

OK, I LOVE this idea of the Ashiatsu thing. I'd LOVE to give my clients a nice deep tissue on their back that #1) they love, #2) distinguishes me from other therapists, and #3) saves my HANDS! Only problem is, I can't afford the bars, either. I know some ppl have hung rafters or other contraptions from their ceiling--has anyone had experience with anything like this? Any success (or not-so-much-success) stories? Any advice? I'd LOVE to get into this! Any help is greatly appreciated

THanks!
Hugs,
~Jyoti

 

[Darby T]

I've been practicing Ashi for a couple of years now & my cliets love it. When you take the class with Ruthie (AOBT) she includes info on how to install bars. It all depends on your ceiling, but the basic pieces cost about $40 at Home Depot. All installed (my husband helped me put mine in) it cost me about $250 in materials & some labor my landlord had to do. Definately made that back... It's a great modality for the right client!

 

[Victoria M]

thanks everyone!

Hey all

Thanks so much for your responses...something happened with my PC so I didn't get to see a few of them till today, but I ended up going ahead with the course this past weekend and I'm so glad I did! I didn't realize there were so many options with regards to setting up a bar system, so that part of the course definitely made things more exciting.
thanks again for all the positive and encouraging feedback, I appreciate it!!!

~tara

 

[Leila L]

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[Amir H]

Cindy, I pulled out my AOBT 3 ring binder to look up the bar installation for drop ceilings. Basically it looks like you put up three long planks on top of the drop ceiling grid, perpendicular to the way your bars will go. This distributes the weight over a greater area. The eyebolts go through the drop ceiling panels and are bolted to these planks. The planks are held in place (?) by wedging boards between the actual cement ceiling and the planks. So, to answer your question, no, you won't be drilling into the cement above the drop ceiling grid.

You'll get much more detail on this in class, as well as photos that will take you through the installation process. My own ceiling is super irregular. I brought photos to class with me. Despite assurances that I would NEED to use portable bars, I was able to put up my permanent bars securely and sent back photos in case anyone else had my problem.

Drop ceilings are the easiest, however, and your bars will be up in no time.

Enjoy!

 

[Tate]

My bars are installed in a suspended concrete slab ceiling (with drop ceiling below) similar to what you have. All it took were four 'hiltie' anchors of the appropriate strength... you do need to drill into the ceiling about 1-1 1/2 inches (not all the way thru) and then these anchor bolts are installed. BTW it is not unusual to have to drill into these types of ceilings, they do it all the time to hang the drop ceiling, electrical & HVAC stuff. Hope this helps!

 

[Pompal 09.]

Thank you Barefoot and Berkana!
I will pass this info along to my landlord to reassure him.
You've been very helpful, thanks a ton!

 

[Dr. Nowt]

There are LOTS of ways to put the bars up and you will probably be exposed to more when you take the course. There is definitely a way! You can also do it without bothering with the ceiling at all. I've seen pieces of wood nailed to the sides of the wall and then a support system running across at the top with the bars suspended from that too........no holes at all in the ceiling. Of course, a higher ceiling would be required for that.

It is not uncommon for landlords to be concerned. I took the course before I had my own office. Needed to find an office soon so I could have clients and didn't have to borrow my friend's room further away all the time. I was looking to rent just one room from another therapist or in a gym or whatever. I kept being turned down and told the landlord didn't want it. I finally realized that since I was not talking to them directly, they didn't really understand how these bars were going to be set up and also what is done on the bars. I think they must have had visions of me swinging from them like a monkey or something.

Enjoy the course!!!!! And, definitely PRACTICE as soon as you return.

 

[shashou]

I think they must have had visions of me swinging from them like a monkey or something.

LOL, that's exactly what my landlord said! I've sent him some website links to check it out further and have discussed it at great length with the maintenance staff, and now he's ok with it as long as he gets to be my guinea pig!
I have also seen pics of bars installed on the walls, but unfortunately I have a huge office with no actual rooms, I just have screens up to create "walls". My real walls are too far apart.
I am planning on installing my bars the first day after the class, so I can start practicing right away. I'm really excited!

 

[Staci]

Cindy,

Where are you taking your training? Who is the instructor?

 

[Dustfinger]

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[Bradly]

Cindy,

I've heard Mary Claire's name before, but have not met her or anyone who has taken her class. Ruthie is quite the task master and holds the instructors up to a high standard. I'm sure she will be wonderful.

I know what you mean about being anxious and not wanting to wait to take a class. I travelled 8 hours to Virginia to take the class, rather than less than 3 to Connecticut, because the Virginia class was sooner.

I had a wonderful experience. I took the Basics class with Lynn Graves and Julene Fisher. Because of this big, huge hurricane, there were only 2 of us in the class. So, we got great attention. 2 students and 2 instructors. Both of them are wonderful instructors and very patient.

I travelled back there for Deepfeet 2 and was blessed that Ruthie was there to teach the class, with Lynne and Julene assisting. Another fabulous experience.

It's great that you are working out to get in shape before. It is very different than anything you are used to. Your legs get quite the workout. It's foreign and awkward at first. I would highly recommend ice packs and heat packs!

It's also a great idea to work your core muscles. If you have a strong core, it is much easier.

 

[ape]

Just wanted to add a link that I found today, to this thread (since it's Ashiatsu related) - it's another group that teaches an "Ashiatsu" type course (Ki-Atsu):

http://ki-atsu.com/page.php?url=asianbodyworking

Ashiatsu (Barefoot Realignment Technique)
Class Hours: 24 Hours
Credits: 2.4 Credits
Prerequisites: Shiatsu
Class Instructor: Ki F. Kosut

Course Description:
The Ki-Atsu Ashiatsu class (also known as the Ki-Atsu Barefoot Realignment Technique) is designed to train the student in performing the ancient art of ashiatsu, which is performed by the therapist with their feet, while balancing themselves with bars mounted to the ceiling. The course covers the techniques of ashiatsu, viewing the clients posture for deviations, the Myofascial planes of the body, how the techniques of ashiatsu can address postural deviations, safety considerations for the when performing these techniques, contraindications for the therapist and the client. The class also covers yoga and Pilates based exercises that the therapist can practice to prepare for the modality and prevent injury.

 

[Spicy Taco Breath]

I also recommend Erawan - a form of Thai massage performed with the therapist's feet. It's done on a floor mat with the client fully dressed and the therapist uses a stick or a cane for support. It's very relaxing, meditative work and it lets you get deep into the muslces. No bars required. I especially like doing it on the anterior thigh and IT band.
As a Thai and Ashi practitioner I am not sure about "floor Ashiatsu" done sitting on a stool. It doesn't give you the same leverage and pressure as when you are standing up. To give adequate pressure, your center of gravity needs to be above the client's body, not in your butt sitting on a stool. Just an opinion!
I highly recommend Ruthie's AOBT classes and you should be able to do a good routine just after taking Barefoot Basics.