Ashiatsu is barefoot deep tissue massage. The therapist works from bars mounted above the table and uses the soles of her feet, rather than her hands, to deliver broad and steady pressure. Empire Salon in downtown Billings has an ashiatsu therapist, and you can book online.
What ashiatsu actually is
The name comes from the Japanese words for foot, ashi, and pressure, atsu. Instead of thumbs, knuckles and elbows, the therapist uses her feet, holding overhead bars to control her balance and how much of her weight goes into each stroke.
That changes how the work feels. A hand concentrates pressure into a small point, which is why deep tissue can feel like digging. A foot spreads the same pressure across a much wider surface, so the pressure goes deep without the sharp edge people brace against. The strokes are long and continuous, usually running the length of the back, rather than short and localized.
Who tends to like it
People who ask for deep tissue and still leave wishing it had gone further. Anyone who finds elbow and thumb work too pointed to relax into. Taller and heavier clients, because the bars and the therapist’s body weight give her leverage that hands alone do not.
Sessions are done on bare skin with lotion or cream, most often on the back, shoulders and legs. The therapist adjusts pressure continuously by shifting weight onto the bars, so if it is ever more than you want, say so and it changes on the spot.
Tell your therapist about anything going on with your health before the session starts, including pregnancy, recent surgery or a recent injury. Some situations call for a different technique or a lighter approach, and that conversation is a normal part of the appointment.
Common questions
Does ashiatsu use oil or lotion?
Lotion or cream, applied to bare skin. It gives the long gliding strokes enough slip without leaving you as oily as an oil massage would.
Is ashiatsu deeper than a regular deep tissue massage?
It can reach deeper, because the therapist has her body weight and the overhead bars behind each stroke instead of just arm strength. Most people describe it as deeper but broader, and less sharp, than hand and elbow work. Whether that is better is a matter of preference, and plenty of people prefer hands.
What does ashiatsu cost in Billings?
Every professional at Empire Salon works independently and sets her own service menu and prices. Current pricing and session lengths are on the booking page, alongside real time availability.
How should I prepare?
Drink water, eat something light rather than a full meal, and arrive a few minutes early. Wear whatever is comfortable. Everything else is handled at the table.
Your therapist
Ashley Zubick performs ashiatsu massage at Empire Salon. She is one of the independent professionals renting at Empire, which means she sets her own hours, her own menu and her own prices. When you book, choose Ashley and you are booking directly with her.
You can see everyone working at Empire on the team page.
Where to find us
Empire Salon, 212 N 29th St, Billings, MT 59101, in the heart of downtown. Call the salon at (406) 255-0684. The salon is open Monday through Saturday, 10am to 6pm, and because everyone here sets their own hours, appointments outside those times are often available.
