Austin Ashiatsu

Case Study

editor — Thu, 03 May 2012 19:32:32 +0000

Ashley, (age 35, yoga teacher and runner) came in complaining of lower back pain that had been troubling her six months. She said that the pain had started in the lower back but had moved into the hip and was starting to radiate pain down the right leg. During Ashley’s first 90 minute session we found tension in the QL’s (Quadratus Lumborum), and activated trigger points in the gluteus, especially on the right. We began the session by smoothing out all of the back muscles from the top of the trapezius to the lumbar using medium pressure ashiatsu. Once the back muscles were relaxed, we applied heel pressure to QL’s to release. We went on to work out the knots in the gluteus using ashiatsu techniques as well as trigger point therapy. We ended the session by ironing out the tension in the legs using long ashiatsu strokes. After her first session of ashiatsu, Ashley reported her pain had been decreased from pain level of 8 (on a scale from 1-10), down to a 3. In three sessions, Ashley’s lower back, hip and leg pain were completely gone. Ashley still comes in for ashiatsu as she is a runner and likes to keep her body in top shape for competing. Her lower back pain has not returned.

Case Study

editor — Thu, 05 Apr 2012 04:50:25 +0000

David (age 29 software programmer) came into the office complaining of shoulder and neck pain from sitting at his desk programming for long hours. During his 60 minute ashiatsu session we found that David’s upper trapezius muscles were so tight that his body had produced multiple layers of facia that were holding the shoulders in a contracted state. The congestion was so extensive that there were a series of walnut sized knots in the shoulders. Typically if there is this much tension in the shoulders, you can count on the fact that muscles are not getting properly nourished due to the lack of blood circulation in the area. These muscles are basically being strangled by this web-like tissue. You may ask why the body would sabotage itself in such a way. The answer is simply this: If you sit in a slouched position for long periods, the body thinks that you need some help staying in that position so it builds a cast to hold your muscles in place. Slouching at a computer leads to a complex problem that tends to involve all of the muscles of the back, neck, shoulders and chest. It was no surprise to find such conglomeration of tension acting in unison causing David such pain in his shoulders and neck. We began the session stretching out David’s back with long, deep strokes along the trapezius muscles from the sacrum all the way to the occipial ridge on the back of the head. We proceeded to work out the knots in the trapezius under the shoulder blades. We proceeded to turn David on his side and placed direct heel pressure into the the top of the shoulder to release the knots in upper trapezius at the top of the shoulders. (This feels amazing, by the way). To finish we had David laying face up to work the pectoralis muscles of the chest. The pectoralis is inversely related to the trapezius, therefore by releasing the pecs the traps can relax into place.

Valentine’s Day!

editor — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 18:51:38 +0000

In our busy lives, we sometimes get so caught up taking care of everyone else that we often neglect to nurture ourselves. Here are a few suggestions from Austin Ashiatsu for different ways to enjoy Valentine’s Day!

* Pamper yourself: Buy some flowers for yourself, get you hair done, get a massage… anything that takes you away and helps you to relax. For example; light some candles, indulge in a luxurious bubble bath, take a leisurely walk outside… whatever it is that nourishes your body and mind.

* Go out with friends: Spend some time with your loved ones. Being in the company of the people who love us can remind us of how fortunate we are and put us in a state of gratitude.

* Cheer someone up: Surprise someone with a Valentine… A home made card from the heart can make a huge difference in a person’s day. It is no coincidence they say “it’s the little things that count”.

* Think Positive: Thoughts are very powerful and they shape our reality. Changing your attitude and perspective can change your whole life, as well as the peoples’ around you.

*Romance: If you have a romantic partner, well have some romance of course. And perhaps schedule a massage for the two of you!

At Austin Ashiatsu, we strive to provide each of our clients with a total transformation of their lives. We would love to help facilitate your process of self-love & healing. Whether it is for yourself or a loved one, a gift of well being is a gift from the heart.
We now have simultaneous appointments for couples available on Saturdays. Gift certificates are available at our studio or online. Call and schedule a massage today. We would love to hear from you!

Grand Opening Party

editor — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 03:30:54 +0000

Austin Ashiatsu is proud to present the opening of our new space in the East Village studios. If you haven’t had a chance to experience our unique style of deep tissue massage, we hope that we will see you soon. We have most recently joined forces with Art Therapy Austin and together we are occupying a lovely custom designed space on east 11th st. here in Austin Texas. We held our grand opening party on 29 January 2012 and it was a marvelous success.

South Austin Brewing Co. sponsored the party with a keg of their latest batch of high quality Belgian style beer. You can find this new brewery off South Congress and St. Elmo. “They’re unique and style-challenging, carefully hand-made to be enjoyed by both the emerging beer connoisseur and seasoned craft brewing advocates.” If you missed them at our opening, you can check them out at their grand opening party 11 February 2012. Visit their official site for more information: http://www.southaustinbrewing.com/ . Music was provided by the lovely Datri Bean, bringing us her own style of vintage jazz. Datri has had a profound influence in the musical vintage scene which is rapidly gaining the interest of many who frequent venues such as East Side Showroom and Swan Dive. Datri has just released her latest cd “Ruby” which you can find out more about by visiting her website at http://datribean.com/home.html. If you missed us at our opening, feel free to stop in anytime Monday-Friday from 10am-3pm and we would be happy to show you around the space. Better yet, schedule an ashiatsu deep tissue massage. It is no coincidence that we were named “Best of Austin” Austin Chronicle Critics choice after only five months of being open.