What is Sokuatsu?

You may have heard of Ashiatsu. Ashiatsu is a modality with a receiver on a massage table and the practitioner massages the receiver with a foot or both feet while holding onto the bars installed on the ceiling.

Sokuatsu is similar but it is done on the floor and there is no massage table or the bar system installed on the ceiling. Sokuatsu and Ashiatsu actually use the same kanji or Chinese characters but with different way to read. First character means foot and the second character means pressure because we will use the foot pressure to massage.

History of Sokuatsu

Sokuatsu was said to be developed by the Buddhist Zen Monks hundreds of years ago to alleviate each other’s tired body in between the trainings. They used foot to massage since they use the hands for praying.

Sole of the foot is about twice the size of the hand. When you use this part, you can give a gentler compression yet deeper massage without damaging the capillaries and muscles. So even the elderlies can enjoy this treatment.

Sokuatsu promotes circulation and lymph movement and improves the self healing ability.

Sokuatsu benefits

Improved circulation
Promotes cell rejuvenation
Strengthen immune system
Balance the Autonomic Nervous System (Reduce stress)
Balance mental state (Relaxing effect)
The giver doesn’t have to worry about carpal tunnel or back pain

There are several different styles of Sokuatsu in Japan. Some uses the long sticks like these. Some uses canes for a balance. This practitioner is using a mobile structure. You can also sit on a chair to give Sokuatsu.

There are classes at various locations. This one is at a temple. There are classes for kids too. So with Sokuatsu, the whole family can enjoy stepping on each other.

Actually, that sounds really bad. I’ll just say the whole family can enjoy the Omoiyari Touch with foot.

1. What is Sokuatsu and History