Ashiatsu can be included in any massage on request – 60 min £70, 90 min £105. Book now · Ashiatsu at May Thai Therapy →
Ashiatsu is a barefoot massage technique in which the therapist uses their feet, rather than their hands, to apply broad, deep, gliding pressure along the back and legs. The name comes from Japanese: ashi (foot) and atsu (pressure). Because the therapist can use body weight, it feels deep but spread out, which many people find more comfortable than elbow or thumb pressure.
Ashiatsu in one paragraph
Ashiatsu (also called barefoot massage, back walking or foot-pressure massage) is a deep, full-surface massage given with the feet. It suits people who like firm pressure and have large areas of tight muscle, especially across the back, shoulders, glutes and legs. At May Thai Therapy in Woolmer Green, Hertfordshire, Ashiatsu (walking on the back) can be included in any massage on request, and it is one of our most popular requests. There is no separate Ashiatsu menu item. You book any massage and ask for it.
How Ashiatsu works
The therapist stands or supports themselves beside or over you while you lie face down, and uses the sole, heel and arch of the foot to glide, press and knead. A foot covers a much larger area than a thumb, so the pressure is broad and even. The therapist controls how much weight they use and adjusts it to you throughout.
Benefits of Ashiatsu
- Deep pressure without pinpoint pain: weight is spread over a wide area.
- Good for large muscle groups: the back, hips and thighs respond well to long foot strokes.
- Relaxation: slow, rhythmic pressure helps many people switch off.
- Pairs well with other styles: it can be combined with Thai massage or deep tissue massage in the same session.
As with any massage, results vary from person to person, and massage is not a substitute for medical treatment.
Who is Ashiatsu good for?
- People who usually ask for "harder" pressure.
- Desk workers and drivers with a stiff, tight back.
- Gym-goers, runners and active people with tight legs and glutes.
- Anyone curious to try something different from a hands-only massage.
What to expect at May Thai Therapy
- Book any massage, for example 60 minutes of deep tissue (£70), and mention you would like Ashiatsu. You can also ask on arrival.
- Your therapist checks for injuries or health conditions first.
- Part of the session (usually the back and legs) is done with the feet, and the rest by hand.
- Say "lighter" or "firmer" at any time. You are always in control.
Is Ashiatsu safe?
For most healthy adults, yes, when done by a trained therapist who checks with you throughout. Ashiatsu is not suitable during pregnancy, with osteoporosis or other fragile bones, after recent back or spinal surgery, with disc problems, or if you have been told to avoid deep pressure (for example on blood thinners). Tell us about any health conditions when you book and your therapist will use hands instead.
Who should avoid Ashiatsu
- Pregnancy.
- Osteoporosis or other fragile bone conditions.
- Recent surgery, especially on the back or spine.
- Disc problems, nerve symptoms or unexplained back pain.
- Blood thinners, bleeding disorders or a history of blood clots.
- Recent fractures, acute injuries or inflammation.
- Skin conditions, wounds or recent sunburn on the back.
If any of these apply, tell us. Your therapist will use hands only, or suggest a gentler treatment.
How we keep it safe
- We ask about your health before every session.
- Your therapist builds pressure up gradually and controls how much weight they use.
- Foot work stays on muscle (back, glutes, legs) and avoids the spine itself and joints.
- You can say "lighter" or "stop" at any time.
Is it normal to feel sore?
Mild tenderness for a day or two is common after any deep massage. Sharp pain, numbness or bruising is not normal. Stop and seek medical advice.
How much does Ashiatsu cost?
Ashiatsu is included within the massage you book. Most 60-minute massages are £70 and 90 minutes are £105. See our full price list.
Ashiatsu in Hertfordshire, not London
We are not in London: our only salon is in Woolmer Green, Hertfordshire. Knebworth station is on the Great Northern line from London King’s Cross and Moorgate, and our salon is about 1.2 miles from the station by road: a 3-minute taxi or about 25 minutes on foot. By car we are close to junction 6 of the A1(M). Many clients from Stevenage, Welwyn Garden City and Hertford also come for it.
Want a first-hand description of a session? Read Barefoot Bliss: what an Ashiatsu session feels like.
Ashiatsu, Thai foot massage and back walking: what is the difference?
People use several names for massage with the feet. Ashiatsu is the Japanese term and usually describes long, gliding foot strokes. Back walking is the everyday name for the same idea. Many Asian massage traditions, including Thai massage, also use the feet for pressing and stretching. That is different from a foot massage (reflexology-style work on your own feet). At May Thai Therapy, when you ask for Ashiatsu or walking on the back, your therapist uses their feet on your back and legs within the massage you booked.
Ashiatsu vs deep tissue massage
| Ashiatsu | Hand deep tissue | |
|---|---|---|
| Contact area | Whole foot: broad and even | Thumbs, knuckles, forearms, elbows: more focused |
| Feel | Heavy, flowing, enveloping | Precise, can feel sharper on knots |
| Best for | Large areas: back, glutes, thighs, calves | Specific knots, neck and shoulders |
| At May Thai | Included in any massage on request | Deep tissue, £70 / 60 min |
Many clients choose both: hands for the neck and shoulders, and feet for the back and legs.
How to prepare for your first Ashiatsu session
- Choose a massage that suits you. Deep tissue or Traditional Thai pair well with Ashiatsu.
- Mention Ashiatsu when you book online 24/7 or call 07360 276999, so your therapist can plan the session.
- Avoid a heavy meal in the hour before, because you will lie face down.
- Tell us about any back problems, surgery or bone conditions.
- Agree a simple signal for "lighter". Saying it is enough.
Aftercare
Drink some water, move gently, and avoid a hard workout for the rest of the day. Mild tenderness the next day can happen after any deep massage and usually settles within a day or two. If anything feels wrong, contact your GP.
How often should you have Ashiatsu?
For general tension, once a month is a common routine. If you are working on stubborn back tightness, some people book every one to two weeks for a few sessions, then monthly. See how often should you get a massage?
Find us
From Knebworth station: the salon is about 1.2 miles by road (a 3-minute taxi or drive), or roughly 25 minutes on foot via Station Road and the B197 (London Road). Knebworth is on the Great Northern line from London King’s Cross and Moorgate.
More guides: Is Ashiatsu safe? · Ashiatsu near me: how to book · Ashiatsu massage in Hertfordshire
How to book and find us
May Thai Therapy is at 11 London Road, Woolmer Green, Knebworth, Hertfordshire SG3 6JE, open 7 days a week, 10am–8pm. You can book online 24/7, call or WhatsApp 07360 276999, or walk in (we welcome walk-ins, but a quick call first avoids a wait). Parking: our own car park behind the shop (6 spaces), plus free street parking in the adjacent roads.
Frequently asked questions
What does Ashiatsu mean?
Ashiatsu is Japanese for "foot pressure" (ashi = foot, atsu = pressure). It describes massage given with the feet.
Does Ashiatsu hurt?
It should feel deep but not painful. Because the foot spreads pressure over a wide area, many people find it more comfortable than elbow or thumb work. Tell your therapist at any time to go lighter.
Can I add Ashiatsu to any massage?
Yes. At May Thai Therapy, Ashiatsu (walking on the back) can be included in any massage on request. Just ask when you book or when you arrive.
How much is Ashiatsu at May Thai Therapy?
It is included within the massage you book: most 60-minute massages are £70 and 90-minute massages £105.
Who should not have Ashiatsu?
It is not suitable during pregnancy, with osteoporosis, after recent back surgery, with disc problems or if you have been told to avoid deep pressure. Tell us about any health conditions when you book.
Is there Ashiatsu in London?
No, we are not in London. May Thai Therapy is in Woolmer Green, Hertfordshire. It is reachable by train to Knebworth from King’s Cross or Moorgate, or by car near A1(M) junction 6.