I felt like a heel.

September 22, 2006 4:57 PM

What kind of massage did I have in Osaka last night?

Last night I went to a onsen/bath facility (spa World) in Osaka. I had a massage where the entire massage was done with massuses heel while she supported herself
with a bamboo pole to keep her entire weight off me. She even walked on the soles of my feet with her heel. It was great. I felt beat up afterward.

Does anyone know what this type of massage is called? Links please?


posted by Xurando to Society & Culture (5 answers total)

That is one of the coolest massages! I'm not entirely sure what it's called but I've seen it done on multiple variety shows in Japan. I'm jealous.
posted by dead_ at 5:04 PM on September 22, 2006

It's called barefoot shiatsu. This is a description of shiatsu that discusses barefoot somewhat. Hope it's useful.
posted by blueskiesinside at 5:55 PM on September 22, 2006

There's another variation where they pull themselves up with a sting slung like a clothesline above and parallel to the table. Has the advantage that she doesn't have to put all her weight on you while she moves the stick.
posted by ChasFile at 5:59 PM on September 22, 2006

Didn't they use this kind of massage in the first Charlie's Angels movie? I seem to remember Lucy Liu walking to Tim Curry's back.

I think blueskiesinside has it right, I'm pretty sure it's a form of shiatsu.
posted by quin at 7:11 PM on September 22, 2006

ashiatsu
posted by goshling at 6:17 PM on September 23, 2006