Raising the Bar on Massage

Based on an ancient form of barefoot massage once practiced by Buddhist monks, Ashiatsu Oriental Bar Therapy, is emerging as a popular massage in U.S. spas. This form of Ashiatsu (derived from the words ashi, or foot, and atsu, meaning pressure) incorporates the use of bars suspended from the ceiling above a massage table or floor mat. Barefoot therapists utilize the bars for balance and for the regulation of force and weight dispersal while using their feet to deliver a deep tissue massage experience. Ashiatsu Oriental Bar Therapy was developed in 1995 for modern spa application by Denver massage therapist Ruthie Hardee. Try it here: The Spa at The Broadmoor, Colorado Springs, CO, (800) 634-7711, www.broadmoor.com; Atmosphere Day Spa, Telluride, CO, (970) 728-0630, www.telluridespa.com; Spa Bellagio at Bellagio Hotel & Casino, Las Vegas, (702) 693-7111, www.bellagio.com; Hyatt Regency Cambridge, MD, (410) 901-1234, http://chesapeakebay.hyatt.com.