Hi, I’m Ashley Shears! Thanks for finding the SoCal Barefoot Massage Training site! I’m truly in love with barefoot massage and hope that you, too, will fall in love with this amazing modality.
My childhood dance teacher always said, “If you can do it with your hands, you can do it with your feet.” Boy, was she right!
I started my massage therapy journey in Louisville, Kentucky back in 2008-2009. About 5 years into my career I ended up acquiring not one, but TWO shoulder injuries from repetitive use and traditional deep tissue techniques. My shoulders hurt so bad that I couldn’t brush my teeth without crying. My stellar body mechanics weren’t enough for my small frame and big clients with dense muscle tissue asking for more pressure. I was truly at a loss and felt so helpless!
Then one day a colleague suggested I learn ashiatsu. I had never heard of such a thing, but I was intrigued! How does one use their feet to massage?! I had no idea what to expect, but signed up for the class just hoping that I liked it and that I would be good at it. Turns out, as soon as I stepped onto the table, I loved it! It seemed so natural to me and, after watching my instructor’s feet melt into the client’s muscles, I was convinced that this was the path I needed to pursue.
After my first class I immediately started working only with my feet, transitioning clients one by one, and have never looked back. Fast forward and now I’m out here in sunny Southern California rocking the barefoot life and teaching massage therapists how they, too, can save their bodies in addition to transforming their practice and extending their careers!
If you’d like to learn more about my massage practice, check out my website: SoleCal Barefoot Massage & Wellness