​​If you've signed up for your first barefoot massage class, or you're thinking about taking one, you're probably wondering what to expect. 

Whether you're attending FasciAshi Fundamentals, Barefoot Matwork (Fijian Barefoot Massage), or another barefoot massage continuing education course in Texas, arriving prepared makes a tremendous difference in your learning experience.

​SIDE NOTE: If you haven't looked at my Ashiatsu Massage Training page yet, visit there first to get important info. 
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As someone who has been teaching licensed massage therapists since 2008, I've noticed that students who prepare their bodies before class tend to learn faster, recover more quickly, and enjoy the experience more.

This guide will help you arrive confident, comfortable, and ready to learn.

Why Preparation Matters:
Barefoot massage training is unlike most continuing education classes.
You'll spend two to three full days:

• Giving massage
• Receiving massage
• Learning new body mechanics
• Practicing balance and coordination
• Working with deeper pressure than many therapists are accustomed to

Because you're using your body all day, preparation isn't just about packing supplies; it's about preparing yourself physically and mentally.

Think of it like preparing for a workshop, not simply attending a lecture. We work MOST of the training, and you'll receive about 2 hours of deep-tissue massage each day.

Prepare Your Body Before Class.
One of the biggest mistakes I see is therapists arriving after months, or even years, without receiving bodywork themselves. YIKES!

During class, you'll receive multiple treatments from your classmates while learning new techniques. If your own tissue is already restricted or sensitive, those sessions can feel much more intense.
A few simple habits can make a huge difference:

• Schedule a massage before class. (You can book with me!)
• Stay hydrated throughout the week
• Prioritize quality sleep
• Eat nourishing meals
• Stretch or practice gentle mobility
• Spend a few minutes each day breathing or meditating

You're investing in your education. Give your body the same attention you're giving your career.

Another LONG side note: I own The Heeling Hut Barefoot Massage in Plano, Texas, where I provide weekly barefoot massage sessions to clients. Before investing in training, I highly recommend experiencing a professional barefoot massage session for yourself.


However, it is important to understand that receiving a session is not the same as learning the technique. A client session is designed for you to experience the benefits of the work, not to replace professional training. Avoid learning barefoot massage by watching a session, asking a therapist to “show you a few techniques,” or learning from someone without proper credentials. YOU are a licensed professional, and that is where liability comes into play. 

This could turn into a whole other blog post, and perhaps it should. But for now, let me just say...If you are a licensed massage therapist interested in adding barefoot massage to your practice, seek professional continuing education through a reputable CE provider whose courses have been approved by a recognized professional board or regulatory body. The NCBTMB is the organization that approves our courses, which many states, such as Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana, and other neighboring states, accept as professional CE-quality training. Professional training should include proper body mechanics, safety guidelines, contraindications, technique application, and the clinical reasoning behind the work. Your teacher should have a deep understanding of the work and how to teach it. 

Before choosing a course, experience the technique from a trained professional and research the instructor’s background, education, and teaching experience. Find a therapist or instructor with a strong training history who can help you determine whether barefoot massage is the right fit for your practice and your clients.
OKAY, WHEW...back to more prep information.

Learn Your Anatomy Before You Arrive.
One of the fastest ways to feel confident in class is to review anatomy beforehand.
During training, we constantly discuss:

• bony landmarks
• muscle groups
• palpation
• movement, ROM
• body mechanics

You don't need to memorize everything. Once you enroll, I'll send you a guide on what to study. For now, become comfortable locating major landmarks. If you own Trail Guide to the Body, spend some time reviewing the posterior body before class. We highly recommend Trail Guide and offer a discount code for Books of Discovery once you've enrolled. 

You'll thank yourself later.

What to Pack for Barefoot Massage Training.
​Every workshop has a required supply list, but every student should plan to bring:

• Clean, freshly pedicured feet with short nails
• Indoor-only flip-flops or sandals
• Water bottle
• Snacks
• Lunch or lunch money
• Hand sanitizer
• Comfortable clothing you can move in
• Layers for changing room temperatures

Many students also enjoy optional items to make themselves more comfortable, including:

• A small blanket
• A robe
• Extra water
• Electrolytes
• Notebook
• Pen

Comfort matters during long training days. 

Your Linens
Your linen requirements depend on the course you're attending. For example:
FasciAshi Fundamentals requires more linens than Barefoot Matwork due to the additional practice rounds throughout the class. Be sure to review your class-specific packing list before arriving. Nothing slows down a class faster than missing supplies.
Don't wanna pack a ton of stuff? 
Linen rentals are available with advance notice.

Flying to Texas for Barefoot Massage Training.
Many students travel from across the United States to attend barefoot massage classes in Plano, Texas.

If you're flying:

• Arrive the day before class whenever possible.
• Avoid booking non-refundable airfare or lodging until your class is confirmed. This is so so important. 
• Build extra travel time into your schedule.
• Stay nearby so your mornings are stress-free.

The training studio is conveniently located in Plano, a suburb of Dallas, making it easy to reach from either Dallas Love Field or Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport.

​Driving to Class.
If you're driving several hours, don't underestimate how tiring travel can be.
Students who arrive the evening before class are almost always more relaxed and ready to learn than those who spend the morning sitting in traffic.
Give yourself permission to start your workshop rested and focused.

Where to Stay in Plano:
There are dozens of hotels and vacation rentals within minutes of the training studio.
Many students choose accommodations near ZIP code 75075, including hotels in Plano and Richardson for easy access to restaurants, grocery stores, and coffee shops.

What to Eat During Training.
Barefoot massage is physically demanding.
Bring:

• protein-rich snacks
• Balanced meals
• electrolytes
• plenty of water

You'll have a lunch break each day, and there are numerous nearby restaurants serving everything from BBQ and Tex-Mex to healthy options. Whole Foods and Sprouts are also close to the training center.

Complete Your Paperwork Before Class.
Please complete all required waivers and training documents before arriving.
You will not be permitted to attend the workshop without first submitting all required documents, including your proof of liability insurance. If you don't have liability insurance, there are many affordable options. I prefer ABMP
Read my follow-up blog post about this here. 

Relax and Enjoy the Experience.
Most therapists arrive feeling a little nervous. That's completely normal.
By the end of the first day, you'll realize everyone started in the same place.
My goal is to create a welcoming learning environment where you can ask questions, develop confidence, and leave with practical techniques you can begin using in your massage practice.
Some students even turn the weekend into a mini getaway by exploring Plano, visiting a Korean spa (Dallas has several), or enjoying some of the area's excellent restaurants after class.

Ready to Learn Barefoot Massage?
Whether you're brand new to barefoot massage or expanding your existing skills, proper preparation helps you get the most from your continuing education investment.

If you're looking for Ashiatsu barefoot massage training in Texas, my classes are designed for licensed massage therapists who want to level up as smart clinicians, deliver deeper, more effective treatments while protecting their own bodies through efficient body mechanics.

I look forward to helping you take the next step in your barefoot massage journey.
​
Browse upcoming Barefoot Massage CE classes in Texas and reserve your spot today.

​Other Links:
​Who is the Center For Barefoot Massage?
Explore Plano, Texas
Hillary Arrieta, LMT, Your Barefoot Massage instructor
​Hillary's official CBM page

There’s a moment in your practice where technique alone stops being the most interesting thing in the room. For many massage therapists, that’s where Ayurvedic bodywork begins to shift how sessions feel, for both you and your clients.
The feeling of the session.
The rhythm.
The way your client experiences your work from the inside out.
That’s where Ayurvedic bodywork begins to open up.

At its core, Ayurvedic bodywork is about nurturing and working with the body through the senses.
Touch, yes.
But also:

• temperature
• texture
• rhythm
• scent
• environment

When these elements come together with intention, your sessions start to feel different.
More cohesive.
More immersive.
More memorable for your clients.
Almost like… magic.
Not in a vague or abstract way—
but in a way that feels grounded, repeatable, and deeply human.

Within Ayurveda, there’s the idea that each person has a unique blend of qualities—often referred to as doshas.
You don’t have to memorize complex theory to make this useful.
Instead, you start to notice patterns:

• Some clients need grounding
• Some need stimulation
• Some need softness and quiet

This framework gives you another way to see the person on your table.
Not just as a set of muscles—but as a whole system with tendencies, preferences, and responses.
And once you see that, your work naturally becomes more specific.

Ritual isn’t about adding fluff to your sessions.
It’s about creating consistency and meaning through repetition and intention.
Something as simple as:

• how you begin a session
• how you apply oil
• how you transition from one area to another

…can completely change how your work is received.
Clients don’t always have language for it, but they feel it.
They feel when a session is rushed.
They feel when it’s thoughtful.
They feel when there’s a throughline connecting everything you do.
Ritual creates that throughline.

In the Ayurvedic Bodyworker Workshop, you’re not just learning techniques; you’re learning how to build an experience. Over four days, the work unfolds in layers:
Day One
You’ll learn Ayurvedic head massage and facial marma points—bringing attention to areas that have a powerful effect on the whole system.
Day Two
You’ll explore therapeutic steam, dry brushing, and external basti therapy—introducing texture, temperature, and new sensory inputs into your work.
Day Three
You’ll learn Shirodhara, a continuous stream of oil applied in a steady, rhythmic way that shifts how clients experience stillness and attention.
Day Four
You’ll bring everything together—learning how to integrate these elements into sessions that feel cohesive, intentional, and adaptable.

This training is designed for licensed massage therapists.
It offers specialized training that allows you to infuse your existing massage practice with Ayurvedic-style bodywork—without stepping outside your scope.
There’s no separate credential required to begin using what you learn.
Instead, you’ll leave with:

• practical applications you can integrate immediately
• enhanced intake skills
• a broader lens for understanding your clients

As always, therapists should check their individual state regulations and insurance to ensure alignment.

This work isn’t about mastering everything in a weekend.
It’s about opening a door.
Giving you a foundation you can build on, a new way of thinking about touch, rhythm, and client experience.
A way to make your sessions feel not just effective…
…but meaningful.

If you’ve been wanting your work to feel more creative, more connected, and more like you, this is a place to start.
👉 Explore the Ayurvedic Bodywork Specialized Training for Massage Therapists

When you begin working with the senses--
When you bring intention to rhythm, texture, and flow, your sessions don’t just help people feel better; they stay with them.
​

And that’s where the real magic is.

Language in massage therapy has never been static. It evolves alongside our understanding of the body, professionalism, ethics, and culture. This post is both an apology, an explanation, and a reflection on how Western barefoot massage practices have developed over time, including my own 20-year journey within them.

A few weeks ago, I posted a picture of my Fundamentals, Level One myofascial barefoot massage class on Facebook and wrote the word Ashiatsu in the caption...TWICE!  I want to begin by offering a sincere apology for occasionally using the word Ashiatsu in my marketing in the past...even today, it slips out sometimes! My website is riddled with this word for searchability, since it's the word many potential clients and students are looking up.  
​
Anyways, this was not done lightly or with disregard, but rather as a result of long-standing habit, professional conditioning, and the reality of how many of us were first introduced to barefoot massage. Still, intention matters. The words we choose carry history, meaning, and impact, and it’s important to be transparent about how we got here and why language needs to evolve.

In 2004, just 6 years after Ruthie Hardie was approved to teach the first Westernized Ashiatsu class to licensed massage therapists, I landed my first job as an LMT One of the techniques I was taught there involved barefoot compressions that my boss called Ashiatsu. There was no overhead bar system. No specialized equipment. We used the wall for balance and sometimes even a light fixture.

Looking back, it’s clear how unsafe that setup was for both the therapist and the client. At the time, however, it didn’t raise alarms. Massage therapy as a profession was still finding its footing. Standards were looser. Continuing education was inconsistent.
Safety protocols and biomechanics were not emphasized the way they are today.

That experience wasn’t unusual for the early 2000s. Many therapists learned barefoot techniques through informal, word-of-mouth instruction rather than through structured, research-informed training. 

As barefoot massage techniques were adapted in the West, the term Ashiatsu was widely used because it was often translated literally as “foot pressure.” For Western practitioners, the name seemed descriptive, practical, and marketable. Cultural appropriation was not a widely discussed concept at the time, especially within the massage industry.

The intention for many practitioners wasn’t to claim cultural lineage or authenticity. It was simply a label that helped explain what was happening: massage delivered with the feet instead of the hands. In my opinion, many educators didn't even know their true intention or how to clearly explain it, often trying to pass it off as authentic or Eastern, not realizing that, as soon as it's adapted, it's different. To this day, people say the equivalent of "it's not that deep."
​
But over time, something important happened.

I remember the materials from my first of many (I took them all) Ashiatsu Oriental Bar Therapy classes. I studied my materials with intense focus because I wanted to be the best I could be at this style of massage.

In retrospect, the information provided in these classes seemed to be lacking in many ways. It's my belief that Ruthie's courses were just the tip of the iceberg, with much deeper work that was, at that time, undiscovered.

The approach attempted to incorporate Eastern techniques without the in-depth knowledge of that culture or methodology.

In striving to be seen as Eastern bodywork, it also missed crucial Western massage intelligence, effectively watering down the technique as a whole. Even still, the physical practice of it was challenging to my body and mind in the best ways; the results were evident for clients, and well-trained therapists were able to build sustainable businesses with a strong niche. All good things!

What’s commonly referred to as Ashiatsu in Western massage today looks very different from its traditional Eastern roots. As the work evolved, organizations like the Center for Barefoot Massage adapted it through a Western lens, incorporating:

• Western anatomy and orthopedic massage ideas
• Fascia-focused models
• Deep tissue and myofascial concepts
• Pain science and nervous system regulation

What emerged was not a preserved cultural practice but an entirely new modality, built through a Western lens for Western bodies within Western clinical frameworks.
In other words, the work evolved far beyond its name.

SIDE NOTE: This also explains why LMTs who don't receive proper training and approval to teach this technique are stealing intellectual property. Honestly, this is a whole other blog post in and of itself. The point that drives it home for me is that this isn't random, unorganized information that anyone can profit from. Our profession has already been there, done that with appropriating Eastern modalities.

Unless you have something new to teach that you've developed yourself, the days of regurgitating a watered-down version of someone else's work *SHOULD* be over. For myself, I know that if I'm not teaching with the company I currently teach under, I won't teach the technique anymore. It's that important to me. 

Today, we have a greater ability to be precise and intentional. We know more about anatomy, safety, professional ethics, and cultural context. We also know that names matter. They shape client expectations. They shape professional identity. And they either honor or obscure the truth of what we’re actually doing.


Using legacy terms out of habit can unintentionally misrepresent the work and its origins. That doesn’t make past practitioners “wrong,” but it does mean we have an opportunity, and an obligation, to do better now.

Over the last two decades, my own practice has shifted dramatically. What began as informal barefoot compressions has evolved into a refined, intentional, anatomy-based approach to barefoot massage that prioritizes:

• Therapist longevity and safety
  
• Fascia and fluid dynamics
  
• Nervous system regulation
  
• Structural balance and movement education
  
• Clear, ethical language
  

With that evolution comes the need to update not just techniques, but terminology.

Sometimes I come across an LMT who practices barefoot massage, and they'll say that they don't want to get into semantics over what we do. Usually, in response to the Center for Barefoot Massage's famous social media post featuring an LMT massaging with their foot and the caption "this is not Ashiatsu."

I completely understand this. Personally, it takes me the longest to adopt new ideas. I have to have time to think, overthink, process, and feel the change in my life. Sometimes I meet change with strong resistance because there's a part in me that hates performative ways of being, or makes me feel boxed in, or regulated by an outside force. 

I've gotten smarter, and my ability to think differently, when given time and the right resources, grows my brain in new ways that I find exciting. It's why I'm here in the first place!

Unlearning old language takes time. Words live in muscle memory just as much as techniques do. They appear in old notes, marketing templates, client requests, and even search engine prompts. Catching and correcting ourselves for unintentionally using old terms is part of the process.

Growth doesn’t mean perfection. It means accountability.
​

I'm committed to continuing this evolution in my practice, my teaching, and the words I use to describe both. Thank you to those who have offered thoughtful feedback and patience along the way. Conversations like these help move our profession forward.
When we know better, we do better intentionally, thoughtfully, and with respect for both where we came from and where we’re going.

As the air turns crisp and the temperature dips here in Plano, Texas, many of us notice our bodies don’t move as easily as they did just a few weeks ago. Maybe your joints feel stiffer, muscles tighter, or that morning stretch just doesn’t hit the same. It’s not in your head; colder weather can actually change how your muscles, fascia, and joints behave.
Here’s why that seasonal stiffness happens, and what you can do about it.

Why Cooler Weather Often Means More Stiffness

1. Cold causes muscles and fascia to tighten.
   When your body senses cold, the muscles and connective tissues naturally contract. This is a biological attempt to preserve heat. That contraction can make movement feel more complicated or more rigid than usual. 
2. Reduced circulation makes tissues less supple.
   Cold causes blood vessels to constrict, which means less warm blood, oxygen, and nutrients get delivered to the muscles, joints, and fascia — especially in extremities (hands, feet, joints). Lower circulation can make tissues feel stiff and slow to “wake up.” 
3. Joint lubrication becomes less efficient.
   Joints rely on synovial fluid to glide smoothly. In colder weather, that fluid can thicken, making joints feel less smooth and more “sticky.” That makes bending, stretching, and other joint-heavy movements feel harder. 
4. Body movement often decreases, compounding stiffness.
   With cooler days, we tend to move less, exercise less, or spend more time indoors. Less movement means less joint lubrication and less flexibility. Over time, that inactivity adds up to increased stiffness and reduced mobility. 

Together, these changes can make your fascia, the connective tissue network surrounding muscles and joints, feel less fluid and more rigid. That’s especially noticeable if you already work a physical job, practice bodywork, or rely on mobility for daily life.

What You Can Do to Stay Fluid & Flexible.

Even as the weather cools down, you can fight stiffness and keep your body moving with simple, consistent habits:

• Warm up gently before movement. Take a few minutes to move with intention: joint circles, gentle stretching, light walking — enough to boost circulation before deeper work. This helps warm fascia and muscles before they get stressed.
• Keep moving regularly. Short bursts of mobility, even 5–10 minutes a day, help maintain circulation, lubrication, and flexibility. Sitting still for too long worsens stiffness.
• Use warmth when needed. A warm bath, heated pad, or warm compress can help relax tight muscles and improve blood flow before or after massage or stretching.
• Hydration and nourishment matter. Staying hydrated supports tissue health. Drinking water and eating with bodywork‑supportive nutrition (as you already focus on) helps fascia stay supple, and muscles recover.
• Consider bodywork or a gentle massage. Gentle, mindful massage, especially fascia‑aware work like barefoot or soft‑tissue methods, supports circulation and hydration of connective tissue and helps maintain fluid movement even in cooler weather.

Why This Matters for Clients and Therapists:

As a massage therapist, understanding how seasons influence the body helps you tailor your work. Cold‑induced stiffness can make clients more sensitive, more prone to tightness, or need longer warm‑up phases. Likewise, clients who understand these dynamics are better equipped to support their bodies between sessions through movement, warmth, and hydration.

For clients, recognizing that a bit of stiffness may be weather‑related (not a new injury) can reduce worry, encourage gentle self‑care practices, and keep them moving until spring, without pushing into painful strain or overwork.

Further Reading

• “Why Do My Muscles Hurt When It’s Cold?” A breakdown of how cold affects muscle tightness, circulation, and recovery. MedicineNet
• “Essential Stretches to Fight Stiff Winter Muscles” — practical suggestions for warming up and maintaining mobility as the seasons change. Harvard Health

Texas Massage CE Renewal Made Simple: Barefoot Massage Training for LMTs

As a Texas massage therapist, I couldn't believe that it's almost time to renew my license for the 22nd year this January. My colleague Bridgette and I were just talking about the CEs we need for renewal, which isn't usually a problem for me, since I've got a long list of CEs I want to take every year. However, keeping up with your CE renewal can feel stressful. Between managing your practice, caring for clients, and balancing life, the last thing you want is a last-minute scramble for CE hours. I've started a new blog series discussing CE requirements for Texas and neighboring states. This way, we can keep up with renewal information, and I can share how I can help you stay current and inspired as an LMT. Read the Arkansas CE requirements post here. 

If you're searching for Ashiatsu Classes in Texas, you're in the right place. With barefoot massage CE courses approved through the Center for Barefoot Massage, you can meet your Texas CE requirements and learn techniques that protect your body while delivering incredible results for clients.

Texas Massage CE Requirements at a Glance

• License Renewal Frequency: Every 2 years
• CE Hours Required: 12 hours
• Human Trafficking Training Requirement: 1 hour excluded from the 12
• Approved Providers: CE must be TDLR-approved
• Liability Insurance: Required for most MTs
• Deadline: Based on your license issue date → check your license anniversary

🔗 Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR)

Common Pain Points for Texas LMTsIf you’ve been practicing a while, you know the struggles:

• Deadline creep → forgetting your license anniversary until it’s too late.
• Body burnout → sore thumbs, wrists, and back from years of deep tissue work
• Uninspiring CE courses → taking classes just to “check the box” instead of learning something valuable.
• Insurance worries → making sure your techniques are safe and defensible if ever questioned.

Sound familiar? That’s exactly why our barefoot massage CE trainings were created.

Why Barefoot Massage CE is Different
Instead of grinding down your hands and shortening your career, barefoot massage lets you:

• Deliver deep, effective pressure with your feet.
• Protect your hands, wrists, and back.
• Stand out in your market with a unique skill clients love
• Feel confident knowing you’re practicing a safe, body-saving technique.

We offer three levels of training designed for Texas massage therapists:
✅ FasciAshi Fundamentals: Your introduction to barefoot massage. Learn safe, effective strokes and begin using your feet in practice right away.
✅ FasciAshi Intermediate: Take it further with advanced skills, and even better body mechanics.
✅ Hot Ashi Bring the healing power of heated Ashiatsu tools into your work to soothe a stressed nervous system.
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Each workshop counts toward your 12 CE hours required by TDLR.

Don’t Wait Until Your Renewal DeadlineYour license anniversary comes faster than you think. Why not check your CE off early and learn a skill that makes your practice sustainable for years to come?
👉 Save your spot in an upcoming Texas barefoot massage CE workshop

Bonus: Protecting Yourself with Insurance-Friendly CE. Since Texas requires liability insurance, it’s smart to choose CE courses that emphasize:

• Safe body mechanics
• Client protection
• Professional standards

Barefoot massage is TDLR-approved, evidence-based, and designed to support your longevity as a therapist. That’s peace of mind you can’t get from just any CE.

Stay Ahead and Stay Inspired
​Meeting CE requirements shouldn’t feel like a chore. With barefoot massage CE, you’ll:

• Renew your license stress-free
• Expand your skill set with techniques clients adore
• Protect your career for the long run

Don’t miss your renewal date. Check your license anniversary now and sign up for a workshop that keeps you ahead of the deadline.
View Texas CE Courses Now

I'm starting a new blog series discussing CE requirements for Texas and neighboring states. This way, we can keep up with renewal information, and I can share how I can help you stay current and inspired as an LMT. Read the Texas CE requirements post here. 

If you’re an Arkansas LMT, you know the drill: 18 CE hours every two years, with only 6 allowed online. That means at least 12 hours must be live and hands-on. And yes, the Arkansas State Board conducts audits, so you need to keep your certificates organized.
This may feel overwhelming, especially with a busy client schedule, but it doesn’t have to be. With the right plan, CE can be engaging, inspiring, and even a highlight of your year.

We’ve heard it from countless therapists:

• Finding approved live CE classes that fit your schedule can be tricky.
• Sending in CE certificates during audits adds stress you don’t need.
• Many CE courses feel like “check-the-box” events with little practical value.

It doesn’t have to be this way. You can meet your CE requirements and come away with skills that improve your practice and protect your body. If you're searching for Ashiatsu or barefoot massage CEs near Arkansas, you've come to the right place. 

Imagine this: You arrive at a FasciAshi or Barefoot Matwork (formally Fijian Massage) workshop and step onto the mat, ready to learn techniques that will reduce strain on your hands, wrists, and back. You spend the day mastering barefoot techniques, practicing sequences with other therapists, and leaving with more energy than you came in with.
By the end of the weekend, you will have:

• All live hours count toward Arkansas CE requirements
• Audit-ready proof of training you can file within two weeks
• Practical skills your clients will notice and appreciate

Plus, travel is easy to attend workshops in Texas. Many of our Arkansas LMTs make a short drive or quick flight to Dallas Love Field to take advantage of weekend workshops. Check out this handy guide for traveling here. The classes are structured so you can complete your full CE requirements in one weekend, reducing time away from clients and making the process stress-free.

• 6 months before your birth month: Register for a barefoot massage workshop
  
• 3 months before: Complete any remaining hours or optional advanced sessions
  
• Renewal month: Submit CE certificates and renew with confidence
  

This approach keeps you ahead of deadlines and ensures you never have to scramble at the last minute.

Unlike traditional CE, barefoot massage teaches you skills that protect your body while enhancing your practice. Completing these courses means:

• You reduce repetitive strain and fatigue
  
• Your clients receive a deep, pain science infused, evidence-based massage that stands out
  
• You gain CE hours efficiently, often in just one weekend
  

It’s CE that leaves you energized, inspired, and ready to practice safely for years to come.

Stop worrying about deadlines, audits, or boring online classes. Complete your Arkansas CE hours with hands-on barefoot massage workshops at the Center for Barefoot Massage, with a quick trip to Texas, and come away with skills that last a lifetime. Don't forget to take care of yourself and book a barefoot massage with Hillary to see if your clients would like this technique!

Reserve Your Spot and bring Barefoot Massage to Arkansas.

 For more than 21 years, I have been exploring the many ways the human body organizes itself, how it heals, adapts, and communicates through movement and touch. What began as curiosity about massage has grown into a lifelong study of fascia, functional movement, and the subtle ways our nervous systems learn safety and resilience. Since the beginning, my approach has evolved through yoga training, my yoga practice, and reading and following some of the most influential teachers in bodywork. Most recently, diving deeper into instructor trainings with Jeni Spring, the creator of Myofascial Barefoot Massage and FasciAshi. 

Other teachers have had a profound impact on where The Heeling Hut Barefoot Massage stands today in regards to theory, one being Tom Myers, who introduced me more deeply to the concept of tensegrity in his body reading class in 2024. While I'm still learning and considering this concept, I feel that the most interesting piece about Tom's work is how the body balances tension and compression, and how this balance influences everything from posture to fluid movement.

What Is Tensegrity?
Tensegrity, short for “tensional integrity,” describes structures stabilized by balanced tension and compression. Think of a suspension bridge, strong, flexible, and resilient because the forces are evenly distributed. Your body works in the same way. Bones act as space holders while fascia distributes tension across the system. When balance is present, the body feels supported and light. When it is disrupted, restriction and compensation take over. A big Ah-ha! Moment for me to say the least. 

Fascia: Your Fluid Support Network.
Fascia has been a significant topic of discussion in my profession over the last several years. Fascia is more than connective tissue; it is a sensory web that surrounds and supports every muscle, organ, and bone. Healthy fascia is hydrated and supple, allowing easy movement and flow. Repetition, stress, and emotional holding patterns can alter fascia.

It thickens, stiffens, and loses glide. Flexibility fades, and the whole system feels less responsive. Moyfasical Barefoot massage directly addresses these restrictions, restoring slip and glide, redistributing strain, and encouraging the body to reset.

Safety and Nervous System Recalibration.
Restriction often comes from the body choosing protection, not from tissue that is genuinely “tight.” The nervous system sometimes limits movement as a precaution.
With calm, steady pressure, the body begins to sense that it is safe to soften, safe to move, and safe to adapt. This shift creates a foundation for strength and flexibility to return.

Energy Centers and Chakra Psychology.
CHAKRA PSYCHOLOGY?!?! What the Heck? And why?!
Chakra psychology, as explored by Anodea Judith, reveals that structural holding patterns often mirror emotional and energetic themes. Yep, a place that reaches way back into my training with Michelle Andre and Anodea Judith. This is what some say is "woo," now blended into other evidence-based principles, but when used with curiosity, not Dogma, yoga and chakra psychology can be insightful. I know that these themes and teachings have healed me and helped me understand myself beyond my physical form. Examples of this idea are seen as:
​
Heart Center: A collapsed chest may reflect guardedness.

Root and Sacral Centers: A rigid pelvis may suggest difficulty with grounding or flow.

Throat Center: A tight jaw may reveal unspoken communication.
​
As fascia unwinds, these centers often rebalance. Massage and movement become more than bodywork; it becomes a dialogue between body, mind, and energy.

Functional Movement and Everyday Strength 
Katy Bowman describes movement as nourishment. Just as the body thrives on varied nutrition, it also thrives on varied movement. Our bodies are designed for diversity: walking on uneven terrain, squatting, reaching, bending, and rotating. Yet modern life limits us to repetitive patterns like sitting, scrolling, and commuting. Fascia stiffens when deprived of variety.

Myofascial Barefoot massage restores ease and fluidity, but the more profound change comes when those qualities are carried into daily life. It is less about achieving perfect posture and more about rediscovering nourishing ways of moving.

A Unique Path to Wholeness. 
I've evolved since my Gaia Bodywork Days. Through in-person workshops, reading, studying, and reflecting on the lessons from these inspiring teachers, I'm developing a fascia/pain science/functional movement-informed practice that integrates Western Ashiatsu, Myofascial Barefoot Massage, functional movement principles, nervous system awareness, and chakra psychology.

It's my hope that the outcome for my clients extends beyond physical ease and feels like integration. They feel their bodies become more balanced, and their movement becomes strong and fluid. All these concepts are woven into my yoga classes and my massage approach. 
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If you have been feeling restricted, compressed, or disconnected, it may be time to explore my holistic approach. A tensegrity-informed barefoot massage offers not just relief, but reconnection.