By Hillary Arrieta.
If you're looking for a new deep-tissue massage that relieves your muscle soreness and makes you feel relaxed, Ashiatsu is an excellent choice. Ashiatsu is a generic name for a style of massage performed with the massage therapists' feet instead of their hands, like more traditional Western styles. Recently, Westerners have used the term Barefoot Massage to describe this style. I'll use the two words interchangeably in this post. 

1. No pain, No pain.  Do you love deep tissue massages but hate the soreness and bruising that happens with some deep tissue sessions? Barefoot massage is DEEP but leaves no telltale signs afterward. The comprehensive tool (the foot) allows deep compressions over a greater surface area. It's often more tolerable than when massage therapists dig in with their elbows and knuckles. Ouch!

2. Ashiatsu reduces chronic pain. Barefoot massage reduces dense muscle tissue, Trigger points, and restricted fascia. This technique allows tissues to rehydrate, creating a healthy slide and gliding between soft tissues. If you tend to get stiff or have nagging pain, try Ashiatsu. I suggest my clients schedule three sessions every other week to see dramatic improvements. 

3. Barefoot massage is the deepest deep tissue massage available. 
Ashiatsu is deep by design and can't be done with light pressure. If your deep tissue massage isn't cutting it, it may be time to level up. The angles of pressure and the leverage a professionally trained, licensed massage therapist can get by standing on the massage table and using their body weight is a different sensation than one who stands at the side of the massage table, and forces pressure with their upper body. 

Has this post inspired you to book a deep-tissue Ashiatsu massage? If so, I see clients four days a week at my office in Plano, Texas, and teach Ashiatsu workshops for licensed massage therapists. I do a detailed consultation before your first session to customize your massage and make it safe and productive. New and returning clients are invited to schedule online. 

Barefoot massage, sometimes called Ashiatsu, is arguably the deepest, deep-tissue massage available at your local Dallas massage studio, The Heeling Hut Barefoot Massage. With an exotic name and slightly intimidating equipment, Ashiatsu Barefoot Massage is when the licensed massage therapist uses their feet instead of their hands to give you a massage. The result is the most profound, consistent pressure you can ask for. It's a misconception that Deep tissue is just a DEEPER Swedish massage. Swedish massage, when done correctly, is a system that includes four kinds of techniques and joint mobilizations. Many therapists skip strokes and use long-flowing movements making it less effective. Deep tissue is a collection of actions that get to the deeper layers of tissue. Most clients who love Deep massages tell me that barefoot ashiatsu massage is the BEST deep tissue massage they've ever had = locally or on vacation. When massage therapist uses overhead bar support, they can use their weight instead of forcing pressure using pokey elbows and knuckles into their muscles. Getting the best massage in the Dallas area is easy with a well-trained massage therapist. 

By Hillary Arrieta, LMT
The Heeling Hut Barefoot Massage and Wellness.
Plano, Texas.
When you invest in massage therapy as a way of self-care, it's natural to wonder how you can benefit most from your appointments. I'm here to share with you the habits that will get you the results you want in no time. 
When I start working with a client, we typically discuss their goals for their session. Clients are often trying to get rid of nagging pain, or they want to create a habit of getting massages more frequently. In the case of the first intention, I always suggest that they come in more regularly so I can help them overcome the musculoskeletal pain they might be experiencing at that time. It could be coming from stress or an injury. Either way, seeing them at least every other week three or four times is an excellent way to start. 
In the case of the second intention, We schedule standing appointments. They may choose a quarterly block or book appointments for the entire year. They get their preferred time every week or month and don't have to worry about scheduling. They already have all their sessions booked. Advanced booking makes it easy for them to make it a regular habit. Also, it's vital to always talk to your massage therapist about your health history and history of injuries. We can formulate the most customized session for you when we know everything. Working with a licensed therapist who knows you personally is a game changer for sports injuries, enhanced athletic performance or if you're dealing with life-related tension building up.
​I'm here to help you with your self-care or wellness goals. 

Was this blog helpful? Leave a comment! 
I'd love to hear from you.

Hi! I’m Hillary Arrieta and I help people improve their lives by offering holistic solutions to ease stress, eliminate pain, and inspire self care practices. I own The Heeling Hut in Plano, TX. Where I teach workshops, write, and specialize in unique and effective massage and meditation techniques such as Ashiatsu Barefoot Massage and iRest® Yoga Nidra. At The Heeling Hut you'll find the best massage in the Dallas area for pain and stress management. Texas MT 040051

​This week I talked with Julie Alexander of Handcrafted Therapy about being unique in the massage therapy business world. She shared many great insights as we sorted it all out, her journey as she expanded into a retail business, and some updates and changes in my business, turning challenges into learning lessons.

We touch on the importance of networking by centering OTHERS, not ourselves. We dive into the concept of DOING LESS - and how this is inspiring me to care for mental fatigue as a massage therapist. How modeling "doing less" in our lives and business can help our clients see the balance they are trying to achieve. If you want to learn some key points regarding Ashiatsu/ Barefoot massage, I share that here, too!
I hope you enjoy this episode and grab some inspiration and insight for your massage business.

By Hillary Arrieta, Owner and LMT

Did you know Gaia Bodywork is now The Heeling Hut Barefoot Massage and Wellness? I recently changed the name of my massage practice to reflect the changes happening over the last few years. I've slowly grown my massage practice into a Barefoot Massage-only studio. After all the changes going on, what's one more? With this mindset, I retired Gaia Bodywork and revamped it as The Heeling Hut. You'll find more Ashiatsu and Barefoot Massage offerings as my transformation continues. The Heeling Hut will continue with GB's legacy of being Dallas, Fort Worth's premier Ashiatsu studio - now fully adopting the technology into each and everything I offer. It makes sense because I've been teaching Ashiatsu as an approved teacher with the Center for Barefoot Massage for the past four years. I'm so proud to be a part of this strong group of women taking Westernized Ashiatsu to the next level with their style, FasciAshi. Utilizing Jeni Springs's proprietary "Ashi Strap" technique, it's a thing of beauty. I hope my new name inspires my students and that my clients embrace all the changes. It's been a season. :)
In Joy!

​Hi! I’m Hillary Arrieta and I help people improve their lives by offering holistic solutions to ease stress, eliminate pain, and inspire self care practices. I own The Heeling Hut in Plano, TX. Where I teach workshops, write, and specialize in unique and effective massage and meditation techniques such as Ashiatsu Barefoot Massage and iRest® Yoga Nidra. At The Heeling Hut you'll find the best massage in the Dallas area for pain and stress management. Texas MT 040051

 By Hillary Arrieta, New Author and LMT
It's time to celebrate!

​I've been working on a project, and it's finally time to see all my hard work completed. I'm happy to announce that I'm the newest Author in a series of massage-related books called "Press Here!"
​Let me tell you my story. 
In 2019 I got an opportunity to write a pitch for this upcoming book on a topic I love, highlighting Indian head massage. I dreamed up an outline for this book with all the elements of the perfect spa-infused IHM - complete with recipes, and the publisher accepted!
I spent the next six months working with the publisher, editors, and artists to create what you see here. The title changed once; we spent countless hours on this project; my friends helped by sitting in as my models for the drawings. It was the best time, and I'm happy with the outcome. I especially love the art and the colors on the cover. I have always been very pro "pink and purple," This lady looks like Wonder Woman. It's perfect.
The publishers moved the release date from March 2020 (we all know what happened then.) to March 2021- delayed an entire year!
To see it be born has been a trip!
Other experts in the massage field authored books in this series, and I feel very honored to be a part of this. You can find it on the shelf at Barnes and Noble or online at Amazon and other smaller bookstores. It's offered all through the UK too! I hope you'll celebrate this event with me soon. 

In Joy!

It was 2004, and as an enthusiastic newbie massage therapist, I immediately started looking for holistic therapies that could give me the relief I needed.
 
In massage therapy school, I worked for a beauty company in the mall with an Ayurvedic theme. As the science of life, Ayurveda describes a holistic, folkloric, natural healing framework from India for a healthy lifestyle. I learned any wellness treatments and protocols during my time there.
 
I learned about some Ayurvedic treatments that focused on the head and face, so I started searching for my area for Shirodhara. This first treatment caught my eye. Heated oil passed through a beautiful copper vessel onto my forehead and scalp; it sounded like a dream, especially with the tension building up in my face and jaw. I imagined this treatment to have the most fantastic massage associated with it, and luckily I was right.

You might be wondering, What is Indian head massage?
Indian head massage is a folk tradition still practiced by many Indian families today. It’s also developed as a professional, natural healing massage modality or style of massage.
 
IHM is very popular in the UK and, of course, in India, where it originates. The US has been slow to catch on, but Americans are taking notice of this therapeutic bliss!
 
One of the things that I love most about Indian head massage is its sweet origin. It was initially a family tradition in India, where Indian mothers would nurture their children and family members with frequent head and scalp massages to pass on the many health benefits and help keep their hair and scalp strong and healthy. Things people did instinctually, wisdom passed down from their mothers, and as communities to stay well before they looked to doctors to tell them how to be healthy. It’s what I like to call the people’s medicine.  
 
It’s so inspiring to me!
 
However, a man from India popularized it in the UK during the 1970s while studying to be a physiotherapist. His name is Dr. Narendra Mehta. He started to miss the benefits of his weekly head massage, and he wanted to share its therapeutic properties. He named it Champissage and expanded it into a softer touch and more Western-friendly protocol.
​
It’s taught to massage therapists, barbers, and stylists worldwide today. It has become a unique way to rejuvenate during a haircut, get gorgeous at a beauty salon, or relax during a professional massage.
 
The therapeutic effects of this massage can get a little complicated when we start to look at all the physiological benefits of blood circulation, the effects that massage has on the lymphatic system, muscles, bones, skin, and hair, as well as our body’s stress response / nervous system. So, in a nutshell, the benefits of Indian head massage include:

• Relief from tension headaches and eye strain. Jaw pain and nasal congestion.
• Increased energy levels.
• A strengthened immune system.
• More restful, refreshing sleep.
• Healthy, strong, shiny hair.
• Greater self-awareness, clarity of thought, creativity, and concentration.

Indian head massage is a professional service with lots of study and time perfecting techniques, or you can do it with some simple self-care massage movements, such as shampooing strokes (and also without oils), which makes it convenient enough for anyone to incorporate into their habits as well as share it with others at home.
 
Have you tried Indian head massage? 
Give your impressions in the comments sections!


​​

 I needed something warm and spicy this afternoon as I was working on scheduling and completing some of the tasks on  my ever growing "to do" list so I decided to make a yummy cup of spicy chai. I adapted mine from the Herbal Academy's immune boosting chai recipe. You can read it here.

​Chai means tea and is a beloved drink from India. Traditionally, it's made by boiling tea leaves, spices, milk, and sugar. It's such a treat! I used almond milk and raw honey but you can use anything that you want. Making tea is creative! Many of the spices in this tea are perfect for me and some of my all time favorites but you can sub other herbs and spices that you love. Okay...

Ingredients1 1/2 – 2 cups water
6 black peppercorns, crushed
4 cardamom pods, crushed
2 cloves, ground or crushed
1 slice fresh ginger, minced - (oops! I originally forgot to add this but it was still excellent!)
Two cinnamon sticks
1 teaspoon dried orange peel
1/2 – 1 cup almond milk
1 tablespoon loose black tea (or two tea bags)
Raw honey, to taste (optional)

Directions

• Place water bring to boil, 
• Add the spices and the milk and simmer gently for about five minutes.
• Turn off heat and add tea. Steep for 10 minutes.
• Strain into mug, then stir in sweetener to taste (optional, but YUMMY!).

By Hillary Arrieta


My appointment book is starting to fill. If you've noticed that my appointment openings are few and far between, but you still want to become a new client or schedule regular massages, I've got some great tips and tricks to share in this blog. 
Remember, when you work with an independent massage therapist, It's common for their schedule to book up for weeks, even months out, making it hard to get scheduled. Be that client who's got priority by being on their appointment booking game. 


1. Always schedule at least two appointments. You want to make sure you're on the book. It's easier to reschedule than to try to book a session when you notice you're having pain or life is ramping up your stress levels. Having a regularly scheduled massage can help you keep the stress levels down instead of trying to use massage therapy as needed or in the moment. Finding a walk-in clinic may be your best option if your schedule doesn't allow for prebooking. 


2. Sign up for the Monday email. Every Monday, I send an email blast to my clients who've opted into my email list. I let them know what appointments are available and linked my booking site to the email, making it easy to stay on top of scheduling. 
Sign up below and welcome to massage booking on Mondays.
​​

3. If you're having trouble with online booking, take advantage of the step by step booking instructions and learn more about The Heeling Hut on my FAQs page.

4. Don't forget your appointments. You can easily opt in for text massage reminders and check your email for your reminders that come in 48 hours before your scheduled sessions. 

By Hillary Arrieta

Have you ever felt so overwhelmed by all the things you need to do for the upcoming year that you don't know where to start? Or have been so excited about a new project, only to burn out in a few months (or weeks?) and throw in the towel?
If this sounds familiar, It's because you're not alone. In this blog post, I'm sharing with you exactly how I start my year on the right foot.
A few years ago, I overdid it...
I was so pumped to get to the next level in my career that I signed up to do everything.
A creative business plan PROJECT ( boy, was it!), Business and financial coaching sessions with not one but TWO coaches, and an even bigger business coaching project with Marie Forleo and her B-School program. What was I thinking?!
My heart was in the right place but I should have known better. Most of the time, in my personal experience more is not better...UNLESS it's chocolate!
My "gung ho" approach totally backfired, and by March I was braindead and tired of anything that had to do with business planning. All I wanted to do was take a nap...and then do what I love, work with my clients and forget about implementing anything I had planned.

You don't have to own a business to get value from my New Year ritual...

Here's what I do differently. I plan to take the first week of January to review my previous year.
I go through it all, my numbers, my experiences, things I felt, new things I learned. I do this and usually find that my year was INCREDIBLE. It's mind-blowing how much we do and experience in just 365 days! Our experiences deserve this time of reflection and honor. This is life!

I make sure to write down (very important) what I accomplished and where I fell short. I see how the steps I took either helped or hindered. Next, I write a note to myself about what I need to let go to be able to move forward in the new year. Frustrations, challenges, and resentments that are holding me back and keeping me from being the human I want to be. For me, all of that has to go. I’ve got stuff to do!

Then I write down everything I'm grateful for and list my personal and career goals. I might go through and edit the list down to a few things that are top priority and write about WHY I want these goals and what my life would be like if I actually accomplished them.
I like to choose a few goals that are easy to complete and write out a schedule to complete them fast - which gives me the motivation to keep going when I see things get completed!

I take another week to research the things I want and need to learn in the new year. Usually, by the fourth quarter of the previous year, I've already decided what direction I'm going so some of this is already in place. Now, It's time to get stuff on the calendar. I schedule things, buy the books, put down deposits on classes, book travel, and get ready to make it happen.  
And then I come up with my wellness plan. A daily, weekly, monthly and seasonal plan on how I’m going to care for myself mentally and physically. This is a plan includes full of action steps to take when I am overwhelmed, anxious, unwell, and generally feeling like things are just not working out.

I know, it sounds like a lot but when I take the time to do this, I feel supported. I feel like I’m committed to moving towards a better future and it gives me a clearer lens to see the meaning of and give reverence to my life.

Now it's your turn! Leave a comment and tell me if  you create a plan to make your future brighter?
And what are some of your personal rituals that make you feel supported?

​I'm wishing you health, wealth, and happiness in the new year!