​​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.
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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

Barefoot massage is quickly becoming the new go-to massage technique for people looking for a unique and effective way to alleviate stress and tension. This innovative massage technique is gaining popularity across the world due to its ability to provide deep tissue work while also being gentle and relaxing.

Barefoot massage is a technique that involves the therapist using their feet to apply pressure to the body. This is done with the help of bars that are mounted on the ceiling. The therapist uses their feet to apply pressure to the client's body, which helps to improve circulation, reduce tension, and alleviate pain.

The technique is particularly effective for people who suffer from chronic pain and tension in their muscles. It can help to increase flexibility and range of motion, and can also help to reduce the risk of injury.

"Barefoot massage is a game-changer when it comes to relaxation and pain relief," said Hillary Arrieta, the leading Barefoot massage therapist and instructor in Plano, Texas. "It offers a unique and effective way to reduce stress and tension, and it's quickly becoming one of the most popular deep tissue massage techniques out there." Many students travel from all over the nation to learn this style at The Heeling Hut. Hillary is the North Texas instructor for the Center for Barefoot Massage. 

If you love deep tissue massage and you're looking for a new way to unwind, or if you suffer from chronic pain and tension in your muscles, barefoot massage could be the solution. Contact The Heeling Hut Barefoot Massage and Wellness today to schedule a session and experience the benefits of this innovative technique for yourself. You can book a session and learn more about training at www.theheelinghut.com

By Hillary Arrieta

​This year, I joined the teaching crew at the Center for Barefoot Massage.
Since January I've been working my soles off and taking a deep dive in to Ashiatsu.
Even though I've already trained for years in this technique, This process showed me that I'd barely scratched the surface. There's so much to refine, and polish before I could bring Ashiatsu Barefoot Massage classes to Dallas. I've been lucky enough to have Strong mentors and students who teach me the intricate details of my work. When you teach, you learn too. September was my final teacher evaluation in the teacher training program and I had it in my brand new teaching studio. It's small but MIGHTY!! I'm so grateful to the students who challenged themselves physically and mentally through this three day workshop to learn or fine tune their skills. 
I'll be teaching a semi-monthly Ashiatsu classes here in DFW for 2018 and I'll be adding some new barefoot massage modalities and workshops to the training schedule in 2019.
I've been wanting to bring more barefoot massage to Dallas and to the North Texas area for a long time and it's finally happening. Trainings are open to any licensed massage therapist. Find out more at on our Texas Ashiatsu training website.

Training Location
1721 W Plano Parkway #217
Plano, Texas 75075
map this address before you come in and get a lay of the land.

Local Time Zone is Central time.

My Studio is in Plano, Texas which is a suburb of Dallas. I have a lot of students coming in from everywhere to take ashiatsu classes so i use "Dallas" as a regional city because more people know where its located over "Plano, Texas,"

Classes are intense and long days for you and your teacher so I kindly ask that you don't arrive any earlier than 8:45 AM the mornings of the training, but don't be late! The class starts on time at 9:00 AM each morning and ends at 6:00 PM. We have so much to cover during our time together.

General Suggestions.
You will be getting a LOT of massage each day so please prepare yourself by getting some bodywork before class. Class isn't the time to work out your tissue issues and if you're not prepared, you may have some mild adverse reactions to so much massage over so little time. Hydration, stretching, working on foot dorsiflexion and mobility as well as hip, knee, leg strength/mobility will give you more confidence during your workshop

Occasionally classes get rescheduled. Please know before you travel if your workshop date is confirmed. We always give everyone plenty of notice when rescheduling a class. You can read the timelines on our policy page. Stay in the loop by checking your email and spam mail. By adding our email addresses to your safe contact list, our communications will flow easier. 

​Accommodations:
Choose hotels off PGB tollway (190) and Central Expressway (75) for best experience. 
Many students love the Drury Inn Plaza Richardson, The nearby Holiday Inn, or finding a great deal on Airbnb - Just search the zipcode for 75075. 

See the sights
Any Dallas fans? Check out South Fork Ranch. It's about East of us in Parker, Texas.
Take the nearby DART rail to Downtown Dallas, Klyde Warren Park, Uptown, Lower Greenville and Deep Ellum for city nightlife.