​​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

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.