Ashiatsu Oriental Bar Therapy at Tsubo with Jen Messer

“I’d had a brutal month: a concussion and two falls had wrenched my spine and sent my body into high-alert, chronic-pain mode. No amount of stretching or pain medication was doing the trick. So I called Tsubo and asked Jen Messer, one of my favorite massage therapists, what she recommended. She had a hunch that Ashiatsu Oriental Bar Therapy might provide the sort of deep work and spinal decompression that I needed. I decided to give it a try, if just for the ‘wow’ factor!

Ashiatsu Oriental Bar Therapy is a modern version of a type of massage from the far East, in which the therapist uses his or her feet (perfectly pedicured and immaculately clean!) to provide deep, fluid strokes to the most unhappy muscles. The therapist supports his or her own weight by holding onto special bars attached to the ceiling, and uses a special lotion to ensure smooth effleurage. This type of massage therapy is still rare in the States, so I was thrilled that the Berkshires has Jen and her magic feet.

The massage was extraordinary, unlike any I’ve ever experienced. Jen’s strength, combined with her acute sensitivity to my pain points, was absolutely amazing. This was deep work, but without pain. She was able to release the spasming muscles while providing a fascinating and thoroughly relaxing experience. For the first time in a month, I woke up able to turn my head and move my hips and legs without discomfort. I felt centered and re-aligned—and I am already eager to go back for another Ashiatsu Bar experience!

Don’t miss the opportunity to try this type of massage here in the Berkshires. Jen will put you at ease, and will work with you to address any issues you’re having, particularly chronic ones. My muscles and I can’t say enough about how terrific she is!”

—Jenn Mattern