Barefoot Deep Tissue Massage
Learn more about the massage technique and where to train in Barefoot Deep Tissue Massage from a practicing Massage Therapist.
Ever wondered what it would be like to give or receive a massage barefoot?
Massage Technique: Barefoot Deep Tissue Massage
Whether you are a prospective student of massage, or someone who just wants to know more about Barefoot Deep Tissue massage, my guest, Paul Svacina, LMT of Bodywork with the Moravian Touch, shares his perspective and experiences on being a Barefoot Deep Tissue Massage Therapist.
Can you briefly explain the type of massage you practice and why someone might choose to try this particular massage technique?
I specialize in Trigger Point Therapy, Myofascial Release, and Barefoot Deep Tissue, which which was developed by my mentor, John Harris.
The average length of a Swedish massage therapist’s career is 3-4 years before they are injured. Barefoot Deep Tissue is a powerful modality that allows the therapist to use skills, training and intuition to perform deep, satisfying therapy including the first two modalities, while using minimal physical exertion. A mat instead of a massage table is used with no oil, so convenience and discretion are simplified. Other modalities such as shiatsu, stretching and evaluation may be easily incorporated, to provide efficient, effective therapy. Several of our students have even stated that they have more feeling in their feet than in their hands. This may be due to the modality allowing better concentration and comfort of the therapist, which can mean better results, no matter what the client’s size.
In your opinion, what makes a good massage therapist or massage practitioner?
A good massage therapist is one who foremost listens to the client and respects their boundaries, and within these limits seeks to fix pain, promote parasympathetic response (reduce stress) and provide a better general well-being. No matter how good communication skills are, good will, talent and technical knowledge can add to the benefits of bodywork, and Barefoot Deep Tissue allows maximization of all of these possibilities.
What is your philosophy on health and healing?
Modern society places emphasis on tools and procedures to “fix” ills. I believe that human bodies are amazingly self-healing. People need to take control of their bodies and environments before sickness prevails, while allowing practitioners to promote and facilitate well-being.
Can you share with us one really significant transformation you witnessed as a result of the work you do?
It is difficult to pick one, but several stand out, as clients who were skeptical of bodywork, but then progressed such that they were able to function better. One was a man who had to call taxis to his door, now being able to walk 2 blocks to the bus. Another was a self-employed woman with migraines who could prevent need for 3 days of medication if treated within 2 hours of symptoms.
Why did you choose the profession of Massage Therapy as a career?
I worked as an aerospace and civil engineer for 15 years, but also practiced intuitive bodywork on friends and family, due to childhood influences in Moravia. In California, I had a girlfriend who had weekly bodywork sessions, and convinced me to go to formal massage school. The environment was so enjoyable, the knowledge so empowering and the feedback so affirmative, that I continued taking classes from many teachers, launched a practice and also worked for a physical therapist. I enjoyed it more than expected and, with my technical background plus variety of training, found a good perception of symbiotic healing and relaxation in bodywork.
Thank you, Paul.
For more information on Barefoot Deep Tissue Massage, please visit Svacina.com.
For training in Barefoot Deep Tissue Massage, please visit Deeperwork.com
© Copyright, Sylvia Carlson, 2006. Reproduction without permission prohibited.
