Edwina Tries… Barefoot Massage - Erie Reader

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This month Edwina treats herself to a massage at the local, newly relocated and renovated Moncella Massage and Kinesiology, but not just your typical massage. Edwina tries out an Ashiatsu massage which is a deep tissue technique where therapists use their feet to apply pressure.

We usually assume that massage therapists are skilled with their hands, but who knew their feet could have the same finesse? This month, I wanted to try something a little different from the kind of massage I've had before and tell you all about it. Enter Ashiatsu (from Japanese "ashi" meaning "foot" and "atsu" meaning "pressure").

For this experience, I visited Monacella Massage and Kinesiology, a beautiful, modern, state-of-the-art massage therapy practice staffed by licensed therapists with an owner who offers a variety of services customized to individual needs, from pain relief to relaxation. When I arrived at their new facility at 4 Sassafras Pier, I was greeted by owner Missy Hitz, BS LMT and given a tour of the new digs. The place is gorgeous, from the decor that includes a water feature in the lobby, right down to the lighting and perfect temperature — it has a very inviting, spa-like feel.

Missy introduced me to my therapist, Ryan Logan LMT, who showed me to the Ashiatsu room and he explained the whole process. The room feels much like a doctor's office patient room but has wooden ballet type barres attached to the ceiling. Ryan lowered the lights and told me that he would leave while I undressed to my comfort level and got situated under a sheet on a super cushy massage table.

A few minutes later, Ryan knocked and then came back into the room explaining that he had washed and sanitized his feet, climbed onto the massage table and got started with the best and most intense massage I have ever had in my life. Ryan and I talked throughout and he constantly was checking in with me ("How's that pressure?") while answering interview questions from me at the same time. The deep tissue massage was certainly intense and worked out knots I feel like I've had my whole life. Toward the end, I was able to turn while Ryan worked on the front of my legs and my arms and I got to watch him at work. The balance and core strength Ryan has is nothing short of amazing. He worked in a graceful, trained manner that is truly impressive to watch even while he was punishing the too-tight muscles of my quadriceps. The massage ended with my face and head (using his hands, not his feet).

I was happy to have my partner drive me to and fro as I felt too dazed and relaxed after to operate heavy machinery. I cannot wait to go back and try the brand new body scrub with Vichy Shower or a couples massage, maybe add some hot stones or reflexology. Schedule a visit and don't be afraid to try something a little different. You'll be in great hands (and feet)!

Edwina is Erie's (self-proclaimed) biggest fan who loves being a tourist in our own town. If you have an idea of something new she should try you can email her at edwina.capozziello@gmail.com