From Hands to Feet: My Barefoot Journey into Sarga Bodywork

Using my hands AND feet is more engaging and effective!

Discovering Sarga Bodywork: A Barefoot Massage Journey

As a massage therapist, my hands were always my primary tools. For years, my work centered around using my palms, thumbs, and forearms to help clients find relief.

But my journey took an unexpected turn when I discovered the world of barefoot massage, and specifically Sarga Bodywork.

A Foot in Both Worlds

I've had the privilege of working with both Ashiatsu and Sarga. While both techniques utilize the therapist’s feet, they create very different experiences.

Ashiatsu is a flowing massage style that can feel similar to deep-tissue Swedish massage, gliding over the body with steady pressure. I absolutely love it (and would still have bars in my treatment space if I could!).

Sarga Bodywork, on the other hand, is a more targeted myofascial technique that focuses on shearing and engaging the fascial layers of the body using the therapist’s feet while supported by a fabric strap known as the Sarga Silk.

Both approaches have their place, and the barefoot massage world offers a variety of techniques for therapists who are curious about working with their feet.

Why I Was Drawn to Sarga

While I appreciate all barefoot massage modalities, I found myself particularly drawn to the precision and intensity of Sarga Bodywork.

Here are a few things that stood out to me as a therapist:

Physical Engagement

Sarga is physically engaging and requires the therapist to stay connected through their whole body. Many therapists describe it as feeling like a full-body movement practice while they work.

Targeted Myofascial Work

Sarga techniques allow therapists to create slow, focused shearing across the fascia, which can help address areas of long-held tension without relying solely on compressive pressure.

Adaptable Setup

Because Sarga uses a simple fabric support system rather than fixed overhead bars, the setup can be adaptable to a variety of treatment spaces.

Benefits for Therapists and Clients

Like many barefoot techniques, Sarga Bodywork offers benefits for both practitioners and the people receiving the work.

For Therapists

• reduced strain on hands, wrists, and thumbs• full-body engagement during treatment• a unique modality that expands therapeutic options

For Clients

• deep tissue work without excessive compression• improved mobility and flexibility• reduced muscle tension and pain• deeply relaxing therapeutic sessions

Curious About Sarga?

If you're a massage therapist who has been curious about barefoot massage, Sarga Bodywork can be a fascinating modality to explore.

I offer small-group Sarga Bodywork continuing education classes for massage therapists in Portland and Seattle, and currently teach the only Sarga Bodywork training available in the Pacific Northwest.

If you'd like to learn more about the technique—or explore training opportunities—feel free to reach out.

Email: linda.caravia@vitalitytmy.com