Both shiatsu and ashiatsu originate from Japan. They share influences from traditional Chinese medicine, and use pressure in their technique. Both aim to restore, energize, or stabilize energy channels.
They differ in how practitioners apply the pressure on their clients. "Shi" in shiatsu means finger, and "ashi" means foot. Ashiatsu, also called barefoot massage, involves using bare feet to apply strokes, assisted stretching, and deep compression.