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Barefoot Massage &
Wellness Insights


What is Ashiatsu Massage?
Ashiatsu is a form of barefoot massage where the therapist uses their feet instead of their hands to do the massage. Click here to read more
3 min read


Your Schedule Is Your Livelihood: Navigating Cancellations and Boundaries as a Massage Therapist
One of the biggest differences between being self-employed and working as an employee is how missed appointments affect your income. For massage therapists, cancellations and no-shows don't just disrupt a schedule—they directly impact our livelihood.
5 min read


“But Is She YOU?” — What Clients Need to Know About Bodywork, Boundaries, and Real Results
Each therapist brings a unique combination of experience, training, intuition, and even personal life experience to the table. That’s especially true when we’re talking about something as deep and individualized as Rolfing® Structural Integration.
4 min read


What You Learn in Massage Therapy School: 5 Essentials Every Massage Therapist Needs to Know
Are you considering a career as a massage therapist? In my most-read blog, How to become a massage therapist in NC , I break down, step by step, the process of becoming licensed in North Carolina. However, before you enroll in massage therapy school, let's discuss what you will learn . Spoiler alert: it's more than just giving relaxing massages. Whether you're making a career change or exploring a passion for helping others, here are five core areas massage therapy school wi
3 min read


Post-Surgery or PT Not Working? How Infrared Sauna & Cold Plunge Can Help Break the Inflammation Cycle
If you've recently had surgery or have been faithfully going to physical therapy but still feel stuck in your recovery, you're not alone. Many people reach a frustrating plateau where progress slows or stops altogether.
5 min read


Why the 2026 FasciAshi Fundamentals Class is Worth a Second Look (Even If You're Experienced)
Starting in 2026, all students must take the updated FasciAshi Fundamentals class before advancing. Here's why this new foundation is more valuable than ever—and why it's not just for beginners.
2 min read


Winter Wellness: Why Now is the Perfect Time for Infrared Sauna & Cold Plunge in Durham
Feeling stiff, stressed, or run down this winter? Discover the benefits of infrared sauna and cold plunge therapy in Durham, NC—proven to boost mood, immunity, and recovery.
4 min read


How to Transition to Barefoot Massage Without Losing Your Clients
Worried you’ll lose clients by switching to barefoot massage? Use client-centered choices, hybrid sessions, and clear marketing to make the transition smoothly—without burning out.
5 min read


How I Transitioned Clients to Barefoot Massage
Wondering how to introduce barefoot massage to your clients? Here’s how I transitioned my entire practice—and what I learned along the way.
5 min read


The Connection Between Posture and Pain: What You Need to Know
Posture plays a bigger role in your well-being than you might think. Learn how everyday habits affect your alignment—and how simple changes, bodywork, sauna, and cold plunge therapy can help you feel better from head to toe.
8 min read


Unlocking the Power of Barefoot Massage: Your Path to Career Longevity
Are you new to barefoot massage? You're not alone if you feel nervous about hurting someone, falling, or finding clients. Learn how we help you navigate it all—with real support every step of the way.
5 min read


Finding Your Perfect Sleep Position: A Guide to Better Rest and Pain Management
In our continual search for maintaining good health, we often focus on diet, exercise, and alternative therapies while neglecting one crucial factor: sleep. Despite its significant impact on overall well-being, many people can’t seem to get the quality or quantity of sleep they need. Sleep is even more critical for those dealing with chronic pain, as poor sleep can exacerbate pain levels an hinder the body's natural healing processes. Research has shown that sleep disturbance
5 min read


The Barefoot Massage Learning Curve: What to Expect After Your First Ashiatsu Class
Feeling unsure after your first barefoot massage class? You're not alone. Learn how to grow your Ashiatsu skills and confidence with these realistic tips.
3 min read


Why You Might Not Sweat in the Infrared Sauna — And Why That’s Okay
Not sweating in the infrared sauna? That doesn’t mean it’s not working. Learn why your sweat response varies and how infrared heat still supports detox, circulation, and healing.
2 min read


What to Expect in Your First Barefoot Massage Class
Are you curious about what your first barefoot massage CE class will be like? We break down everything from setup and hands-on practice to what to pack and how to prepare.
4 min read


Why Intermediate Ashiatsu Training Is a Must for Barefoot Massage Therapists
Take your barefoot massage skills beyond the basics with our Intermediate Ashiatsu training. This 16-CEU workshop teaches sidelying and supine techniques, FasciAshi strap work, and advanced body mechanics to help you deliver deeper, more effective barefoot bodywork—without burning out. Ideal for massage therapists ready to grow their practice and get better client results.
3 min read


Body Recovery & Balance: Massage, Sauna & Cold Plunge in Durham
At Bull City Soles, our holistic approach combines specialized services—such as barefoot massage, Rolfing® SI, infrared sauna, and cold plunge therapy
4 min read


The Science of Sweat: Infrared Sauna vs Traditional Sauna
"Don't I need a higher heat in the infrared sauna to sweat — and for it to work?" is a frequently asked question.
Read our blog where we break it down so you can understand how infrared saunas work, how they differ from traditional saunas, and why lower temperatures still deliver powerful health benefits.
4 min read


The Science Behind Feeling Things With Your Feet: Why It Takes Time in Barefoot Massage Training
Feeling clumsy with your feet in barefoot massage? You're not alone—and you're not failing. Discover the science behind developing touch sensitivity through your feet, why it takes time, and how small adjustments help retrain your nervous system for intuitive bodywork.
6 min read


Why Women Need a Different Approach to Cold Plunging and Saunas
Cold plunges and saunas aren’t one-size-fits-all—especially for women. After listening to Dr. Stacy Sims, I realized just how differently our bodies respond. In this post, I share how cold and heat therapies impact hormones, sleep, stress, and recovery—and how you can adjust your wellness routine for maximum benefit. Whether you’re postmenopausal like me or navigating your cycle, this guide helps you tune in and take care.
5 min read
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