Barefoot Bodywork is my interpretation of Barefoot Shiatsu a modality developed by Shizuko Yamamoto. Shizuko turned toward traditional healing techniques when needing healing herself. Shiatsu, yoga, and a macrobiotic diet proved to lead her to greater health and wellbeing. She taught Macrobiotic Barefoot Shiatsu and provided sessions in New York and Boston in the 80’s and 90’s. Our bodies have a better chance of healing when given the right circumstances including healthy movement and a whole foods diet. Additionally, Barefoot Bodywork is meant to bring the body closer to a balanced state.  

During the session you lie on a warm floor mat. Clients are asked to come wearing comfortable clothing. The bodywork session begins with a gentle rocking of the body followed by foot compressions to large muscles activating the energy pathways of the body while nourishing muscle tissue. Additional techniques of gentle stretching and range of motion movements create space at the joints. Stress and tension begin to leave the body moving down into the earth with the breath. You leave the session feeling both more grounded and energized. 

As a massage therapist barefoot shiatsu allows me to give my hands a rest while my feet learn to listen. My approach is largely about gently and intentionally creating space within the body for the healing breath to enter. Some find the work to be very deep as one current client describes it as “Beyond sports massage.” Others feel that their body is totally relaxed after a session. If you’re curious please give it a try! I just completed a continuing education Barefoot Shiatsu class with my Randy Cummins in Chicago Dec 2025, He was excellent! He is my third mentor in my continued study of Barefoot Shiatsu.

To make an appointment email book.bodywork@gmail.com

Or call 415-542-6393

Pay by cash, check, venmo or PayPal. 

Testimonials from the Community

“Kacie is an awesome body worker and in addition to her massage practice, she also offers Barefoot Shiatsu, a style SO well-suited for laboring bodies. It hits differently than other modalities of massage. As inferred, she uses her feet to work the body with deep compression and targeted focus depending on one's needs.  Ever have someone walk on your back? It's somewhat similar but much more skilled and effective. Traditionally, there is a concentration on the lower body- she says farmers hold a lot of resistance in their legs. I leave my sessions energized, feeling open and expansive as the work settles and integrates in the body. I've done a lot of bodywork over the years, and this method had become a favorite.” A. Washington, ME