Experience the profound release of Back Walking Massage, a traditional deep-pressure technique designed to melt away years of accumulated tension. At Mali Healing Spa, we specialize in this powerful modality—also known as Ashiatsu—to provide a level of structural relief that manual hand massage simply cannot reach.

Whether you are a busy Midtown professional dealing with “tech neck” or an athlete recovering from intense training, our expert therapists use controlled body weight to realign your body and restore your mobility.

Back Walking Massage is a deep-tissue technique where the therapist uses their feet to apply broad, consistent pressure to the large muscle groups of the back, glutes, and legs.

Experience Back Walking Massage for ultimate stress relief, improved blood flow, and tension-free muscles.”

Postural Correction

The controlled body-weight pressure helps lengthen compressed muscles, relax connective tissues, and gently guide the spine back into a more natural, balanced posture—especially helpful for desk workers and chronic slouchers.

Chronic Pain Relief

Back Walking Massage applies sustained, even pressure to stubborn muscle knots that traditional massages may not reach, helping reduce long-standing pain, stiffness, and tension built up over time.

Enhanced Circulation

This technique encourages better oxygen delivery, removes toxins, reduces inflammation, and speeds up muscle recovery, leaving the body feeling lighter and more energized.

Mental Clarity

As deep pressure melts away stress stored in the body, the mind naturally follows—promoting calmness, improved focus, emotional balance, and deep relaxation.

Why Choose Mali Healing Spa for Back Walking Massage in NYC?

Expert Gravity Control: Unlike standard spas, our therapists are specifically trained in the art of Back Walking, using bars for balance to apply precise, consistent, and safe deep pressure.

Authentic Techniques: We blend traditional Thai influences with modern anatomical knowledge to ensure every step promotes healing.

Tailored Intensity: Every session is customized. Whether you need intense pressure for chronic knots or a rhythmic flow for spinal decompression, we adjust to your comfort level.

A Sanctuary in NYC: Our Manhattan facility is designed to be a quiet escape from the urban noise, focused entirely on your recovery.

How the Treatment Works

Deep Muscle Pressure

The therapist gently walks or steps along your back, using controlled pressure to release tension in tight muscles and knots, providing a deep therapeutic effect.

Improved Blood Circulation

The rhythmic walking motion stimulates blood flow throughout the back and shoulders, promoting oxygen and nutrient delivery to muscles and aiding recovery.

Spinal Alignment & Flexibility

By applying targeted pressure along the spine and back muscles, this massage helps improve posture, ease stiffness, and enhance overall spinal flexibility.

Stress & Pain Relief

The combination of firm pressure and stretching techniques triggers relaxation, reduces stress, and alleviates chronic back pain for a rejuvenated feeling.

More Ways to Relax and Rejuvenate

Explore our wide range of massage therapies designed to restore balance, ease tension, and promote overall wellness:

Is This Service Right For You?

This service is ideal for:

  • Individuals with chronic lower back pain or hip tightness.
  • Athletes or heavy weightlifters with dense muscle mass.
  • Anyone who feels that “regular” deep tissue massage is never quite strong enough.
  • Office workers suffering from postural fatigue and “slumped” shoulders.

This service may not be suitable for:

  • Individuals with recent spinal surgeries or fractures.
  • Those with advanced osteoporosis or brittle bone conditions.
  • Pregnant clients (we recommend our specialized prenatal massage instead).

Local Proof & Professional Standards

Mali Healing Spa is a trusted name in Manhattan wellness. Our team consists of licensed massage therapists (LMTs) who undergo rigorous training in pressure management and safety protocols.

Specialized Environment: Our rooms are specifically outfitted with the ceiling-mounted bars required for authentic, safe Ashiatsu.

Highly Rated: Check our latest reviews from Manhattan locals who praise our “unmatched pressure” and “professional atmosphere.”

In a standard massage, the therapist uses hands, forearms, and elbows. In Back Walking (Ashiatsu), the therapist uses their feet. This allows for up to 3x the pressure of a traditional massage, making it the deepest stroke possible in the industry.

We recommend booking in advance due to the specialized nature of this service, but we do accept same-day appointments when a qualified therapist is available. You can check our real-time availability on our website.

Similar to a Swedish or Deep Tissue massage, this is typically performed with the client undressed to their comfort level under professional draping. We use high-quality oils to ensure the therapist’s feet glide smoothly across the muscle fibers.

Ready for Your Glow?

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