Ashiato is a foot-first method for holistic therapists and exercise professionals who want to understand and correct the the underlying issues of dysfunction ...from the feet up.
Established in 2025 by Nicola Beard, Ashiato is the result of clinical insight and ongoing professional development since 2019. Following a 30 year career in Health and Fitness - Pilates Instructor, Biomechanics Coach, Corrective Exercise and Barefoot Training Specialist, Reflexologist and Sports Massage Therapist. Ashiato brings together a modern insight into foot mechanics, injury recovery, fascia release, and functional strength, helping holistic and sports therapists and other fitness professionals understand how foot dysfunction impacts the entire body, from pain to posture to pelvic floor health, injury recovery and pain prevention.
Inspired by the Japanese word for “footprints,” Ashiato offers a practical and intuitive framework to restore strength, structure, and sensory connection — making it ideal for professionals who want long-term results, not temporary fixes.
It’s the missing link between the symptoms you see and the mechanics you haven’t been taught, yet.
What Makes Ashiato Different?
Why Ashiato starts with the feet? Simply, If the foundation is unstable, everything above has to compensate.
It is built on the Regional Interdependence Model, a globally applied framework in clinical movement and rehabilitation. This model helps professionals identify and correct dysfunctions at their source, not just where the pain shows up.
Most methods focus on managing symptoms. Ashiato identifies and addresses mechanical causes before they become long-term problems.
Most people only seek help once pain sets in. Ashiato equips professionals to spot the warning signs early—before compensation becomes chronic.
The Ashiato Framework
Ashiato follows a clear, four-phase system to restore function and improve whole-body mechanics. Each phase builds on the last, guiding the body back to balance and strength …from the feet up.
The Balance Barefoot Method.
Release
Myofascial Release Techniques
Lengthen
Static and Dynamic Stretching
Strengthen
Simple Isolated Strengthening Techniques
Stabilise
Integrate Dynamic Movement
The Results You’ll See
Ashiato isn’t about short-term fixes. It’s about long-term function, with results that benefit your clients and your business.
For yourself & your clients:
Reduced pain across multiple areas—not just the feet
Improved balance, posture, and coordination
Better movement quality and body awareness
Fewer recurring injuries and compensation patterns
Faster progress with results that actually hold
For your business:
Stand out with a unique, evidence-based method
Attract more clients seeking lasting solutions
Build trust and retention through visible results
Expand your scope without needing new equipment
Gain clarity and confidence in your clinical decision-making
Ashiato helps you stop chasing symptoms and start delivering long-term change, both in your treatment outcomes and your professional growth.
I implemented the balance barefoot method and ended 20 years of plantar fasciitis and 5 years of sacroiliac pain
I can walk on the beach barefoot and pain-free again
Me. Nicola Beard. it's My story
Plantar fasciitis: the truth
There is so much information about Plantar Fasciitis treatment available on social media and the internet. However, it rarely tackles the underlying causes, which provide the lasting results your clients are desperate for, or maybe it's you (like I was) desperate to finally be pain free again.
The amount of PF solutions I have read about in Facebook groups is astounding, here are a few common suggestions:
Orthotics - Which are sold to clients without a plan to escape from them
Special Shoes - Which have caused the problem in the first place
Frozen Bottles - Great for immediate relief, but not a sound solution for lasting results
Surgery - This HAS to be the last resort, not the go to solution.