Welcome

escape the ordinary

We are Madison's Gravity Bodywork Central

Experience Barefoot Hands difference. We are humbled to be the first to introduced Ashiatsu Deepfeet Bar Therapy in Madison, the most unique, luxurious, and deepest massage on earth.

Explore treatments
Explore treatments
About us

Energize the body, sharpen the mind, and find your balance

Welcome to your unique tranquil and meditative self-care and healing destination. BAREFOOT HANDS provides professional and therapeutic massage and bodywork services. We are Madison’s Gravity Bodywork Central with specialty in Ashiatsu-Deep Bar Therapy, Sarga Bodywork, Ashi Thai, Shoshin Shiatsu Thai Fusion, and more.

We are home for everything gravity bodywork-inspired approach to healing. We host and offer continuing education training for Licensed Massage Therapists and Bodywork Practitioners searching for unique innovative cutting-edge techniques that will reinvent and prolonged their practice..

About al

Alberto (Al) Poliarco is an internationally recognized barefoot bodywork Master Class Educator, massage therapist, and innovator with over a decade of professional practice.

Al is the founder of Barefoot Hands, a respected massage therapy and continuing education studio dedicated to advancing barefoot and gravity-assisted bodywork.

Al is a Master Class Educator in barefoot bodywork and the creator of Ashi Sutra and Chavuttidhara™, original barefoot systems developed to honor traditional roots while meeting modern professional, ergonomic, and educational standards.

Al also teaches Ashiatsu–DeepFeet Bar Therapy and is the creator of the first truly portable, traveling overhead bars, expanding safe barefoot practice beyond fixed studio settings.

A multi-gold medalist and ambassador in international massage championships, Al has represented barefoot bodywork modalities on global stages across Asia, Europe, and North America. His work is informed by immersive study in Kerala, India, the birthplace of Chavutti Thirumal, and ongoing collaboration with educators worldwide.

At the heart of his work is Gravity Bodywork+, a philosophy that views healing as a whole-body experience—where gravity, movement, and mindful touch create space for balance, stillness, and transformation.

GOLD WINNER
European Massage Championship 2024, Rome, Italy

1st Wisconsin Massage Championship 2023
0
1
Back Arrow
Meet our
tEam

Meet our collective team of healing warriors, ready to harness the Force to heal and make you feel good.

0
2
Back Arrow
our studio

Welcome to serenity and healing. Barefoot Hands studio is a spacious tranquil and meditative destination that is beautiful in its simplicity.

It’s your space to reconnect within.

Explore our Studio in 3D!
0
3
Back Arrow
training & Events

Transcend your skills and techniques to a new level of practice. We offer professional bodywork training for Licensed Massage Therapists and Bodywork Practitioners.

Also come join us for our many events, gatherings and Yoga classes. All are welcome!

0
4
Back Arrow
media gallery

Welcome to serenity and healing. Barefoot Hands studio is a spacious tranquil and meditative destination that is beautiful in its simplicity.

It’s your space to reconnect within.

treatments

ChOOse How
you HEAl

Prepare to be pampered and experience the most unique, healing and rejuvenating massage on earth.

And oh, your 60-minute massage means 60 minutes on the table! We will allow thirty minutes in between each massage session for a thorough cleaning and sanitation of your treatment room.

Please visit our COURTESIES page to learn more about our policies.

General Inquiries

SPECIALTY MASSAGE SERVICES

General Inquiries

TRADITIONAL MASSAGE SERVICES

General Inquiries

ENERGY MEDICINE

General Inquiries

ADD-ONS

General Inquiries
kind words from our clients

I would give 20 stars if I could - 10 for Al's professionalism and techniques, another 10 for the beautiful ambiance. I felt like I was in a sacred, personal space, like Mr. Miyagi's dojo. I have been getting deep tissue massage for over 15 yrs due to injury. It is more has been "functional" than restorative. I had my first massage with Al today and It was transformative! The range of motion, flexibility I had recovered in one session was astounding. It felt like he was intuitive to what my body needed. I have already booked my 2nd visit for this week.

jody pilgRim

Positive: Communication, Professionalism, Quality. Al's energy is so calm, relaxed, and respectful. Honoring your time with a quick connection before your session, Al asks how he can be of the most assistance to you. He listens to the body in a way that you always feel comfortable and safe. This was only my first session with Al and I felt as though I was at home the entire time. He's beyond welcoming and honors your time and energy at the highest level. Thank you infinitely, Al. You've truly created a space of ultimate peace and respite

TEIGE

Back Arrow
Back Arrow
Contact

how can we help you?

Thank you for connecting with us and for your interest in our unique and rejuvenating services. Please confirm this form with your information and we will get back to you within 24 hours.

Your personal information is safe with us. We occasionally send news and updates related to our services and offerings and you can unsubscribe anytime.
Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.