Water Lily or Lotus flower is symbolic of rebirth, but in addition to its religious meaning, the lotus is also a symbol of all that is true, good and beautiful, representing good fortune, peace and enlightenment.
WATSU®Aquatic Bodywork and Therapy
If you're feeling stressed and disconnected with yourself, watsu is just what your body needs.
WHAT IS WATSU®?
Watsu® (WATer ShiatSU) is a form of water therapy, which is also called hydrotherapy. It involves stretches, massages, and acupressure in warm water.
The term Watsu® comes from the words “water” and “shiatsu.” Shiatsu is a type of traditional Japanese massage that uses acupressure to promote relaxation. In Japanese, shiatsu means “finger pressure.”
Our lives are shaped by both positive and negative experiences, emotions and events. Aquatic bodywork harmonizes these life imbalances. Through warm water, touch and movement, healing energy is enhanced and created to counterbalance the pain or negative emotions you may be experiencing.
How does it work
Watsu therapy is done in a pool or hot tub. The water is heated to 95°F (35°C), which is close to the same temperature as your skin.
During Watsu, a therapist gently moves your body in water. This is known as passive hydrotherapy, because you don’t need to actively perform the movements.
Your therapist is in the water with you. They move your body in specific motions, which may include:
- gentle twisting
- rocking or cradling
- stretching
- massaging pressure points
The goal is to release tightness in your muscle and fascia tissue. It’s also meant to promote a healthy flow of energy, or qi.
Watsu is typically done in a peaceful setting to increase relaxation. Many Watsu therapists play soothing music during the session.
If you're feeling stressed and disconnected with yourself, watsu is just what your body needs.
Watsu is a one-on-one session in which a practitioner connects with your breath, and gently cradles and massages your body, using mindful movement patterns.
The deep sense of relaxation that ensues during a treatment has very real effects on the body.
What is it used for
As a therapeutic treatment, Watsu is used to alleviate pain and tension. People also use it to enhance physical movement and joint mobility.
It may provide relief for people with:
- muscle tension
- low back pain
- chronic pain
- fibromyalgia
- discomfort during pregnancy
- post-traumatic stress disorder
- anxiety
- depression
- Sleep Disorders
- Stress-related conditions
- neurological conditions (like multiple sclerosis)
- spinal cord injury
- injury rehabilitation
Watsu can help your mind and body achieve a state of rest and recovery that is similar to what you feel after a great night's sleep.
Benefits of Watsu water therapy
This unrestricted feeling in the water relaxes muscles and takes the weight out from under your feet in a much different way than does land-based stretching. Since there is no way for your body to anticipate what’s coming next and build up resistance, your body feels comfortable enough to move beyond normal limitations, increasing joint range of motion and flexibility.
Floating in the water invites peace while reducing tension or trauma. By understanding the healing value and principles of water, you can better understand your body and its restorative abilities. In addition, gentle finger pressure (acupressure) promotes your body’s natural self-curing abilities by opening energy pathways. When these pathways are opened, toxins are released, nutrients are able to travel to affected areas and endorphins are generated to restore emotional balance. Point work also can reestablish your body’s balance before everyday strain can cause problems in other areas.
I would encourage anyone experiencing lingering pain, muscle soreness, joint stiffness or stress to try an aquatic bodywork session to feel for yourself how beneficial this practice can be for your body.
COMMONLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Watsu has some drawbacks. As a passive form of therapy, you must be willing to let a therapist move your body during treatment.
You’ll also be in close contact with the therapist. For some, this might feel uncomfortable.
You should also avoid Watsu if you have:
- fever
- uncontrolled epilepsy
- serious cardiac problems
- open wounds
- skin infections
- serious urinary tract problems
- bowel incontinence
- respiratory disease
- allergy to pool chemicals
These conditions may be worsened or complicated by water therapy.
Your therapist should also take extra precautions if you have:
- osteoporosis
- spinal problems
- balance problems
If you’re pregnant, it’s a good idea to talk to your doctor before trying Watsu. Many pregnant people like the gravity-relieving sensations of floating in water while carrying a baby, but your healthcare provider can confirm you’re a good candidate for this type of therapy.
This unrestricted feeling in the water relaxes muscles and takes the weight out from under your feet in a much different way than does land-based stretching. Since there is no way for your body to anticipate what’s coming next and build up resistance, your body feels comfortable enough to move beyond normal limitations, increasing joint range of motion and flexibility.
Floating in the water invites peace while reducing tension or trauma. By understanding the healing value and principles of water, you can better understand your body and its restorative abilities. In addition, gentle finger pressure (acupressure) promotes your body’s natural self-curing abilities by opening energy pathways. When these pathways are opened, toxins are released, nutrients are able to travel to affected areas and endorphins are generated to restore emotional balance. Point work also can reestablish your body’s balance before everyday strain can cause problems in other areas.
I would encourage anyone experiencing lingering pain, muscle soreness, joint stiffness or stress to try an aquatic bodywork session to feel for yourself how beneficial this practice can be for your body.
- Your therapist might have you wear floating devices on your arms or legs.
- You’ll enter the water and float on your back. The back of your head and knees will typically rest in your therapist’s forearms.
- Your therapist will slowly rotate, moving your body in large circles.
- Your therapist will alternate between extending their arms and drawing them in, moving you back and forth in the water as they do so.
- Your therapist will extend your arms and legs in gentle, repetitive patterns. They might also bend, lift, or twist different parts of your body.
- They may rest your head on their shoulder and move you in large circles.
- Throughout the session, your therapist will massage pressure points on your body.
