If you’ve never put on a bathing suit or swim cap for a massage, then you’ve never tried Watsu therapy. Many people could benefit from Watsu’s physical and psychological benefits. Unfortunately, there’s one requirement that limits its reach: Watsu must be performed in a pool with chest-deep, warm water.
WHAT IS WATSU THERAPY?
The word ‘Watsu’ combines the words ‘water’ and ‘Shiatsu,’ the Japanese bodywork modality with roots going back to the 14th Century. Shiatsu translates as ‘finger pressure.’ In addition to targeted massage with fingers and thumbs. Shiatsu also involves assisted stretching and joint manipulation.
On top of Shiatu’s methods, Watsu also incorporates more modern massage techniques and more dynamic movements typically associated with dance. Like yoga, Watsu relies on deep, meditative breathing to relax the client into being more receptive to the physical movements.
Of course, all of these elements must be performed in water for it to be Watsu. That’s especially important given Watsu’s focus on freeing any tension in the spine. The vertebrae can be manipulated much more easily in water than on dry land. The water should be warm and about chest-deep. Water’s buoyancy allows the Watsu practitioner to freely cradle, rock, stretch, and manipulate the client’s body.
THE WATSU POOL
A successful Watsu session requires the client to fall into a state of deep relaxation. Of course, relaxation is difficult in the chilly waters found in the typical public pool. The requirement for warm water can be an obstacle for Watsu practitioners.
The most distinctive features of a Watsu pool are:
- Modular construction to customize the pool size to the space
- Installation versatility for outdoors or inside
- Temperature control for water that always feels just right
- Low-chlorine purification systems for fresh, low-odor water that’s gentle on the skin
Ranging in size from 6-foot square to 16-foot square with a range of depths, the pool is perfect for:
- Gentle massage & joint mobilization
- Muscle stretching & body mechanics improvement
- Water dance & healing dance
- Jahara technique, a related system of therapeutic movement performed in warm water
WHY CHOOSE WATSU?
As with conventional massage therapies, one of Watsu’s main goals is deep relaxation. Watsu relies on gentler movements than some massage practices, and they combine with the body’s buoyancy in water to slow the client’s breathing and heart rate.
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