Watsu Therapy
Introduction
Water is as life-sustaining as the air we breathe. Ancient Greek, Chinese and Native American traditions observed that water was one of the basic elements of a balanced life as well, with the power to calm fiery emotions, soothe the body, and restore the spirit.
Water therapies, particularly those involving warm water combined with massage, have proven effective throughout the centuries. People enjoyed mineral and thermal water baths as early as 500 B.C. in Greece. The ancient Romans were so convinced of the therapeutic value of thermal water that for some 600 years their medical treatments were almost exclusively centered on the Baths, which were also the communal meeting places of the time. Spas and bathhouses have long been popular in Egypt, Finland, Germany, Spain and Turkey; Japanese teak wood tubs are usually cited as the first at home hot tubs.
What is Watsu?
Watsu, like reflexology, employs ancient principles used to unblock the free flow of energy through the body. Watsu combines water and shiatsu, a form of Japanese "finger pressure" massage applied to the meridians of chi.
It was developed in 1980 by Harold Dull, who traveled to Japan to study Zen Shiatsu, a form of massage using stretches and touchpoints to release blockages. Back in America, Dull promoted the benefits of performing shiatsu moves and stretches in warm water.
How does Watsu work?
A warm spa (95°-97°F or 35°-36°C) is a perfect environment for a Watsu aquatic bodywork session. Floating in water and supported by the Watsu practitioner, the Watsu receiver passes into a state of complete relaxation as gentle stretching is applied to specific points. More than just a massage, Watsu involves a series of free-flowing movements that increase flexibility and strengthen muscles.
The buoyancy of the water takes the weight off the vertebrae, facilitating movement in ways not possible on land. Watsu's gentle stretching and pulling promote flexibility and suppleness of the spine. Pregnant women benefit greatly from Watsu; as do athletes, those suffering from sore muscles and joints, and conditions such as fibromyalgia (chronic pain in muscles and soft tissues surrounding joints) and multiple sclerosis.
The healing techniques of reflexology and Watsu are increasingly being integrated into the practices of physical therapists worldwide.