Aquatic Bodywork

Watsu® is a form of aquatic bodywork that combines the healing properties

of warm water with gentle stretches, massage, and Shiatsu-inspired pressure techniques. The practice was developed in the 1980s by Harold Dull,

a Shiatsu therapist, who recognized the unique therapeutic potential of water in facilitating deep relaxation and creating a supportive environment for

physical and emotional healing.

About
AQUATIC BODYWORK

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT?

- Physical Healing and Relaxation: The buoyancy of the water supports the body’s weight, allowing for a greater range of motion and deeper stretches with less strain on the muscles and joints, helping alleviate chronic pain, neuromuscular injuries, improve flexibility, and reduce tension and stiffness.

- Stress Relief and Emotional Balance: Watsu’s gentle, flowing movements help calm the sympathetic and activate the parasympathetic nervous system. It has profound effects on trauma, both physical and psycho-emotional, allowing a sense of release and surrender.

- Improved Circulation and Lymphatic Flow: The water’s pressure and movements stimulate the circulation of blood and lymph, which can help detoxify the body, improve immunity, and promote healing on a cellular level.

- Deep Relaxation: The combination of warm water, rhythmic movement, and supportive touch often induces a deeply relaxed state, almost equivalent to a good night’s sleep.

- Enhanced Mind-Body Connection: Sessions are non-verbal, allowing you to deeply connect with your body and emotions through touch and the experience of being held in the water. Watsu facilitates the release of stored energy and helps cultivate mindfulness, providing a healing experience that extends beyond the physical.

WHAT TO EXPECT DURING A SESSION?

About the Session:

- Each session lasts about one hour.

- Most people leave feeling calm, refreshed, and rejuvenated.

Before the Session:

- We’ll discuss your needs, concerns, or intentions — whether it's physical relief, stress reduction, or deep relaxation.

- This helps tailor the session to your unique goals.

During the Session:

- You’ll be gently supported and guided in warm water.

- The practitioner uses cradling, stretching, and rhythmic movements to ease your body and mind.

- No swimming skills or prior experience needed.

HOW WATSU WORKS?

Watsu® is performed in a warm, shallow pool, with the recipient fully supported by the practitioner, allowing them to float effortlessly in the water.

The warm water helps relax the muscles and allows the body to release tension more easily than on land. Through gentle cradling, stretching, rocking, and rhythmic movements, Watsu® sessions can help release muscular tension, improve circulation, and restore balance in the body.

It is a deeply nurturing practice that creates an experience of surrender to the soothing qualities of the water and the practitioner's touch, allowing clients to release emotional blockages and reconnect with their bodies in a safe, gentle way.

Watsu® is suitable for all ages and can be particularly beneficial for individuals with limited mobility, those recovering from injury or surgery, or those simply seeking relaxation and emotional healing.

“Nothing is softer or more flexible than water,
yet nothing can resist it.”

Lao Tzu

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Before your session, it's helpful to hydrate well and avoid heavy meals. During the session, focus on relaxing and being present with your body’s sensations. After a Watsu session, it's recommended to drink plenty of water to stay hydrated and support the body’s detoxification process. You may also feel deeply relaxed, so it's a good idea to allow yourself time to rest and process the experience. Some people may also feel energized, so it’s helpful to listen to your body’s needs following the session.

Unlike traditional massage or bodywork, Watsu is performed in water, which adds a unique element of buoyancy and support. This allows for deeper stretches and a greater range of movement without putting strain on the muscles or joints. The warm water also enhances the relaxation response and promotes circulation in a way that traditional bodywork cannot. It’s a holistic therapy that integrates both the physical and emotional aspects of healing.