Watsu Therapy

Have you ever met with Watsu? We can describe this therapy, which is offered as a new solution to physical and spiritual disorders, as a water therapy promoting relaxation.

Even though this hydrotherapy message method, which took its name from the combination of the words “water” and “shiatsu”, is thought to be a basic physical method, its mental and psychological effects are quite various. In this article we will inform you on how the Watsu massage is applied and what its effects are. 

WHAT IS ITS SOURCE?

Watsu was developed in the beginnings of 1980 by Harold Dull in Harbin Hot Springs, USA and is offered as a hydrotherapy method with a new technique, blended with the Zen philosophy. Based on his education in Japan, about Shiatsu Zen philosophy, Dull states that water and stretching helps reveal the Chi (life energy) inside of us. Watsu is different from other massage therapies since it does not involve difficult and complicated moves not using a hard floor like a massage table. Watsu is accepted as a passive form of water therapy and during the session while the client is in a passive state all movements are realized with the directions of the therapist.

HOW IS IT PRACTICED? 

The therapy is performed in a pool at approximately 35°C with the help of a therapist and the therapist gives direction with different movements while supporting the body of the client. By keeping the body of the client afloat, the therapist ensures that they will safely and comfortably experience gliding on water. Meanwhile with the healing power of warm water and massage movements the body relaxes and calms down.

Each Watsu session is unique since they are tailored for each individual person.  During the therapy, the therapist provides movement on the massage pressure points of the body through twisting, stretching and swinging. The goal is to release the tension in the muscles, to provide a healthy energy flow and to promote Chi. In addition, in order to increase the relaxation level of the guest calming music is usually used during the session.

WHAT ARE ITS EFFECTS?

Watsu creates the best possible conditions in order to release any kind of tension in the body. The massage table and gravity combination always limit possible movements, water, on the other hand, can easily activate our entire body in a way that no other massage type does. It is a powerful technique that not only allows physical relaxation, it also provides mental relaxation. Those who have tried Watso usually describe the experience as if “they were flying freely in the sky” and that their body moves with ease. At the end of the session, the spine becomes more flexible and all joints are much more relaxed. In addition, this water therapy is one of the effective ways to promote lymphatic drainage. It stimulates hydrostatic pressure, blood and lymph circulation. It can also be used as a therapy in situations such as fluid retention or swelling of the joints, water trauma and phobia. Elder people, adults, athletes, pregnant women and children can easily benefit from this therapy. Also people with orthopedic and neurological disorders who cannot perform their daily activities due to pain, stiffness, spasm and spasticity can benefit as well.

Watsu is proved to be effective in the treatment of people who suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Research carried out in the USA and Hungary observed that abuse victims, veterans, people who suffer from pain, accident survivors, orphans and adopted children Show improvements in their life after a regular Watsu treatment. 

WHERE CAN WE FIND IT?

Even though Watsu therapies are practiced especially in the USA, South Asia, and Europe, it is possible to find some examples in Turkey as well. It is safe to say that Watsu therapy creates a difference in the spa and wellness menu of the spa of Six Senses Kaplankaya. In the global scope, Pura Vida Retreat & Spa in Costa Rica, One&Only Reeti Rah in the Maldives and Mii Amo – Arizona can be given as examples of exotic and expert spa centers.

Our body needs spa therapies and massages for treatment and relaxation purposes. You can make use of these practices to give your body the attention it deserves and to reach a “well-being” state both mentally and spiritually. Keep following Spatopia for more content on massage culture and spas!