Watsu by Dawn Watts Dawn Watts, watsu practitioner and proprietor of water therapy practice, Hydro Health, provides an introduction to the treatment that combines the ancient oriental principles of zen shiatsu with the intrinsically relaxing sensation of flotation

What is watsu and how does it work?

Watsu is a relatively young therapy, which began in California in 1980. Harold Dull, the founder of watsu, studied shiatsu in Japan for many years, and upon settling in California where he explored the native hot waters, watsu was established. He continues to develop the technique and is respected by many medical and complementary professionals. Students studying the discipline undergo extensive training before achieving practitioner status. Together with ongoing development, watsu maintains excellent standards and integrity.

Watsu clients can expect a graceful, fluid journey in warm water coupled with gentle stretches, therapeutic massage and shiatsu pressure points, whilst being fully supported by the practitioner. Movements are centred around the client’s own breathing pattern and the treatment dynamics are applied to suit the individual.

What are the benefits of watsu?

Because watsu is performed in water, movement is free from the forces of gravity; joints and muscles are unrestricted, which allows effortless relaxation and manipulation. As movements are choreographed to individual needs, it can be difficult to describe watsu, as each encounter is different. The main consistent factor is the inevitable release of muscular, skeletal and mental tension. Watsu centres on the neuromuscular system and is ideal for sufferers of stress and

anxiety, chronic pain and terminal conditions. By promoting a deep sense of relaxation, energy channels open within the body, and positive manifestations appear in the physical form. Suitable for a wide range of clients, from stressed business owners, parents juggling the children, work and home, and carers needing respite, to sufferers of chronic pain, or those simply feeling the need for some calming relaxation, watsu can help transform those turbulent troubles of the outside world into a tranquil, blissful lagoon.

Following the first watsu encounter, the immediate benefits may include:

• Increased range of motion

• Increased muscle relaxation

• Decreased muscle spasm

• Decreased spasticity

• Decreased pain After multiple watsu sessions, the benefits may include:

• Improved sleep patterns

• Improved digestion

• Improved healing and immune system response

• Greater decreases in pain

• Decreased anxiety

• Decreased emotional pain

As with any form of complementary or professional therapy, the body’s processes can function more effectively following a watsu experience. This can mean that clients may feel extremely energised, or deeply relaxed and sleepy- the body will assume what it needs. Plenty of water intake and relaxation is essential in order for the client to utilise the benefits effectively.

Who can benefit from watsu?

Anyone can benefit from watsu therapy: male or female, child or senior citizen; they can all achieve some form of physical and/or mental gratification. Many clients develop a poignant attachment to watsu and after two to five sessions, clients are able to find their own ‘watsu level’ where they can achieve maximum relaxation and benefits from each subsequent session.

All watsu pools are never more than standing depth, the client’s face will never go under the water and clients are never left alone. A combination of the practitioner providing as much support as the client needs, the natural tendency of the body to float, and the use of buoyancy supports where needed

means that watsu is accessible to non-swimmers, and even clients with limited mobility and some disabilities.

Further information about watsu

Visit the Worldwide Aquatic Bodywork Association website (www.waba.edu) for further details about watsu. Speak to anyone who has had the opportunity to receive a watsu treatment and, of course, the practitioners themselves. The best way to understand more about watsu, and its benefits, or for those therapists considering whether to develop the discipline as a career path, consider experiencing the therapy first-hand.

Watsu practitioners

There are currently three fully qualified watsu practitioners in the UK presently registered with WABA and a growing number in training. Watsu was developed in the al fresco hot water pools of California, but due to the fluctuating seasons of the British climate, suitable conditions can only be simulated in indoor pools.

Although watsu has been around for a number of years, the uptake has been slow in the UK, which is mainly due to pools not being available. The ideal pool needs to be a minimum temperature of 34°C, comprise a gentle sanitation system and, ideally, be private. For more information about watsu treatments and training courses, please contact Dawn. Tel. 01785 780730, email dawn@watsu.co.uk or visit www.watsu.co.uk Pictures: Malcolm Couzins