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What’s Watsu? Understanding aquatic bodywork
Our lives are shaped by both
positive and negative experiences, emotions and events. Aquatic bodywork
harmonizes these life imbalances. Through warm water, touch and movement, healing
energy is enhanced and created to counterbalance the pain or negative emotions you may be experiencing.
What is Watsu water therapy?
If you aren’t
familiar with aquatic bodywork, you will be in the hands of a trained aquatic
specialist as you float on your back in waist-deep, warm (92 degree F) water.
You will simply enjoy the supported movement and warmth of the water as the practitioner
moves, stretches and applies pressure on your body.
- Watsu is a one-on-one session in which a practitioner connects
with your breath, and gently cradles and massages your body, using
mindful movement patterns.
- Aquatic integration is a one-on-one session rooted in
Watsu, which uses float pillows under your head and knees for additional support
and comfort. The practitioner delicately stretches your body and
uses precise finger pressure in rhythm your breath.
Benefits of Watsu water therapy
This unrestricted feeling in the
water relaxes muscles and takes the weight out from under your feet in a much
different way than does land-based stretching. Since there is no way for your body to anticipate what’s coming next and build up resistance, your body feels
comfortable enough to move beyond normal limitations, increasing joint range of
motion and flexibility.
Floating in the water invites peace
while reducing tension or trauma. By understanding the healing value and
principles of water, you can better understand your body and its restorative
abilities. In addition, gentle finger pressure
(acupressure) promotes your body’s natural self-curing abilities by opening
energy pathways. When these pathways are opened, toxins are released, nutrients
are able to travel to affected areas and endorphins are generated to restore
emotional balance. Point work also can reestablish your body’s balance before
everyday strain can cause problems in other areas.
I would encourage
anyone experiencing lingering pain, muscle soreness, joint stiffness or stress
to try an aquatic bodywork session to feel for yourself how beneficial this
practice can be for your body.
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