Watsu: warm-water shiatsu massage
by Kathleen H. Christ, NCMT
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Watsu is a warm-water shiatsu massage
that is experienced more like a dancing meditation than a type of
bodywork. The tremendous amounts of energy that are moved and released
makes Watsu clearly a powerful form of bodywork, but the feeling that one has
is mystical, very gentle, peaceful and healing.
Freeing the spine in a weightless
environment is the cornerstone of a Watsu session. The therapist supports
the client in 95° water while gently rocking and stretching the back and
limbs. Acupressure (Shiatsu) points are stimulated, and muscles are
massaged while the body is in a gentle motion. The client's body can then
unwind to a profound degree very easily and naturally, and subtle healing
energies, which are usually restricted, are allowed to circulate.
Movement and stillness are interwoven
in harmony with the breath. This, combined with the feeling of
weightlessness, warmth and the support of the water, induces a deep state of
relaxation of body and mind. During Watsu, physical and mental
tensions, fear, muscle spasms, and joint restrictions dissolve. Clients
find they have more flexibility and awareness.
Since all life began in the ocean and
we are 70% to 80% water, returning to an environment that closely resembles our
conception and birth is healing to the deepest parts of our being. The
key to the inner journey is allowing the mind to rest in a place of preconceptual
thought and prelanguage. Watsu ever so gently assists the body and
the mind in that delicate and beautiful process. It's a spiritual dance
that calls forth healing in every cell of the body.
Energy moves 25 times more
efficiently and effectively in water than on land. Working the energy
centers of the body in the water is easier and more powerful than traditional
bodywork. For people who are ill or deconditioned, Watsu is a soothing
yet potent form of exercise that the body simply receives without
exertion. No lactic acid is produced and the body grows stronger without
tension. After several sessions, the client is usually ready to begin
some simple stretching and movement on land, while continuing most of the
exercising and strength building in an aquatic environment for a quicker and
more stable healing.
In addition, in water our lower Tan
Tien (about 2 inches below the navel and 2 inches deep) moves up to our middle
Tan Tien, our Heart Chakra to lend more strength to the opening of our heart
chakra. Sometimes, Watsu is referred to as "Embracing and Opening
the Heart."
Advanced clinical Watsu, Bad Ragaz
and the Jahara methods are applied especially for orthopedic and neurological
benefits. Treatments are given to the spine for decreasing
spasticity through the use of neutral warmth (95°), trunk rotation, trunk
elongation, rhythmical, repeated movements, decreasing auditory and visual
input and increasing calming sensory input. Aquatic therapy of gentle
stretching, massage, soft tissue mobilization and manipulation, myofascial
release and gentle joint mobilization are utilized which decrease muscle
spasms, pain, numbness and tingling. Physiological responses of the
parasympathetic nervous system are decreased heart rate, increased depth of
respiration, peripheral vasodilation, increased smooth muscle activity,
decreased activation of striated muscles (skeletal) and decreased
spasticity. Clients report considerable relief from pain and more overall
flexibility and relaxation following each treatment.
During a Watsu session, the eyes are
closed and the ears are in the water, so outside stimulation is minimized and
the neocortex or higher rational brain relaxes. A sense of space and time
disappears, and if the body feels safe, the primitive brain, which directly or
indirectly produces all the hormones in the body, is free to rebalance and
repair. While the body is tense or experiencing various levels of
distress, the neocortex is ever vigilant and on duty. Gently persuading
the neocortex to relax and take a break is not usually an easy task.
However, the warm water, flowing movements and support of the practitioner does
facilitate very deep states of relaxation and rejuvenation of all the systems.
Land massage affects the various muscles
of the body, but Watsu affects all the systems of the body, especially the
inner organs. When the inner organs are massaged and relaxed, they
release toxins which may feel like gas or bloating. Large quantities of
fresh water are needed for the next 24 hours to facilitate the toxins flushing
away. Immediately, the workload of the systems is easier and healing of
the body can accelerate.
The secret of Watsu, after everything
is said and done, is the ability to completely surrender to the water. If
the mind or ego stays active and alert, the final effect will be
diminished. Watsu needs to be experienced by the body while the mind is
taking a little vacation. Trusting the water and trusting the process is
the heart of the matter.
Since warm water pools are not easy
to find, a new form of Watsu has been developed that can be done in a hot
tub. It is called CQ for "close quarters" and the
temperature is just a little warmer - around 96° to 97°. The beauty
of this method is that it can be taught to the caretaker and done in the
home. Plus, some simple moves can even be done by the person with ataxia
and given to their caretaker. So support can go both ways and the
gentle nurturing of Watsu can be experienced by both the giver and the
receiver.
Watsu treatments are recommended for
the following conditions:
Chronic Pain, Arthritis, Neuromuscular Disorders, Ataxia, Chronic Headaches, Chronic Fatigue, Hyperactivity, Autism, Sleep Disorders, Anxiety Disorders, Cerebral Palsy, Multiple Sclerosis, Spinal Cord Injuries, Polio, Tourette's Syndrome, Fibromyalgia, Abuse Issues, Depression, Addictions, Parkinson's Disease and other diseases.
Since Watsu is considered a form of hydrotherapy, if your physician writes a
prescription for Watsu, your insurance may cover it.
Watsu was created by Harold Dull in
1981 and is now practiced all over the world and is one of the key movements of
the Worldwide Aquatic Bodywork Association based in Middletown, CA. Kathleen
Christ is an internationally certified practitioner and can be reached at
314-432-5228 in
Cost: For 1 hour = $125.00, 1/2 hour
= $75.00