WHAT IS WATSU®?

Watsu is an extremely gentle form of therapeutic massage conducted in warm water, combining elements of massage, 
joint mobilization, shiatsu, muscle stretching and movements.  

Although the procedure is a physically gentle one, the beneficial psychological effect can be quite dramatic. 
The warm water is associated with the body’s deepest state of wakeful relaxation and can 
induce the feelings associated with being in a fetal situation.

The support of water takes weight off the vertebrae and allows the spine to be moved 
in ways not otherwise possible on land.
This makes an ideal medium for applying gentle stretches and gentle manipulation of muscles and tendons.

Gentle, gradual twists and pulls help to relieve the pressure 
that a weight-bearing and otherwise rigid spine might place on sensitive nerves, 
which turn can lead to aches, pains, and general physical dysfunction. 

This therapy generally results in giving a greater flexibility and freedom of movement, 
as well as a sense of enhanced well-being. 

As a result of being floated, cradled, rocked and stretched during a Watsu® session, 
a range of emotions can arise and be released as the state of relaxation 
creates a feeling of ambiance and sense of positiveness that you will take away with you 
and can help reprogram the receiver to face life out of the water with greater equanimity and flexibility.

The deeply relaxing effects of warm water and nurturing support, 
combined with Watsu’s movements, stretches and massage, 
induce a range of therapeutic benefits and potential healing on many levels of the body and mind.

Watsu® has been shown to:

• relieve pain,
• release tension
• reduce stress.
• It increases the body’s range of motion,
• improves circulation
• radiates warmth,
• promoting deep relaxation and well-being.

In the last 27 years Watsu® has grown and has become a very popular aquatic therapy and now is being used around the world by international spas, professional body workers, physical therapists and psychologists in aquatic physiotherapy programs.

Watsu was developed in the U.S.A. by Harold Dull, director of the Harbin School of Shiatsu and Massage. 
He applied the principles and stretching of Zen Shiatsu to the floating of people in warm water that he had studied in Japan. 
In the West, stretching is associated with improved circulation and muscle tone, 
while in the Orient it is associated with an ancient technique that is believed to open channels through which Chi energy flows.                                                                  
The latter idea precedes even those of acupuncture.

Friends and international associations writing more about Watsu:
http://www.waba.edu/
http://www.watsu.org.nz/
http://aquaticwritings.tripod.com/watsu_toc.htm
http://www.minakshiwatsu.com/classes.htm

Information regarding 2009/2010 classes:

Please contact Anat  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ,au
Phone  0408 905476 
Or from overseas  61-8-92461506 /   61-40895476