The Worldwide Aquatic Bodywork Association (WABA) is an organization based in California that oversees water therapies and provides educational information. WABA also provides a registry of students, practitioners, instructors and class locations. The three main types of aquatic bodywork are: WATSU, an aquatic form of shiatsu, Healing Dance, and Jahara Technique.
Watsu (trademarked as WATSU)
Considered the first form of aquatic bodywork, Watsu (water Shiatsu) was created by Harold Dull, Director of the School of Shiatsu and Massage at Harbin Hot Springs, California in 1980. In Watsu, therapists perform Zen Shiatsu to clients who are submerged in warm water. Here, the therapist can stretch muscles and apply gentle pressure to affected areas.
Shiatsu is a Japanese form of acupressure that dates back to the early 1900s. In Shiatsu, therapists apply firm pressure to each acupoint along the back, neck, arms and legs. A skilled practitioner can easily identify blockages and imbalances. The practitioner then applies more pressure to the area to relieve imbalances and correct blockages. Shiatsu helps regulate the endocrine gland, the nervous system and the musculoskeletal system and is especially effective for headache, respiratory ailments, back pain, digestive problems and immune system problems. Shiatsu is reported to promote health and prevent illness.
Watsu is performed in a shallow pool in which the client (dressed in a bathing suit) floats in warm (35-45 degrees centigrade) water. The therapist supports the body while performing acupressure and range of motion exercises and stretches. Watsu offers health benefits to both the client and to the therapist by connecting them along higher levels of trust. Warm water itself encourages movement and relaxes the musculoskeletal system, facilitating the acupressure movements.
Benefits of Watsu
Because the immersion in warm water simulates conditions in the womb, watsu releases tension and encourages healing. After a Watsu session, clients report that they feel remarkably tranquil for days and experience deeper sleep. Harold Dull reports that when the therapist cradles the client at a level in line with the therapist’s heart (a technique called HeartMath), the therapeutic connection is rooted in loving kindness and more effective.
The calming heart rhythm of the therapist restores that of the client and it helps restore balance to over-anxious or hyperactive nervous systems. Watsu can evoke powerful emotions and when it does the therapist does not probe or ask the client about this emotional release. The therapist finds that his or her heart waves resonate with those he floats, and eventually their mutual feelings are shared without verbal communication.
Worldwide, Watsu is used by physical therapists, massage therapists and other bodywork practitioners to treat stress, chronic back pain, orthopedic problems, fibromyalgia, musculoskeletal disorders, arthritis, and sleep problems.
Where is Watsu Available?
More than 1000 trained therapists at spas and wellness centers worldwide that are equipped with special Watsu pools practice Watsu. Some spas that offer Watsu include:
- Miramonte Resort Spa, Palm Springs, California
- Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn, Sonoma California
- Marco Island Marriott Resort on Marco Island, Florida
- The Crossings in Austin Texas
- One Spa and Health Club at the Sheraton Hotel & Spa in Edinburgh, Scotland
- Canyon Ranch SpaClub, Venetian Hotel, Las Vegas, Nevada
- The Bellagio Spa, Las Vegas, Nevada
- Cornelia Day Resort, New York City
Tantsu
Tantsu is similar to Watsu in that the therapist supports the body weight while performing acupressure. However, Tantsu is not performed in the water.
Healing Dance
Healing Dance is an aquatic bodywork therapy influenced by Trager massage and dance. Created by Alexander Georgeakopoulos, Healing Dance combines elements of both Watsu and Waterdance and is comprised of dynamic stretches, spacious movements and dance movements.
Jahara Technique
The Jahara technique is a form of aquatic bodywork developed by Mario Jahara. This therapy emphasizes the support of the body in water and incorporates flotation devices and gentle traction. The emphasis in Jahara is on spinal alignment.
Elaine Moore - I'm a retired medical technologist and medical writer with more than 30 years experience working in hospital laboratories. Currently, I ...
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