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Watsu Massage
What is Watsu Massage
Watsu and its associated techniques
were developed in the early 1980s by Harold Dull, director of
the Harbin School of Shiatsu and Massage, in California. Watsu
is an aquatic massage therapy that incorporates the principles
of Zen Shiatsu and adapts them for effective use in warm water.
It combines elements of massage, joint mobilization, shiatsu,
muscle stretching and dance in warm water to correct ailments
and promote healing. The name Watsu is derived from an amalgamation
of the terms ‘Water’ and ‘Shiatsu’.
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How does Watsu Massage work
Watsu combines the benefits
of Shiatsu and aquatic therapies to provide a gentle and deep
stretching massage therapy. The weightlessness experienced in
water allows the massage therapist to ease the restrictions in
the muscles and joints and manipulate the patient’s body
in ways that are not possible on land.
A typical Watsu session lasts
for about an hour. The treatment is carried out in a pool of
warm water. Patients should bring along a swimsuit and towel.
The massage therapist will provide you with small floats to prevent
you from going underwater. At the same time, the therapist will
support your head and lower back. The actual massage involves
a series of continuous flowing manipulations and stretches followed
by periods of rest. The warm water supports your body weight
and at the same time relaxes your muscles. |
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The series of manipulations
and stretches are so gentle and harmonious that most patients
do not even realize that their body muscles are being stretched
and massaged. Watsu massage helps to release muscular and joint
restrictions, relaxes the body and mind, and promotes stretching
of the muscles.
Benefits of Watsu Massage
Watsu massage can alleviate
a variety of specific ailments and can also be used as a general
massage system to promote over-all relaxation. It has been effectively
used in the treatment of chronic pain, to aid recovery from surgery
and injury and free movement restrictions. It also promotes flexibility,
muscle relaxation, fuller breathing, reduction in anxiety and
stress levels, improved sleep and digestion. Watsu massage therapy
is also used to treat conditions such as brain injury, spinal
cord injury, stroke, Parkinson’s disease, arthritis, cerebral
palsy, fibromyalgia, and ankylosing spondylitis. Due to the gentle
nature of the therapy it can also be used on children, pregnant
women, and the elderly. Long term sessions also result in additional
benefits such as a lower heart rate, decreased rate of respiration,
an increase in peripheral vasodilatation, reduction in spasticity,
and an enhanced immune system response. |
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