WATSU® THERAPY

 
 

WATSU® therapy is used to alleviate pain and discomfort caused by a range of ailments. The resistance of water soothes physical tension and encourages relaxation, which supports overall health.

What is WATSU®?

WATSU® is a form of water therapy, which is also called hydrotherapy. It involves stretches, massages, and acupressure in warm water.

The term Watsu comes from the words “water” and “shiatsu.” Shiatsu is a type of traditional Japanese massage that uses acupressure to promote relaxation. In Japanese, shiatsu means “finger pressure.”

What is WATSU® used for?

As a therapeutic treatment, WATSU® is used to alleviate pain and tension. People also use it to enhance physical movement and joint mobility.

It may provide relief for people with:

During WATSU®, a therapist gently moves your body in water. This is known as passive hydrotherapy, because you don’t need to actively perform the movements.

WATSU® is a form of water therapy, which is also called hydrotherapy. It involves stretches, massages, and acupressure in warm water.

WATSU® was created by Harold Dull, who taught Zen Shiatsu, in 1980. Dull observed that it was easier for his clients’ muscles and tissues to relax in water. In turn, he found that shiatsu techniques were more effective when done in water.

 
 

What does a typical WATSU® session involve?

Your WATSU® session will be customized to your specific condition. It will involve massages, stretches, and movements designed to alleviate your symptoms.

Although WATSU® sessions will vary depending on specific needs, here’s what you can typically expect during a session:

  1. Your therapist might have you wear floating devices on your arms or legs.

  2. You’ll enter the water and float on your back. The back of your head and knees will typically rest in your therapist’s forearms.

  3. Your therapist will slowly rotate, moving your body in large circles.

  4. Your therapist will alternate between extending their arms and drawing them in, moving you back and forth in the water as they do so.

  5. Your therapist will extend your arms and legs in gentle, repetitive patterns. They might also bend, lift, or twist different parts of your body.

  6. They may rest your head on their shoulder and move you in large circles.

  7. Throughout the session, your therapist will massage pressure points on your body.

Usually, a single session lasts for about an hour.

How does it work?

WATSU® therapy is done in a pool or hot tub. The water is heated to 95°F (35°C), which is close to the same temperature as your skin.

During WATSU®, a therapist gently moves your body in water. This is known as passive hydrotherapy, because you don’t need to actively perform the movements.

Your WATSU® therapist is in the water with you. They move your body in specific motions, which may include:

The goal is to release tightness in your muscle and fascia tissue.

It’s meant to promote a healthy flow of energy, or qi.

WATSU® is typically done in a peaceful setting to increase relaxation.