Are your joints — especially your hips, elbows and hands — aching with the throbbing pain of arthritis?
Is your body stiff and contorted with the muscular contractions of Parkinson’s disease?
Are you feeling stressed and overwhelmed from juggling children and a busy career?
If you are experiencing chronic pain or stress, you many be an ideal candidate for the warm-water massage therapy known as Watsu.
$300/h
What’s a Watsu?
WATer - shiatSU is a form of aquatic bodywork in which the “provider” supports and gently moves the “receiver” through warm water in graceful, fluid movements combined with gentle stretches, massage and finger-tip pressure to points in the face, torso and back (shiatsu therapy). Watsu promotes a deep state of relaxation with dramatic changes in quieting the autonomic nervous system, resulting in a profound effect on the neuromuscular system.
How can aquatic massage help me?
Varying levels of relief from pain and stress may be realized following a Watsu session. Watsu is being incorporated into aquatic programs for clients with chronic pain, strokes, fibromyalgia, post-mastectomy, traumatic stress disorder and more in hospitals, clinics, and rehabilitation centers from around the world. Therapists report the following benefits in their clients
Immediate benefits
reported after first session:
* increased range of motion
* increased muscle relaxation
* decreased muscle spasm
* decreased spasticity
* decreased pain
Long-term benefits
reported after multiple sessions:
* improved sleep patterns
* improved digestion
* improved healing and immune system response
* greater decreases in physical and emotional pain
* decreased anxiety
Comments from receivers
What will happen during a Watsu session?
Watsu is provided in a shallow pool heated to near body temperature (95-97 degrees) to avoid chilling. If needed, floats are wrapped around the receiver’s legs to provide buoyancy.
Held securely by the provider, the receiver floats on his or her back, eyes, nose and mouth always above the surface of the water; ears below, and eyes closed. Guiding the body through the water, the provider gently stretches, bends and twists the body, rotating shoulders and hips to carefully maximize joint movement.
Mild to moderate massage is added to enhance the experience. Periods of stillness are included so that the subconscious and physical effects can integrate. Muscle tension is released, diminishing many physical pains, creating emotional calming and centeredness.