Watsu is a form of aquatic bodywork combining
Watsu is a form of aquatic bodywork combining elements of Zen shiatsu, swedish/esalen massage, and movement therapy with the healing properties of body temperature water.
Watsu begins with warm water. The water itself begins the process of Watsu as the receiver and therapist sink into the warm,comforting, serene environment. The muscles respond, the mind calms and stress and tension begin to wash away.
The therapist takes the receiver into his/her arms,cradling the head,neck and legs. The weightlessness of the water coupled with the nuturing support of the therapist relieves the muscles from their working responsibilities and they are allowed to completely relax. Seldom are our muscles given the opportunity not to work as they are constantly responding to the demands of gravity. The warmth of the 96 degree water fills the muscles with blood and assists in their release. Add to this the gentle swaying and rocking of the therapist and the body is transported to a place of safety and tranquility This cradling alone would be enough to calm the tensions and stress of living in the modern
world, and in itself is the essence of Watsu.
The Watsu therapist floats the receiver through the water into a variety of positions in which the therapist may stretch and massage the muscles and apply accupressure to the body's shiatsu points. Not only are the muscles encouraged to relax and release holding patterns, the energy of the receiver can be balanced and energetic pathways opened inviting the body to regain its natural state of health.
Watsu is a somatic therapy. That is to say that Watsu works with both the body and the mind to create a state of balance and peace. To live, compete and even cope with the demands of the modern world, we all take on an abnormal amount of tension and stress. This allows us to function in the world and to an extent is necessary for our survival. But without the proper maintainance of that stress and tension, the body will develop unhealthy as well as uncomfortable holding patterns and ultimately experience exhaustion and burn out. The potential result of such stress and tension is injury and possibly disease.
Watsu works first at calming the mind and then relaxing the body. The body practically becomes one with the water and many receivers of Watsu experience a state of deep peace, tranquility, and a blissful feeling of well-being. As one regular receiver of Watsu described, "An hour of Watsu is like a two week vacation. I go back to work completely relaxed and rejeuvenated."
to expand the teaching of Watsu. It is presently being practiced throughout Europe, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, North America, Mexico, and Brazil.
Tal Hurley, has been a Watsu Therapist and instructor since 1994. He assisted Dull and other Watsu teachers both in the United States and Europe for two years while developing his aquatic skills. In 1998, Tal moved to Desert Hot Springs, CA, near Palm Springs and opened The Watsu Oasis as a center for Watsu sessions and classes. The Watsu Oasis is a serene haven featuring a warm salt water, chemical free pool.
