WATSU® & Aquatic Bodywork

WATSU® (Water Shiatsu) is a facilitated aquatic therapy that incorporates the principles of Zen Shiatsu. During a WATSU session, the floating client is held and supported while being moved, massaged and gently stretched in warm mineral water. As the body is moved, the resistance, buoyancy and hydrostatic pressure of the water support, stretch and stimulate the body. Blood circulation is increased, chi meridians are cleared from energetic blockages, and the spine is given a dynamic freedom to reintegrate spontaneously. During a session the therapist's awareness is drawn to the client's breath and natural movement, thus allowing a very nurturing and deeply relaxing mind and body experience.
The aquatic bodywork currently offered in sessions at Strawberry Park Hot Springs generally includes WATSU, and adaptive WATSU, with other modalities incorporated. Optionally, Underwater Aquatic Bodywork may also be included. All our Aquatic Bodywork is done in a private pool of warm (96-99 F ) untreated, geothermal hot spring water. Rarely available under such circumstances as here, Aquatic Bodywork done in pure hot spring water allows for the synergy of the energetic, healing benefits of mineral water and bodywork, with no exposure to toxic pool chemicals.
In WATSU the therapist uses their hands, arms and shoulders to support the receiver, whose face remains above water at all times. The therapist moves the receiver through a series of stretches, compressions, vibrations, undulations and still points while she massages tissues, mobilizes joints and moves energy through points and meridians.
In adaptive WATSU a floating neck pillow as well as leg flotation are used to support the receiver. This allows the therapist to focus on specific parts of the body using both hands, while the receiver's relationship to water and gravity continuously integrates the whole muscular-skeletal system in a state of dynamic relaxation. Adaptive WATSU is especially amenable to the incorporation of other bodywork modalities, as is deemed appropriate.
Borrowing from the techniques used in different below water disciplines, our underwater aquatic bodyworkers, can take you on an amazing journey. After establishing trust and rhythm with above water work, nose clips are attached and the receiver is gently taken entirely below the surface. At first, the face is only momentarily dipped below the surface, then a bit longer. Eventually the receiver becomes comfortable with progressively longer periods of underwater time, during which the giver moves them through the water in spontaneous exploration of motion designed to achieve stretches, undulations, compressions and releases in both body and mind.

Deep tissue & Neuromuscular Massage

Both styles address specific issues by contactingthe muscles on a deep level. Relieving both acute and chronic tension by releasing holding patterns and re-educating nerves and muscle fibers.

Sports Massage

A more energetic type of bodywork, incorporating movement, passive and active stretches as well as some specific deep-tissue work. Generally focused on an active individual who wishes to improve recovery time and revitalize as well as relax the muscles.

Raindrop Technique/Aromatherapy

We use essential oils as an integral part of massage. Essential oils can have a powerful positive influence on both mental and physical well being.

Reiki

An ancient healing art which works with the body's energy field. Being non-intrusive therapy with hands on or off. Cleansing, energizing and balancing your energy can facilitate miracles within your body.

Cranio-Sacral

A gentle hands on therapy which focuses on the bones of the head, spine and sacrum and their underlying structures. Balancing the cranial rhythm and freeing restrictions allowing deep relaxation.

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