What is Watsu?
What is Watsu?
Watsu is a form of massage therapy performed in one-on-one sessions with a licensed professional. The practitioner incorporates massage techniques; stretching and meditation in a warm therapy pool over 93-95 degrees. The warmth of the water softens and relaxes the muscles to allow for deeper more concentrated work. The support of the water enables the therapist to take the body into further range of motion without risk of harm to the client. Specifically, the spinal vertebrae can move in ways in the water not possible on land making this an ideal form of body work for those who have limited range of motion. Clients also experience a deeper state of relaxation after 1 session.


Benefits of Watsu
What to expect during a Watsu session
In the beginning of a pool session, the practitioner will meet with you to fill out paperwork, answer questions, review referrals and records, and discuss needs, expectations, and health conditions.
You will be fitted with floats that will be placed around the upper shins or lower thighs to prevent the legs from sinking. This is also to ensure that your back does not hyper-extend when support is removed from the sacrum (this can happen during transitional moves).
Though your head will remain afloat there are times where water will come in and out of your ears.
Ear plugs are recommended for ear care during sessions.
It is also recommended to use ear solution for proper ear health after sessions.
The session will begin and end at the wall of the pool. The therapist will invite you further into the pool where you will be floated on to your back (face upwards out of the pool). While facing upward your therapist will support your head in the crook of one arm and will maintain gentle traction of the spine from the base of the skull (occiput) to the base of the spine (sacrum). The therapist will then connect with your breath and take you through a series of movements while maintaining contact and keeping your body supported throughout the entire session. The session will consist of movements such as gently sways, rocking and wave patterns, stretches and rotations. Moves are repeated on each side for balance.

How long will the session last?
Each session is catered to your individual needs and comfort level.
A regular session can last anywhere from 30 minutes to 50 minutes.
The first session however, is generally a full 60 minutes which includes time for Intro in the beginning (this is the time we discuss what to expect, safety and review initial intake) as well as recovery time at the end of the session to process the experience and provide feedback.
Please allow enough time if the full time is needed.
The session can be stopped at any time if you feel uncomfortable or ill for any reason. It is important to your practitioner that you feel safe and comfortable throughout the session. Please communicate any concerns you may have with your therapist. In addition to your safety the therapist also reserves the right to terminate the session at any time for his or her own safety.
