Watsu Therapy

If you like being in water and love the feeling of a shiatsu massage, then watsu, the combination of these two techniques, might sound heavenly. Watsu treatment is a floating, energy-centered massage that can be extremely relaxing. This relatively rare spa offering is unlike any other massage option; if you find a Watsu facility, you’re in for a treat! Read on to learn more about soothing Watsu treatments.

What is Watsu?

Watsu was developed relatively recently--in the 1980s--by Harold Dull, the director of the Harbin School of Shiatsu and Massage in California. Dull began combining shiatsu principles with water therapy, and the results were very successful. The word “watsu” is literally a combination of “water” and “shiatsu,” the two major elements of the therapy. But although shiatsu techniques are a big part of a watsu treatment, it would be wrong to say that the therapy is simply underwater shiatsu. Watsu brings in many other elements beyond shiatsu, including rocking motions, targeted movement, and light, Swedish-massage-style touches. With all these additions, watsu has proved to be its own kind of therapy. Watsu takes place in a warm pool that’s very near the temperature of the human body--approximately 98 degrees. The therapist cradles the recipient of the treatment, moving her arms and legs gently through the water while pressing areas of the body with soft finger touches. Watsu treatments can help relieve joint pain, treat stiffness, ease feelings of anxiety, and calm chronic pain.

What happens during a Watsu treatment?

You therapist will begin the treatment with a short consultation. She’ll ask you if you have any health problems and will explain how much of your body will be underwater during the session. You may be asked to complete a range of motion test if you complain of stiffness in your joints. Then, you’ll both enter the pool, where your practitioner may attach floating buoys to your legs for support. She’ll then ask you to lie down onto your back in the water; your practitioner will cradle your head and knees for the duration of the treatment, so you don’t have to worry about sinking or breathing in water. Once you’re in position, the practitioner will begin the actual watsu therapy with a slow glide through the pool. She then gently move your body in the water, massaging parts of your back, neck, arms, and legs at times. Usually, there are periods of stillness during the session as well; in these times, the therapist holds you without moving. After the time for your session ends, the practitioner will move you to an upright position and hold onto you until you’re ready to stand on your own. You can take a few minutes to adjust in the pool before getting out and changing. Many people feel slightly dazed after the treatment, so it’s a good idea to leave the rest of the day free to relax and recover.

Who should try watsu?

Watsu is an excellent therapy for anyone who wants to experience complete relaxation. It’s also a good option for people with mobility issues; the aquatic environment provides almost no resistance, so a lot of progress can be made with joint flexibility. People who are very sensitive to pain and find other kinds of massage uncomfortable may enjoy watsu too. Watsu has also proven to be an emotional booster; anyone who experiences depression or anxiety may benefit from time in a watsu pool. Watsu is performed in a bathing suit, so if you have issues with spa nudity and want to try an alternative massage, this could be the treatment for you. Although there are multiple benefits to the therapy, watsu isn’t meant for everyone. People who are afraid of water, for example, shouldn’t try this kind of massage. You are kept afloat during the entire treatment, but your ears and head will be underwater-- a scary position for some people. Also, be aware that your practitioner will be holding you closely for the duration of the session. Most people enjoy the human contact, but some people find this uncomfortable.

Where can I find watsu?

Since it’s a relatively new treatment that requires special aquatic facilities, watsu can be hard to come by. The therapy is most prevalent in California, the state where it was invented. More and more upscale spas elsewhere in North America are offering the treatment, but it’s still a rare option. Fewer than 50 spas in the US currently offer the service. If you want to find watsu and you don’t live in a resort area, it’s very likely that you will have to travel far to experience it.

How much does it cost?

Watsu is one of the pricier massage styles out there because it requires special facilities and is administered by specially trained practitioners. Expect to pay $125 to $150 for an hour-long session. Some spas offer discounts for multiple watsu sessions, however.

Take-away tips:

Watsu is an aquatic therapy that combines elements of shiatsu with underwater motion. During the treatment, your practitioner will cradle your body, keeping your head and legs afloat. Still, this isn’t a good treatment for people afraid of water. Watsu is becoming more popular, but it’s still relatively rare.