Watsu ….. Not something I knew or had heard a great deal of until my hydrotherapy specialist friend Sarah Wratten organised a very successful course.

So Watsu…  So What’s that?

Watsu is a gentle form of body therapy performed in warm water-hydrotherapy temperatures and combines elements of massage, joint mobilisation, shiatsu, muscle stretching and dance. The receiver is continuously supported while being floated, cradled, rocked and stretched. The deeply relaxing effects of warm water and nurturing support, combine with Watsu’s movements, stretches, massage and point work, to create a bodywork with a range of therapeutic benefits and potential healing on many levels.

The therapist floats the patient in positions which would not normally be possible on dry land. Allowing a floating relaxing experience, a experience of alternating stillness with that of rhymic movement.
The benefits of  Watsu according to their organisation may include-

• Decreased heart rate.
• Decreased rate of respiration
• Increased depth of respiration
• Increased peripheral vasodilatation
• Increased smooth muscle activity (digestion)
• Decreased activation of striated muscles (skeletal)
• Decreased spasticity
• Decreased muscle spasm
• Decreased Reticular Activating System activity
• Enhanced immune system response

It has been used in various treatment areas, including  post traumatic stress disorder and chronic pain disorder.

It looks like a perfect way to relax andadjust “give way” in the water. I think I will be trying it out when I can.

If you want to check out more on the official website- http://www.watsu.com