Watsu

What is Watsu?
Watsu (Water Shiatsu) is a unique form of aquatic bodywork consisting of being skillfully floated, massaged, and flowingly stretched in a warm pool.  Movement alternating with stillness combined with deep breathing releases muscle tension, encourages realignment and facilitates the emergence of a deep meditative or intuituve state.  Because Watsu is multidimensional, it can be used in conjunction with medical treatments and psychological interventions, depending on the particular training of the practitioner.  Each session is individualized based on a consideration of the needs of the client.
One of the special features of Watsu that is necessitated by the water is that the practioner cradles the client in his or her arms, creating an environment of total safety and trust.  This nurturing experience can be part of a healing process or can just be pleasurable.  While receiving a Watsu is often sensuous and intinmate ecperience, it is not intended to be sexual.

Therapeutic Benefits
Watsu has an impressive range of clinical applications and benefits.
Watsu's physical and stress-reducing benefits are deep, lasting and profound.  This is why this unique form of massage is now being requested and offered in spas, health clubs, hospitals, and physical therapy facilities literally around the world.
The clinically proven benefits of Watsu include:
* Reduced pain, stress and fatigue
* Reduced muscle tension and guarding
* Increased energy, increased range of motion
* Improved body awareness, muscle tone, posture, breathing and blood circulation
* The recovery and release of emotional issues.
The conditions that have been proven to respond well to Watsu's gentle touch include:
* Chronic fatigue
* Recovery from strains, sprains, fractures and surgery
* Acute and chronic pain, including headaches
* Sleeping problems
* Stress and anxiety-related disorders
* Depression, hyperactivity
* Head injuries
* Cancer of all kinds, including post-mastectomy
* Fibromyalgia

Watsu History
Watsu has been practiced in Eugene now for over eight years.  It was brought to Oregon from Harbin Hot Springs, and had its Oregon beginnings in the Eugene Easter Seals Aquatic Center.  Introduced to Oregon by Ann Cole, Watsu has grown to over 20 practitioners and several private pool sites throughout Oregon.
The heart of the Eugene Watsu community is still the Easter Seals Aquatic Center off 35th and Donald Street.  This complex, dedicated to rehabilitation and therapeutic exercise, has opened itself to the Watsu community, and currently supports a full Watsu program.  At least four times a year it is the site for Watsu for Two, a class for those in the community that wish to share the experience of Watus with their friends and families.



Home     Aquatics