Floating in Space: What is Watsu Therapy?

Said to be immersive, almost meditative, and emotionally restorative with comforting warm water as its medium, many are flocking to the harmony that a blend of water immersion and shiatsu techniques can bring to both the mind and body. The practice used today dates back to the 1980s and offers much more than a novel approach to massage therapy.

In this article, we define the origins of Watsu therapy and the mechanics of this treatment under a modern lens. We explore the evidence supporting its applications for various conditions, its benefits and limitations, and what can be expected from a session.

Watsu owes its invention to Harold Dull, a Zen Shiatsu practitioner based in California. Harold, fascinated by water and its healing potential, commenced a series of experiments with shiatsu techniques in thermally warmed pools. From this, it was found that his movements and manipulations became more effective than they were without water.

The benefits, he recalls, are achieving a deeper state of relaxation, and a deeper capacity to reduce physical tension in his clients.

The name Watsu is simply derived from “water” and “shiatsu”, a portmanteau symbolising the fusion of traditional Japanese massage techniques in an aquatic setting.

From humble beginnings, Watsu Therapy is now cherished globally to relieve pain and support rehabilitation.

Watsu can be thought of as a form of hydrotherapy. But where hydrotherapy requires more movement and changes in temperature or posture, Watsu is comparatively passive as a practice.

The recipient of this treatment will be held, floating in a warm water pool, usually around 35°C/ 95°F. Such temperature is used to align with the natural temperature of the skin’s warmth, and it creates a ‘stress free’ environment, whereby the body is made to feel weightless. Pain, pressure and tension are also released due to the lack of gravitational stresses on joints and muscles.

The therapist, holding the recipient, is careful to cradle and support them, then guides them through a series of fluid and rhythmic movements, much like one would do to a baby to make them calm. Movements such as this can include a wide variety of gentle stretches, twists, and rocking movements, specifically designed around the acupressure points on the body. Relaxing music may also be played to further enhance the whole experience.

Fascia is a thin, flexible layer of connective tissue that surrounds and supports the body's organs, muscles, bones, nerves, and blood vessels. It is incredibly valuable to a therapist to manipulate the fascia in order to relieve tension and to support the wellbeing of the client on so many levels. 

Here, circulation can be improved and so can the flow of qi, known as the body’s vital energy in traditional Eastern medicine. 

Watsu Therapy has been seen to be effective in clinical trials, too. The main findings of one study defined some unique features of Watsu Therapy, including:

Sensorimotor experience

Some participants likened the experience to being cradled or even “returning to the womb”. This powerful sensory immersion can trigger feelings of trust and comfort, all integral to the therapy’s emotional benefits.

Altered states of consciousness

Such shifts in perception align Watsu with meditative practices, offering a deeply immersive experience that extends beyond that which is purely physical.

It is particularly useful for anyone dealing with chronic pain, physical injuries, or stress-related conditions. It is also brilliant as an emotional-stress relieving method, but here are some specific applications for Watsu in the literature:

• Chronic pain: As mentioned previously, the buoyancy of the water reduces the gravitational pull on muscles and joints, making it easier to alleviate discomfort associated with conditions such as arthritis, fibromyalgia, and persistent lower back pain.

• Stress and anxiety: The rhythmic motions and calming environment can help lower stress levels and promote emotional wellbeing.

• Rehabilitation: Watsu provides a gentle yet effective means of improving mobility and rebuilding strength.

• Pregnancy: In pregnancy, Watsu can be particularly comforting, as it relieves the additional weight on the spine and joints. Watsu sessions tailored for pregnancy can also address stress and emotional tensions and be made gentler depending on the trimester in question. If you are pregnant, you must always inform your practitioner prior to a session.

• Neurological conditions: Conditions such as multiple sclerosis and other neurological disorders can also benefit from the reduced physical strain.

Many practitioners are trained in specific conditions, so searching for one with expertise most relevant to you is recommended.

When selecting a practitioner, always check their qualifications and licensure to ensure safety and competence.

Healf recommends these UK-based practitioners for their expertise in Watsu therapy:

Judy Fox : Registered WABA Watsu practitioner in the South East of England.

Sarah Wratten : Clinical Specialist Physiotherapist and practitioner in Ai Chi and Watsu.

Watsu therapy presents an invitation to reconnect to the elements and to your inner consciousness. If you are seeking relief from chronic pain rehabilitation support, or a moment of serenity to allow the stress of modern life to fall away, Watsu offers many unique therapeutic benefits. And Healf approves too.

Floating in warm water, cradled and moved in ways most restorative, one thing becomes very clear: Watsu is a profound way of letting go and allowing yourself to be held, blurring the boundaries of mental and physical experience.

If you are new to Watsu, or haven’t yet found a therapist, in the meantime you can explore some Healf favourites to relax the body and mind and to reduce pain — helping you to connect with the body and feel the joy that sensory-awareness can bring:

References

Barbosa GAS, de Souza RS, Ribeiro AI, et al. Effect of Watsu therapy on psychological aspects and quality of life of patients with temporomandibular disorder: case report. Rev Gaúch Odontol. 2014;62(3):327-331. doi:10.1590/1981-863720140003000063. Available at: https://www.scielo.br/j/rgo/a/pN4kCVwfDzFdVSsbTBz94DC/?lang=en . Accessed November 29, 2024.

Leite JRS, Barros NF, Pereira GM, Guimarães RCM, de Oliveira Lins S. Watsu therapy in the treatment of fibromyalgia syndrome. Sleep Med. 2013;14(Suppl 1):e186. doi:10.1016/j.sleep.2013.11.428. Available at: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1389945713016390 . Accessed November 29, 2024.

Schitter AM, Fleckenstein J, Rhea B, et al. Effects of passive hydrotherapy WATSU (WaterShiatsu) in the third trimester of pregnancy: Results of controlled pilot study. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2015;2015:437650. doi:10.1155/2015/437650. Available at: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1155/2015/437650 . Accessed November 29, 2024.

Schitter AM, Fleckenstein J, Mayr E. Passive hydrotherapy WATSU® for rehabilitation of an accident survivor: A prospective case report. Complement Med Res. 2018;25(4):263-267. doi:10.1159/000488322. Available at: https://karger.com/cmr/article-abstract/25/4/263/68107/Passive-Hydrotherapy-WATSUR-for-Rehabilitation-of?redirectedFrom=fulltext . Accessed November 29, 2024.

Schitter AM, Fleckenstein J, Niederstrasser B, et al. Applications, indications, and effects of passive hydrotherapy WATSU (WaterShiatsu)—A systematic review and meta-analysis. J Altern Complement Med. 2020;26(2):86-96. doi:10.1089/acm.2019.0139. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7069616/ . Accessed November 29, 2024.