Watsu is the practice of stretching people while they are floating in warm water. It was created in 1980 by masseur and author Harold Dull and is used to help people who are suffering form chronic pain and a wide range of other conditions. It is a prominent practice in the field of aquatic therapy and has also been shown to reduce stress and improve general relaxation.

The Practice of Watsu

Watsu is a soothing style of massage that takes place within a waist-deep pool of water that is heated to 95F. You enter the pool with the therapist (both wearing bathing suits), and as you sit on the steps, your therapist will attach floats to your ankles or thighs to facilitate buoyancy. You retain one arm around the therapist's shoulders and the rest of you body floats free. While you float in the water, the watsu practitioner manipulates your body through a series of gentle passive stretches which at the same time supporting your back and knees. It is a deeply relaxing process and helpful to people who suffer chronic pain or motility problems.

Where to Learn Watsu

Watsu classes are taught worldwide. One of the most popular places in the United States to learn watsu is at the School of Shiatsu and Massage in California. The school is owned by a Californian non-profit organization called The Worldwide Aquatic Bodywork Association (WABA). Watsu training typically has four stages which are complete in themselves but also form a cohesive whole. Each stage may be repeated until the student feels ready to move onto the next one. Training generally starts with a 16-hour basic course followed by three 50-hour courses. Watsu practitioner certificates can be obtained on the completion of training courses at state-approved schools.

Learning the Watsu Technique

The introductory course to watsu introduces and explores "watsuchanics," which is the understanding of body mechanics that is specific to watsu. The focus of this preliminary course is breathing and balance. Students are guided through the basic movements of a therapeutic program. The second course focuses on the gradual transition from one movement to another. The following courses involve more detailed movements and transitions followed in the second stage and how to adapt the sessions to clinical watsu therapy.

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Watsu

The Watsu Institute

Watsu Practitioner Requirements