Watsu, a form of aquatic bodywork, was developed in 1980 by Harold Dull. Today it is practiced in more than 40 countries and used to treat a variety of conditions, including chronic pain. The Worldwide Aquatic Bodywork Association (WABA), an educational nonprofit, oversees and authorizes Watsu education programs worldwide. Introductory Watsu courses focus on personal enrichment, while professional training programs prepare students to become registered Watsu practitioners.

Introductory

Basic 16-hour introductory Watsu courses are offered at schools around the world. Taught by WABA-authorized instructors, these classes are designed for the layperson. Courses cover the mechanics of working with the body immersed in water, basic moves and breathing techniques. The experience of each 16-hour course is unique, and students are encouraged to repeat the course. The next three course levels are to geared to training the professional Watsu practitioner. The WABA website (waba.edu) maintains a worldwide list of authorized classes, both introductory and professional.

Professional

Before studying to become a professional Watsu practitioner you will need to meet your state's licensing requirements. Each state in the US has different regulations for practicing bodywork. In some states you can practice massage and bodywork without a license. You may also be eligible to become a Watsu practitioner if you are licensed in a profession other than massage and bodywork, such as physical therapy or nursing. Check with your state to learn about the requirements. Professional Watsu training consists of three parts: A, B and C. Depending on your education and professional status, you may be eligible to become a Watsu practitioner by completing just one part. If you are already working in the field as a massage and bodywork practitioner, and are employed by a spa, clinic or gym, you may complete just part A. If you are a licensed professional, and meet WABA's prerequisite training in shiatsu, you can complete just part B. Otherwise you'll need to complete all three parts. Part A requires 100 hours of classes and 20 practice sessions, followed by a demonstration of competency in which the student gives a Watsu session to an authorized assistant or instructor. Part B requires 50 more hours of classes, along with additional audited classes and electives to raise the student's total class hours to 200. In addition, students must complete CPR certification and undergo 10 Watsu sessions by an authorized practitioner. Part C requires 100 hours of training in Shiatsu and/or Tantsu, a non-aquatic massage technique also developed by Harold Dull, 100 hours of anatomy and physiology classes, and enough additional hours of classes and supervisions to bring the student's total study hours to 500 (520 in Europe).

Source:

Worldwide Aquatic Bodywork Association

Watsu

massagetherapy.com

Resource:

Federation of State Massage Therapy Boards