Watsu
At the Spa at Hodson Bay Hotel, Athlone, Co Westmeath, some of the most exclusive therapeutic Spa treatments in Ireland can be enjoyed as part of the extensive menu.
Watsu therapy, a highly specialised type of shiatsu massage in water, combining a range of gentle body turns and twists which takes place in a specially designed private pool, the only one of its kind in Ireland.
Watsu was developed in California in 1980 by poet Harold Dull. Fascinated by Zen shiatsu, he was aware of the power of stretching, an ancient therapy. It releases blockages along our meridians (the channels through which our “chi” or life force flows), strengthens muscles and increases flexibility. A Zen shiatsu, Dull found the effects of stretching could be amplified by floating the client in warm water. While other modalities are based on touch, the holding required to work in water brings the received to a new level of connection and trust.
The water takes weight off the vertebrae which is ideal for freeing the spine. The pool is heated between 32-37 degrees C so the body can relax creating ideal conditions for stretching muscles.
The Evidence
Practised in over 40 countries, Watsu is used to reduce stress, promote relaxation, decrease pain and improve mobility. It is especially popular with physical therapists who work with people with orthopaedic, neurological and rheumatological special needs, and children with autism.
Although no major studies have been carried out into the effectiveness of Watsu, empirical evidence suggests it promotes a deep state of relaxation with dramatic changes in the automatic nervous system. By calming the sympathetic and enhancing the parasympathetic nervous system, Watsu has profound effects on the neuromuscular nervous system. Changes may include decreased heart and respiration rates, reduced muscle spasm, increases range of motion, and enhanced immune system response.
Feedback
The feedback received to date has been amazing. This is just one example of many:
“Within the first few seconds of the Watsu session, I was transported to another world. With zero effort I was in the moment, all anxieties and tensions erased, as I was moved seemingly effortlessly through the water. I was transported to a world which I have difficulty describing, a cross between what I imagine is life in the womb, and life in the afterlife.
It was one of the most powerful treatments I have received because each movement or stretch I was guided through really did connect mind, body and spirit (MBS). Often complementary therapies are described as MBS experiences but Watsu for me was the first therapy to powerfully connect all three. My body felt cradled rather than held, was stretched gently yet fully, my mind was totally in the moment rather than flitting from one thought to another, and the spirit connection for me could possibly be described as a tremendous feeling of peace, security, trust and goodwill.