What is WATSU® ?
Watsu is in principle a form of Aquatic Therapy for rehabilitation yet it is very often simply used for well being and rejuvenation. The receiver is continuously supported by a practitioner or therapist while being backfloated, rhythmically cradled, moved, stretched, and massaged. This promotes deep relaxation, quieting the sympathetic and enhancing the parasympathetic nervous systems. Even without the more advanced Aquatic Healing®techniques, a simple Watsu® session already has profound beneficial effects for trauma, both physical and psycho-emotional, with therapeutic application for neuromuscular injuries, stress, chronic pain, discomfort during pregnancy, and special needs.
What is WATA®
WATA® is the abbreviation of the German “WasserTanzen” (aquatic dance). It is an advanced technique for people already familiar with WATSU® in which the recipient (wearing a nose clip) is gradually led to holding their breath (apnea) underwater in a three-dimensional gravity. Touch or movement signals are used to communicate when the receiver is to be submerged, and the therapist carefully times submersion to ensure the receiver has a full breath. Movement is coordinated with breath and incorporates elements of massage, Aikido, dolphin and snake-like waves, rolls, somersaults, inversions, and dance. Some postures can provoke a regression to the fetal state, our link with the energy of the mother, the vastness of the sea with its expansive effects, to the very Source of Life that hides within.