In case you’ve ever been in a very relaxing pool, you have probably already seen what’s known as”Watsu.” What is it? How is it different from regular massage? And do you know what “merit” is? It is all about balance.
Watsu is an ancient type of self-paced, low-impact bodywork used primarily for passive water and deep relaxation. In watsu, a therapist or practitioner gradually cradles, manipulates, stretches and cleans a receiver on chest-high water with only gentle pressure. The objective is to encourage blood circulation, ease tensed muscles, relieve pain, improve flexibility, and calm the mind. Many practitioners think that people who have experienced water feel refreshed, relaxed, stress-free, revitalized, and energized. They say that anyone can learn and use these techniques.
Watsu originated in Japan, but there are now trained coaches and teachers throughout the world. You won’t usually find practitioners in big offices. They prefer working out in private houses with comfortable seating. But some do go to office buildings if customers ask them to give a massage.
There are many benefits to getting regular sessions of watsu. For one thing, it helps to ease tension and muscle strain in the chronic pain locations. The receiver receives the full benefits of a relaxing massage which goes directly to the source, relieving chronic pain and stiffness. Watsu also promotes blood flow, strengthens the immune system, enhances flexibility, reduces stress and improves circulation.
If you do decide to try out water, there are several types. Inotory is for the hands and feet, mouse for the feet, kokyu for the neck and back, and oki for the elbows, hips, legs, abdomen, and toes. You can learn about each type of watsu through books or videos from your Watsu practitioner. However, it helps to know that there are a few differences between the various types so you can receive the best treatment possible.
Watsu can be quite beneficial as a complementary treatment for the medical community. Many watsu practitioners are also certified massage therapists due to their deep relaxation skills. A good practitioner will have plenty of knowledge about how to treat various injuries, pain, and ailments, making him/her highly qualified to give massage therapy to both patients in their offices and to people in the comfort of their own homes.
Studies have shown that massage has positive effects on a patient’s physical health and quality of life. Watsu has been proven to decrease pain, increase range of motion, enhance flexibility, improve circulation, and stimulate muscle power. A study found that patients suffering from lower back pain had greater improvement in pain relief when they participated in a five-minute water course. Participants experienced improved blood circulation, lower pain levels, increased range of movement, and relief from sore muscles. Furthermore, participants noticed that the pain decreased with regular sessions. Further studies have demonstrated that regular water sessions to improve muscle function, balance, strength, and range of motion and relieve stress and muscle tension.
An additional advantage of watsu includes its ability to help improve anxiety, tension, and pain perception. According to a study conducted in the Watsu institute of New England, participants who underwent five minutes of massage reported less pain and improved mood when compared to those who experienced a fifteen minute massage. Furthermore, another study reported that participants who took part in five minute sessions also showed a significant reduction in chronic lower back pain. The decrease in pain and improved mood lasted for 6 months. This study is very good proof that massage has the ability to not only reduce pain but can also improve mood and anxiety.
