Aquatic Relaxation Therapy

Why Aquatic relaxation therapy

Water is a wonderful and natural medium

For movement and natural healing

It offers pain free and enjoyable activities in fun way

Historical overview

In the early 2400 B.C, water was used for religious and healing purposes.

Hindu ideology

What is aquatic relaxation therapy (Watsu therapy)?

AQUATIC RELAXATION THERAPY (WATSU THERAPY) is a gentle form of aquatic bodywork that combines elements of massage, shiatsu and movement. Performed in normal environmental water (around 35°C), a trained practitioner gently cradles, rocks, stretches and massages the body in flowing sequences. The buoyancy of the water allows the body to feel weightless and supported, while the warmth helps muscles relax and release tension. The therapy aims to relieve pain and stress by utilizing the water’s properties to support the body and encourage mental and physical release. 

The term Watsu® comes from the words “water” and “shiatsu.” Shiatsu is a type of traditional Japanese massage that uses acupressure to promote relaxation. In Japanese, shiatsu means “finger pressure.”

Watsu was created by Harold Dull, who taught Zen Shiatsu, in 1980. Dull observed that it was easier for his clients’ muscles and tissues to relax in water. In turn, he found that shiatsu techniques were more effective when done in water.

Generally, Watsu therapy is used to alleviate pain and discomfort caused by a range of ailments. The idea is that the resistance of water soothes physical tension and encourages relaxation, which supports overall health.

How Watsu Therapy Works

Watsu therapy is done in a water pool or jacuzzi, usually heated to around environmental temperature – almost the same temperature as your skin, so your body feels naturally relaxed.

During the session, you don’t have to do anything. It’s a completely passive and relaxing therapy.
Your therapist stays in the water with you and gently guides your body through smooth, flowing movements like:

  • Light twisting
  • Soft rocking or cradling
  • Gentle stretching
  • Mild pressure on specific points

These movements help release muscle tightness, reduce stress, and improve the flow of energy throughout your body.

Watsu sessions are always done in a calm and peaceful environment. Soft music and warm water together create a deeply soothing experience that helps your body and mind unwind.

What is it used for?

As a therapeutic treatment, Aquatic relaxation therapy is used to alleviate pain and tension. People also use it to enhance Trusted Source physical movement and joint mobility.

It may provide relief for people with:

Muscle tension

Chronic pain

Discomfort during pregnancy

What is it used for?

What are the benefits?

Are there any side effects?

Watsu may have some drawbacks. As a passive form of therapy, you must be willing to let a therapist move your body during treatment.

You’ll also be in close contact with the therapist. For some, this might feel uncomfortable.

You should also avoid Watsu if you have:

These conditions may be worsened or complicated by water therapy.

What does a typical Aquatic relaxation therapy session involve?

Your Aquatic relaxation therapy session will be customized to your specific condition. It will involve massages, stretches, and movements designed to alleviate your symptoms.

Although Aquatic relaxation therapy sessions will vary depending on specific needs, here’s what you can typically expect during a session:

  1. Your therapist might have you wear floating devices on your arms or legs.
  2. You’ll enter the water and float on your back. The back of your head and knees will typically rest in your therapist’s forearms.
  3. Your therapist will slowly rotate, moving your body in large circles.
  4. Your therapist will alternate between extending their arms and drawing them in, moving you back and forth in the water as they do so.
  5. Your therapist will extend your arms and legs in gentle, repetitive patterns. They might also bend, lift, or twist different parts of your body.
  6. They may rest your head on their shoulder and move you in large circles.
  7. Throughout the session, your therapist will massage pressure points on your body. Usually, a single session lasts for about an hour.