Watsu is a gentle form of aquatic bodywork that combines elements of massage, joint mobilization, shiatsu, and muscle stretching while floating in warm water. Developed in the 1980s by Harold Dull, Watsu takes place in a pool heated to around 35°C (95°F), creating an ideal environment for deep relaxation and therapeutic movement.
During a Watsu in Cape Town session, the recipient is cradled and supported by a practitioner who moves them rhythmically through the water in a series of flowing, dance-like movements. The buoyancy of the water relieves pressure on the spine and joints, allowing the body to move more freely and comfortably. This weightlessness, combined with the warmth of the water, encourages physical and emotional release, reduces stress, and promotes a sense of deep calm and well-being.
Watsu is often used for pain relief, rehabilitation, and stress management. It can be beneficial for people with conditions like fibromyalgia, arthritis, or anxiety, as well as those simply seeking deep relaxation. Sessions are typically one-on-one and emphasize trust, safety, and a non-verbal connection between the giver and receiver. As a holistic therapy, Watsu addresses the body, mind, and spirit, offering a unique and profoundly soothing experience.
Watsu is a form of aquatic therapy for rehabilitation. It promotes deep relaxation, quieting the sympathetic and enhancing the parasympathetic nervous systems. It has profound beneficial effects on trauma, both physical and emotional. It can be used with great effect in managing stress, chronic pain, discomfort in pregnancy, and neuromuscular or spinal cord injuries. It entails gentle and safe floating on the water’s surface, allowing free movement, tissue release, stretching, and breathing, guided by the therapist.
