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WATSU®

Watsu® is an assisted form of bodywork therapy in warm water (35-37° C). The client floats supine on the water surface, while a therapist gracefully supports his/her head, and moves, pulls, and pushes his/her body to allow gentle stretches, body rotations, cradling, relaxation. The term ‘watsu’ was coined by its founder, Harold Dull who implemented Zen Shiatsu acupressure technique into water movements, to enhance the e ectiveness of this therapy. Gentle pressure is applied on key meridian points (as to Chinese medicine) to ease energetic blockages, promote whole body re-balancing and detoxification. The session would normally last an hour including an initial consultation which focuses on the client’s needs and health status, and a final feedback to debrief on the session just received. Verbal communication is in English, Italian, Spanish. The warm water temperature, the peaceful setting and slow paced movements greatly amplify a state of deep relaxation, reconciliation, which allows for muscle and fascial tissue release, greater range of joint motion, and an overall mind-body wellbeing.

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BENEFITS

WATSU® has been used either in leisure or clinical settings. Amongst its short and medium term effects, clients have reported a decrease in muscle stiffness, discomfort, anxiety, and improved overall relaxation, sleeping patterns, digestion, immune system response. Positive e ects on some people with orthopedical, rheumatologic, and neurological needs have been noticed. While the rhythmical, body rocking motions, the gentle trunk rotation and elongation help decrease abnormal muscle tone, soft tissue and joint mobilization techniques may help compression forces in the spine and joints to unload. Clinically, dramatic changes in the autonomic nervous system and in the neuromuscular system have been studied. Physiological changes include: decreased heart rate, rate of respiration, activation of striated muscles (skeletal), increased depth of respiration, peripheral vasodilatation, smooth muscle activity (digestion).




WATER SAFETY


The session is managed with utmost care and safety in the interest of the client’s wellbeing. Any immersions are previously agreed and well instructed upon. In this case a nose clip, earplugs, and further instructions will be given to maximize comfort. Specific leg floaters will also be provided to enhance body buoyancy. It is recommended to wear a poliestere t-shirt to keep one’s body warm enough, however this can be decided on and adapted once entering the pool. At any point the session can be interrupted, should any unexpected events such as toilet break, emotional needs, etc. should request attention.

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Water Ripples

CONTRAINDICATIONS 

*In case of any medical conditions, please seek medical advice before undertaking a watsu session. Watsu is contraindicated in case of: Contagious water or air-borne infections/diseases, recent joint trauma, under drugs or alcohol e etcs, fever, cardiovascular problems including excessively high or low blood pressure, spinal cord injuries, pulmonary disease, absence of cough reflex as a result of a stroke, brain injury, ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis), bowel incontinence, open wounds, acute ligamentous instability following trauma, multiple sclerosis whereas warm water is not tolerated, epilepsy (warm water may increase the risk of seizures), uncontrolled diabetes (please keep glucose tablets or juice available at the pool in case of emergencies), deep vein thrombosis (until problem is resolved), perforated eardrums, sensitivity to chemicals used in pool (chlorine, bromine etc.), severe psychological special needs (psychotherapy or counseling may be referred to external practitioners if needed).


WATCH A WATSU
® DEMO by Harold Dull 




Available on Mondays 4-10pm
Fridays 4-10pm

ENQUIRIES AND BOOKINGS

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Water Texture
Watsu - Water Bodywork Services in Kloten Zurich

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A SELECTION OF SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH/REFERENCES

Faull K. Rehabilitation for Fibromyalgia Syndrome: Comparison of Holistic and Complementary Alternative Medicine (CAM) Therapy Effectiveness. Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies. https://doi.org/10.1016/S1360-8592(05)00043-1 2005;9(3):202-210.
Borges J, Pimentel M. Effects of Watsu therapy on stress, anxiety, and depression in adults: A systematic review. Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice. 2022;46:101530. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ctcp.2021.101530
Benefits of WATSU® For People With Orthopedic, Neurologic And Rheumatologic Special Needs, Peggy Schoedinger, PT Schitter, Agnes M et al. “Applications, indications, and e ects of passive hydrotherapy WATSU (WaterShiatsu)-A systematic review and meta-analysis.” PloS one vol. 15,3 e0229705. 13 Mar. 2020, doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0229705 https://www.researchgate.net/publication/349463327_The_E ects_of_Aquatic_Watsu_Therapy_ on_Gross_Motor_Performance_and_Quality_of_Life_for_Children_with_Cerebral_Palsy? Watsu  Therapy: What Is It and What Are the Benefits? (healthline.com






ENQUIRIES AND BOOKINGS


 

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