Watsu
Water therapy (done in a warm swimming pool), which is also called hydrotherapy. It involves stretches, massages, acupressure, and energy healing in warm water.
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.