I recently had the amazing opportunity to participate in a week-long wellness retreat at Rancho La Puerta in Mexico. The retreat offered a wide variety of activities, from daily sound baths and pickleball clinics to crochet classes, catering to everyone’s interests. With over 45 different classes to choose from each day, it was impossible to do everything, but I made an effort to try new activities and broaden my horizons.
One activity that particularly intrigued me was Watsu water therapy, which was scheduled for Monday at 1 p.m. I had never heard of Watsu before, but decided to sign up. Watching others go before me in the water, moving gracefully like mermaids, I had concerns about running out of air. However, once I let go and trusted the process, I found that I could go minutes without taking a breath. After the session, my body felt incredible, almost like I had received the best massage of my life, and I was overwhelmed with emotion.
Curious about why I had such a profound experience, I sought out expert opinions. Watsu is a form of aquatic bodywork that combines warm water immersion with Zen Shiatsu massage techniques. It was developed by Harold Dull in the 1980s and has multi-level therapeutic benefits. A session typically involves rhythmic bodywork, stretches, joint unwinding, and movements in warm water, resulting in relaxation and muscle relief in a unique way.
The benefits of Watsu therapy are extensive, offering physical, mental, and emotional relief. Water flow therapies like Watsu can reduce stiffness, increase joint mobility, relieve stress, and even release trauma held in the body. Personally, I found the therapy to be transformative, both physically and emotionally.
While water therapy may not be for everyone, it can be beneficial for a wide range of people, including those with sports injuries, pregnant women, and individuals with trauma or PTSD. It’s important to find a certified water therapy practitioner, as qualifications and training are essential for a safe and effective session.
In conclusion, my experience with Watsu therapy was incredibly moving and eye-opening. I would recommend it to anyone looking for a unique and transformative healing experience. Though accessibility and cost may be barriers for some, the benefits of water therapy are undeniable. Consider exploring this form of therapy for a truly rejuvenating experience.
