Watsu as Lifestyle Medicine™

Although the word Watsu sounds Asian, it is not. Watsu was founded in United States during the 1980s. You basically float in 95 degree water with floaters on your legs, head, and hands while your muscles totally relax. A Watsu therapist glides your body through the water with different techniques. The Watsu therapist does all the work. “It is the closest thing to being in the womb that you will ever experience” reports a Watsu participant. Pain and anxiety have been shown to be linked. So it is not surprising that with muscle relaxation many types of pain reduce and also cause a reduction in anxiety. The pain relief might also be explained by the effect of water on pain receptors, also called nociceptors. According to a 2019 medical journal review, the pressure and viscosity of water reduces stimulation of these receptors, which lowers pain perception. Pain reduction may also be explained by the relaxation of the muscles causing decreased pressure on joints and nerves. Because of the safe “floating in the clouds” sensation, people have been known to release trauma. After this course, you will understand the research, the science, and what the master Watsu therapists know. You will be able to choose if and how often this practice needs to be used as your lifestyle medicine. You will also understand if a trauma psychologist needs to be present during your Watsu sessions.