What’s Watsu?
The name Watsu comes from Water and Shiatsu and refers to the combination of Shiatsu, a Japanese technique used for healing, through the feeling of weightlessness by immersing your body in water; in other words, Watsu is getting a massage using the Shiatsu technique but in water. Basically, it’s aquatic therapy that is commonly performed in pools or tubs.
Your body enters a state of deep relaxation as floating in the water supercharges the benefits of the Shiatsu technique. To enhance the experience, Watsu is performed in chest-deep warm water at about 30ºC.
Watsu is suitable for people of all ages and is highly recommended for people suffering from a lot of stress or with a fear of water. With this technique, your body relaxes completely until you end up floating in the pool or tub, and this sensation combined with the Shiatsu stretching causes your muscles to dilate and the tension to disappear, making it considered by some as one of the most relaxing techniques out there.
Where did it originate?
Shiatsu practitioner Harold Dull created Watsu in the 1980s when he realised he could increase the benefits of Shiatsu by practising it in the water. The first Watsu sessions were held at Harbin Hot Springs with practitioners, and since then he has spent his life spreading the word about this extremely relaxing technique, and he even founded the Worldwide Aquatic Bodywork Association (WABA), which trains Watsu therapists.
Watsu across the globe
Watsu has incredible benefits like reducing fatigue and alleviating pain and muscle strain and is now practised all over the world. Some of the world’s leading wellness centres and spas are now offering Watsu sessions including:
The Naka Island, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Thailand
The renowned spa at this resort in Phuket, Thailand offers private 60-minute Watsu sessions. Appointments must be made 24 hours in advance.
Mandala Spa & Resort Villas, Philipines
Mandala Spa & Resort Villas is the only place in Boracay, in the Philipines where you can find Watsu specialists. The first-ever international Baccarat AsiaSpa Awards (BASA) awarded the Spa Treatment of the Year to Mandala Spa & Resort Villas for its Watsu treatments.
Spa Excelsior, Italy
The Spa Excelsior in Pesaro offers guests the chance to relax and unwind with Watsu forming an integral part of its wellness programme. Appointments must be booked in advance, either by phone or online.
So now you know where to go, you can pack your bags and head off to experience the best Watsu treatments in the world.
