WATSU – WATer shiatSU
Prime benefits to patients and staff
A primary goal of much post operative or post injury care is to reunify the elements of the body’s internal poise. The requirement is to remove tension and pain, and to return the body to productive harmony. WATSU is a profoundly relaxing aquatic movement therapy where the emphasis is upon stretching and freeing the body in a warm and comforting water environment. The word WATSU derives from Water Shiatsu. The technique is based upon Zen Shiatsu, and is an effective way of mobilizing “CHI”, the body’s life force, through the ” meridians”, which in Oriental systems, are its paths of energy.
WATSU is equally helpful for the many hospital workers, both medical and non-medical, who are under so many pressures in today’s NHS that stress, anxiety, poor breathing and sleeping patterns can each take their toll and reduce effectiveness. WATSU works for them too.
Body-temperature water is an ideal medium for freeing energy. The lightness of the body in water allows the practitioner to float the receiver, to free the spinal vertebrae, to articulate joints and elongate muscles in ways that are not possible on land. These rhythmic and dance-like movements are performed in harmony with the breath to inspire the natural regeneration of mind, body and spirit.
One feature of Watsu that makes it more effective than other forms of bodywork is the potency of being held closely and non-sexually. This is more easily accepted in water, and can heal deep wounds of mistrust and separation. Watsu connects us to something beyond the purely physical. This therapeutic environment permits deep feelings of nurture and security, leading to a profound and holistic bodywork experience like no other.
Physiotherapists, Massage Therapists and other bodyworkers use Watsu all over the world because of Watsu’s clinically proven benefits:
| Reduced stress and anxiety Decreased pain and fatigue Increased range of motion Improved circulation Improved body awareness |
Decreased muscle guarding and tension Increased energy Released emotional stress Better breathing and sleep patterns Release of toxins, for cleansed body |
BASIC WATSU TRAINING PROGRAMME
Hilary Austin provides a 16 hour programme that lasts 2 days and is based in the hospital’s own pool. The major elements of the training are:
·Watsu’s basic moves and positions taught as a sequence
·Body mechanics and client alignment
·Safety, support and contraindications
·Meditation and breathwork
·Self awareness, maintaining boundaries and ethics
Hilary says:
“This foundational programme grounds us in our presence with another, in our connected breathing, in our surrender to the water. We learn a simple but complete sequence, which can be practiced with family and friends. The therapist can return to the elements of the course, as one would with yoga or tai chi, and it can be a solid basis for further advanced training.”
STUDENT REQUIREMENTS
·Preferably previous bodywork experience
·Some knowledge of anatomy and physiology
·High standards of fitness and health
VENUE REQUIREMENT
A pool that can sustain 34o C. and is about 1:2 m deep.
For land based sessions: a “group room” with mats/cushions
A video/dvd playback system.
COST for the 16 hour training
1. Tuition Fee of £250 per person [minimum 4, maximum 6 persons]
2. Travel and accommodation expenses of the Instructor.
[STUDENT NOTES ARE PROVIDED]
To organize dates for your programme:
Tel: Hilary Austin on 01249 701094
Mob: 07767 493886