Training

WATSU – WATer shiatSU

Prime benefits to patients, staff and others.

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. This promotes healing at many levels.

WATSU is particularly helpful for patients and 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 a minimum of 2 days and is based in the venue’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
None, but being able bodied with good standards of fitness and health are preferable.

VENUE REQUIREMENT

A pool that can sustain 35^o C. and is about 1:2 m deep.
For land based sessions: a “group room” with mats/cushions/chairs
A video/dvd playback system.

COST for the 16 hour training

1. Tuition Fee of £325 per person [minimum 4, maximum 8 persons]
2. Travel and accommodation expenses of the Instructor.

[STUDENT NOTES ARE PROVIDED. Tuition fee includes WABA registration and certification.]

OUTCOMES FOR PARTICIPANTS

This is a life-long skill. All participants will receive certification and be registered with WABA (the Worldwide Aquatic Bodywork Association Registry ). Their Watsu training hours will be logged with WABA and shall count toward further training should they wish to progress toward becoming full Watsu practitioners.

Current Hydrotherapy practitioners would be able to incorporate Watsu principles and movements in their current work – Thereby enhancing their ability to serve their clients.

While those not already engaged professionally in hydrotherapy will be able to use what they’ve learned with family and friends.

To organize dates for your programme:

Tel: Hilary Austin
Mob: 07767 493886