Watsu

Watsu, a portmanteau of water and shiatsu, is a form of body massage performed while lying in warm water (around 35 °C or 95 °F). The receiver of Watsu treatment is continuously supported by the therapist while he or she rocks and gently stretches the body. Because it is performed in the water, the body is free to be manipulated and stretched in ways impossible while on the land.

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History

Watsu was created by therapist Harold Dull in the early 1980's, then director of the Harbin School of Shiatsu and Massage in northern California. The technique slowly evolved as he began to incorporate aspects of Zen shiatsu into his therapy.

Forms

The three main forms of Watsu are Waterdance or Wasser Tanzen, Healing Dance, and the Jahara Technique. Waterdance was created in 1987 by Arjana Brunschwiler and Aman Schroter and involved the client being lowered completely beneath the surface. Healing Dance was created by Alexander Georgeakopoulos and is a mix between Waterdance and traditional Watsu techniques. The Jahara Technique is known as the "gentlest" of the forms because of its constant support and gentle bodywork.

Organization

Watsu and all the above therapies are represented by WABA: The Worldwide Aquatic Bodywork Association, a non-profit organization for the promotion of aquatic bodywork.