Watsu® is a gentle, nurturing therapy practiced in warm, body-temperature water, combining movement, stretches and cradling. In the early 1980’s Harold Dull began to take the stretches of Zen Shiatsu into the warm water of the pools at Harbin Hot Springs in northern California. What he came to call Watsu® (Water Shiatsu in English) is presently practiced worldwide in clinics, hospitals and spas, not only in the US and Canada, but in Japan, Australia, Israel, throughout Europe and now in Brasil, as well. Psychologists, psychiatrists, physical therapists, massage therapists, and lay people are all enthusiastic about the benefits of giving and receiving Watsu. It is for everyone – the very young, adolescents, the elderly, pregnant, athletes and those suffering from simple stress. Watsu is effective in a wide variety of neorologic and orthopedic problems. It’s gentle rocking movements, stretches and nurturing support in the arms of the practitioner convey receivers to the peace and simplicity of their earliest childhood and womb states, allowing physical and emotional blockages to be gently released. Above all, Watsu® is deeply relaxing, guided by a philosophy of gentleness, complete acceptance, and unconditional love.
