Aquatic Therapy & Bodywork (Watsu & Waterdance)

According to Harvard Medical School, Stanford University Medical School, the Mayo Clinic, the Centers for Disease Control and numerous other research centers, there is one source for up to 95% of all illnesses and disease and that is stress. The remaining is due to genetic predisposition which, in turn, is triggered by stress.

"Too much stress for too long creates what is known as ‘chronic stress’ which has been linked to heart disease, stroke, and may also influence cancer and chronic respiratory diseases. And illness is just the tip of the iceberg. Stress affects you emotionally, as well, marring the joy you gain from life and loved ones.” Harvard Medical School.

Read how stress is associated to different illnesses here.

Description:

Aquatic bodywork including Watsu and Waterdance are forms of passive healing-work intended to achieve profound levels of relaxation in the client.

They are characterized by one-on-one sessions, in which the practitioner or therapist gently floats, cradles, moves, stretches and massages the receiver in chest-deep warm water (around 35°C = 95°F).

The client is continuously supported while being back-floated, rhythmically cradled, moved, stretched, and massaged. These modalities combine elements of muscle stretching, joint mobilization, Shiatsu, massage, yoga, meditation and even dance.

Watsu & Waterdance are deeply nurturing and healing modalities which resemble our familiar and intimate experience of being held as an infant, floating weightless, in the total safety of our mother’s womb.

An New Approach to Healing...

Aquatic healing practices, such as Watsu and Waterdance, can be transformative and re-birth like experiences that can help to rewire the brain and reset the parasympathetic nervous system. This can lead to a deep healing state that is regenerative on multiple levels, including physically, emotionally, psychologically and spiritually. The result is often a sense of Wholeness and total well-being.

Floating weightless in body temperature water allows the central nervous system to relax to the point that it doesn't need to compensate for external stimuli, such as temperature differences. This creates a state of deep relaxation that is enhanced by the therapist's gentle cradling, leading to a feeling of safety and relaxation that is similar to the safety and Oneness experienced in the womb.

As the body and mind relax into this state, tensions, unconscious defenses, and stored traumas can easily melt away, leading to an expansive and blissful experience of wholeness and oneness. It is in this state of surrender that old holding patterns, emotions, and traumas can be released effortlessly, allowing for healing and repair to take place.

Benefits:

Watsu and aquatic bodywork can be particularly helpful for reducing stress, slowing the effects of aging, and providing transformative healing. These practices offer a variety of potential benefits

Here are just 10 of the Benefits that Watsu and Aquatic Healingwork provide:

For Stress and Stress Related illnesses: Watsu is a helpful tool in the management of stress and stress related illnesses, as the relaxation and stress reduction provided by the treatment can help to alleviate and sometimes resolve symptoms.* Read more about it here.
For Anxiety, Panic Attacks, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) & Depression): It can be a helpful treatment for those with anxiety, panic attacks, depression and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), as the relaxation provided by the treatment can help to resolve deep seated trauma and release repressed emotions. Click here for a testimonial from a veteran.*
For Improved Sleep: Watsu can also be a helpful treatment for those with Insomnia and Sleep Disorders as it can resolve underlying conditions that may be preventing the nervous system from fully relaxing. It's common to hear reports of "sleeping like a baby" after a Watsu session.*
For Improved Immune Function: It can help to improve immune function by reducing stress and promoting relaxation, which can have a positive impact on overall health.
It can also be a helpful treatment for those with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, as the relaxation and stress reduction provided by the treatment can help to improve energy levels and restorative sleep.*
It can be a beneficial treatment for those with Chronic Pain & Fibromyalgia, as the relaxation and stress reduction provided by the treatment can help to alleviate symptoms such as muscle pain and fatigue. A study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine in 2006 examined the effects of Watsu on a group of individuals with fibromyalgia, a chronic pain condition often associated with trauma. The study found that Watsu treatment was associated with significant reductions in pain, fatigue, and depression in participants.*
Watsu can help to Improve Flexibility and Range of Motion by stretching and massaging muscles while they are supported by the buoyancy of the water.* This study showed statistically significant improvements on those with Arthritis in physical functioning, disability index, distress index, and functional health status after treatment compared to conventional hydrotherapy.
It can also help to Improve Digestion not only by the massaging of the digestive organs and relieving muscle tension but because Watsu resets the nervous system, stimulating the Parasympathetic nervous system which stimulates digestion.*
It can help to Improve Cardiovascular Health by improving circulation and reducing blood pressure. Watsu resets the fight & flight response of the sympathetic nervous system, stimulating the parasympathetic (or autonomous) nervous system.*
It can also be a Beneficial Form of Exercise for those who have physical limitations or disabilities that make traditional exercise challenging.*

More information:

About our facility:

We're located in Hollywood FL, only 30 minutes north of Miami, and 15 minutes from Fort Lauderdale, in a very quiet neighborhood, where you'll only hear the sound of birds and wind gently passing through the palm trees, Ideal for your R&R quiet retreat.

We're very health conscious and proud of offering a state of the art filtration & sanitation system for the water in our pool. You won't be smelling any chlorine during your session.

Our secluded, outdoor, in-ground salt warm water pool has pristine body-temperature water at around 95°F and our water sanitation system consists mainly of Ozone (O3) and UV light with a small amount of residual chlorine generated by our salt system. Body temperature water is perfect for regenerative water therapy.

Our salt level is similar to that of an intravenous saline solution, which is less than 10 times the amount of salt in ocean waters, so it's very mild.

All of our healing and bodywork sessions include the use of our facility including hot shower, bathrobe and fresh towels.

If you'd like to dive-in and stay with us you customize your Healing Retreat Experience here.

About our practitioners:

Otherwise noted or requested, our sessions are given by Alejandro who has over 27 years of experience as an aquatic therapist bodyworker and healer, and over 30 as a psychotherapist. You can read his bio at the About Us section.

Call us to make an appointment at 1-754-273-5510.