What is Warm Water Therapy?

The water therapy I offer combines Watsu®Healing Dance® and all the techniques I've learned throughout the years. I am a  registered Watsu® Practitioner (2003), and certified Healing Dance® Practitioner (2016).

Healing work in the warm salt water pool is best described as "different," and for many people is better understood by experiencing it rather than talking about it. The phrase, "You've got to experience it to understand it," definitely applies here.

The receiver is continuously supported while being floated, rocked, stretched and massaged. Working with the principles of  buoyancy, hydrostatic pressure and viscosity, movement through the water frees the body to arrive at a new understanding of the self as a whole.

In the water, people experience decreased pain and inflammation, increased range of motion and less physical and emotional guarding.

Some people anticipate an 'emotional release' during a treatment, but water is a forgiving and powerful medium that allows us to experience emotions (both in and out of the pool) with more equanimity. Expereincing happiness, freedom and fun are benefits that must not be overlooked!

This kind of aquatic therapy benefits people needing pain relief, as well as those seeking deep meditative relaxation. It creates profound healing on every level. 

See for your self.


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The Pool

The therapy pool is about 96 degrees, salt water chlorinated and ozonated. it is 4'2" at its shallowest and 4'9" at the deepest. There is a ramp for easy in and out and showers, locker and dressing area.


Privacy

This pool is not open to the public, so this is a unique opportunity to enjoy a quiet warm water environment. The sessions are private - no one else will be using the facility during your session.


What to Expect

BEFORE

  • Allow 90 minutes for a one hour session and about 2 hours for a 90 minute session.
  • Bring a bathing suit, towel, flip flops and drinking water. 
  • Please sign the Participant's Waiver and your completed health history questionnaire.
  • Everyone must shower before entering the pool.
  • The facility has a changing room with showers and lockers.

IN THE WATER

  • In the water you may have small floats wrapped around your legs to support your spine.
  • The head and either low back or knees are supported during the session. You will be gently moved through the water in a continuous flowing motion, with the practitioner adding stretches, compression and massage as appropriate.
  • Your ears will be mostly under the water, nose and mouth above. Bring earplugs if you prefer not to have water in your ears.
  • Some people drift off to sleep, others remain aware of everything during a session, both are fine. There is no right or wrong way to receive.
  • At any point you can stop the session for whatever reason. 

 COMPLETION

  • At the end of a session you will be brought to an upright stable position. Some people like to sit quietly at the wall, or float in the pool on their own, others like to talk a little about their experience of the session. Either is fine.
  • Make sure you have planned time to rest quietly after your session and drink extra water. 
  • You may feel the effects of the treatment gradually throughout the day and they may last for a few days.

 


What to Bring

Bathing Suit, Towel, flip flops or pool shoes, drinking water, completed health information questionnaire


What are the Benefits?

Warm Water 

  • Relaxes the muscles
  • Improves superficial circulation
  • Reduces sense of the body’s shape and boundaries
  • Raises body temperature
  • Reduces pain sensitivity
  • Decreases muscle spasm
  • Prepares connective tissue for stretching

 Water (hydrostatic) Pressure 

  • Eases breathing as the ribcage relaxes
  • Strengthens respiratory muscles
  • Reduces edema in the lower legs
  • Stabilizes joints
  • Activates the dive reflex (bradycardia)

Buoyancy 

  •  Decreases muscle tone
  •  Offers a sense of lightness
  •  Decompresses joints
  •  Relaxes holding patterns
  •  Decreases amount of shock transmitted through bones, joints and ligaments (low impact)
  •  Reduces body weight on skeletal structure 75-90%
  •  Increases range of motion, joint mobility and flexibility
  •  Assists in venous return 

  Viscosity 

  •  Enhances stretching through drag
  •  Generates a turbulence that massages
  •  Stimulates circulation
  •  Masks pain
  •  Induces a trance state

Movement in Water 

  •  Produces and distributes synovial fluid, lubricating the joints
  •  Creates wave movements 
  •  Rhythmic and chaotic movements dissolve holding patterns
  •  Invites surrender