Woman in bathing suite being guided through water during Watsu Aquatic Treatment.

Arizona, wellness, TRAVEL INSPIRATION

A New Healing Journey Now at Sanctuary. Experience Watsu.

By Editor 2023, October

Watsu therapy, created by Harold Dull in the 1980s, is a form of aquatic bodywork that combines elements of massage, stretching, and joint mobilization in warm water. The term "Watsu" is derived from "Water" and "Shiatsu," as it was initially developed as a blend of traditional Shiatsu massage and Zen Shiatsu movements in a warm-water pool. We are proud to reintroduce these special treatments at the Sanctuary Spa.

Our Watsu Offerings

Watsu® 
This deeply relaxing and nurturing experience is a passive form of aquatic therapy that supports and gently cradles, rocks and stretches the body through warm water in graceful fluid movements. The support of the water provides relief from compression forces on the joints and promotes enhanced range of motion for the spine and extremities.

Woman in bathing suite being guided through water during Watsu Aquatic Treatment.

Motherhood Watsu®
Indulge in our prenatal Watsu® therapy, a serene and gentle experience specially tailored for expectant mothers. Immerse yourself in the soothing sensation of weightlessness, while we alleviate muscle tension and aches associated with pregnancy. This therapeutic session offers much-needed relief from the physical changes that occur during the prenatal period, allowing you to fully embrace the beauty of motherhood. Please note that our motherhood services are not available during the first trimester of pregnancy, ensuring the utmost care and safety for you and your baby.

Pregnant woman in bathing suite being guided through water during Motherhood Watsu Aquatic Treatment.

Immersive Watsu® and Sound Bowl Fusion
Immerse yourself in a transformative and holistic experience with our Watsu® treatment featuring sound bowl therapy. Our skilled therapist will guide you through fluid movements inspired by shiatsu and aquatic bodywork, as you surrender to the gentle embrace of warm water. Feel tension dissolve and energy blockages release, as the rhythmic flow of the water promotes deep relaxation. To enhance this therapeutic journey, the soothing tones of sound bowls create a symphony of tranquility, harmonizing your body, mind, and spirit. Let the resonating vibrations envelop your senses and guide you into a state of profound serenity, amplifying the healing power of the Watsu® treatment.

Woman floating in water as sound bowls are played during Watsu Aquatic Treatment and Sound Journey.

What To Expect

During a Watsu session, a trained therapist supports and gently moves the client's body through the water, utilizing the water's buoyancy to create a sense of weightlessness. The water's warmth, typically around body temperature, enhances relaxation and soothes the muscles. The therapist employs gentle, flowing movements, rhythmic rocking, and stretches to release tension, improve flexibility, and promote a deep state of relaxation.

Woman floating in pool as Watsu therapist supports her head and neck underwater.

Some potential benefits of Watsu therapy include:

Deep relaxation: Being in warm water, combined with gentle movements and stretches, can induce a profound state of relaxation, reducing stress and promoting a sense of calm.

Pain relief: Watsu can help alleviate muscular tension, stiffness, and joint discomfort. The buoyancy of water can reduce the pressure on joints, making it especially beneficial for individuals with arthritis or chronic pain conditions.

Increased flexibility and range of motion: The therapist's gentle movements and stretches can improve joint mobility and flexibility, making it beneficial for those with limited range of motion.

Improved circulation and lymphatic flow: The water's pressure and movement can stimulate blood circulation and enhance the lymphatic system's functioning, promoting detoxification and waste removal.

Emotional release: The combination of touch and warm water may lead to emotional release and a sense of emotional well-being for some individuals.

Enhanced body awareness: Watsu can help individuals become more in tune with their bodies and sensations, promoting body-mind connection.

Support for pregnant individuals: Watsu therapy can provide comfort and relief to pregnant individuals by reducing the strain on the body and offering a unique form of relaxation.

Benefits for various conditions: Watsu has been used to complement treatments for conditions such as fibromyalgia, multiple sclerosis, chronic pain, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

It's essential to note that while Watsu therapy can offer numerous benefits, it may not be suitable for everyone. Individuals with certain medical conditions or mobility limitations should consult their healthcare provider before considering Watsu therapy. Additionally, it's crucial to seek treatment from a certified and experienced Watsu therapist to ensure a safe and effective experience.

 

Be sure to book your spa treatment today.

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