You have heard about water healing, water therapy or hydrotherapy but not quite sure what they are or what they do?
The healing power of water has been recognized for centuries. Our attraction to water is a very natural thing because water is the essence of life.
Indeed, 80% of our body is made up of water and it is a major component in many of the foods we consume.
In recent years, the use of water as therapy has gained popularity and is often prescribed to revitalize, maintain or restore health.
You can find out more about different types of water healing therapies and what benefits each offer by continuing reading.
What are the benefits of water healing therapies?
Water healing is a therapeutic practice that involves using water as a medium to promote physical and emotional well-being.
Water therapy can be especially beneficial to people who suffer from:
- Arthritis, types 1 & 2
- Fibromyalgia and similar joint and muscle discomfort
- Tendonitis
- Other chronic painful conditions
In this article we will explore 6 types of water healing therapies:
- Hydrotherapy
- Watsu
- Pregnancy Watsu
- Waterdance
- Ai Chi
- Aqua Yoga
Types of water healing therapies – Hydrotherapy
Hydrotherapy involves using water to improve health and treat medical conditions. It can involve immersion in a pool of warm water, steam rooms, or even just using hot and cold water for therapeutic effects.
Hydrotherapy can help to improve circulation, reduce inflammation and pain, and promote relaxation. It is often used as a complementary treatment for a range of conditions, including arthritis, muscle strains, and stress-related disorders.
Some of the most popular forms of do-it-yourself hydrotherapy include hot tubs, jacuzzis and whirlpools.
These soaking tubs use jet streams to massage the body. They are frequently used by physical therapists to help injured patients regain muscle strength and to soothe joint or muscle pain.
In recent years, millions of people have installed these types of tubs in their home bathrooms so they can enjoy frequent hydrotherapy treatments.
An Introduction to Watsu Water Healing
There are several forms of water healing practised worldwide, all of them originating from WATSU.
WATSU (WATer shiatSU) is a form of body work carried out in warm water.
Watsu involves a trained practitioner performing gentle stretching, relaxation and acupressure movements to provide physical and emotional well being and help re-establish balance between body and mind.
The practitioner uses different techniques to help you relax and feel more comfortable, making the experience deeply immersive and transformative for your body and mind.
Through gentle movement and acupressure, Watsu brings a deep sense of relaxation while the body is stretched, glided and gracefully moved by the practitioner in 96-degree (34 celsius) warm water.
The buoyancy of the water takes weight off the vertebrae and joints; facilitating ranges of movement not possible on land.
Gentle stretching and pulling promote flexibility and suppleness of the spine.
The water helps to support your body, making it easier to move and reducing pressure on your joints.
Watsu was developed in the 1980s by Harold Dull who called it “an art of mental healing”.
It has since gained recognition as an effective therapy for individuals dealing with stress, anxiety, chronic pain, and a range of other physical and emotional issues.
The potential benefits of Watsu
Watsu offers a range of potential benefits for both the body and the mind.
One of the primary benefits is its ability to reduce stress and promote relaxation.
The warm water, combined with gentle movements and nurturing touch, can help to calm the nervous system and promote a sense of relaxation and wellbeing.
In addition, Watsu can also help to improve circulation by reducing pressure on the joints and allowing blood to flow more freely.
This can help to improve oxygen and nutrient delivery to the tissues, promoting healing and overall health.
Watsu can also be effective in releasing muscle tension. The gentle stretches and movements used in Watsu can help to release tension in the muscles and joints, improving range of motion and reducing discomfort.
Overall, Watsu offers a unique and effective form of therapy that can benefit people of all ages and abilities.
Want to know more about WATSU water healing? Why not visit https://www.watsu.com for further information.
Pregnancy Watsu Water Healing
Pregnancy Watsu is a variety of Watsu that is specifically designed to support expectant mothers during pregnancy.
During pregnancy, the body undergoes a number of changes, including weight gain, postural shifts, and hormonal fluctuations.
Pregnancy Watsu can help to alleviate some of the discomfort associated with these changes, while also providing a relaxing and nurturing experience for both mother and baby.
The warm water used in pregnancy Watsu can help to reduce swelling and promote circulation, which can be especially beneficial for expectant mothers.
The buoyancy of the water can also help to reduce pressure on the joints, making movement easier and more comfortable.
In addition to physical benefits, pregnancy Watsu can also be a deeply calming and soothing experience for expectant mothers.
The nurturing touch of the practitioner, combined with the warmth and support of the water, can help to promote a sense of relaxation and wellbeing.
Overall, pregnancy Watsu offers a safe and effective way for expectant mothers to support their physical and emotional health during pregnancy.
By combining the therapeutic properties of warm water with gentle movement and skilled touch, pregnancy Watsu can help to alleviate discomfort, reduce stress, and promote overall health and wellbeing for both mother and baby.
What is Waterdance Wata?
Waterdance, also known as WATA, (German: WAsserTAnzen) is similar to WATSU except that some movement is done without head support.
Waterdance is often described as a transformative and meditative experience.
Waterdance combines elements of dance, massage, and underwater exploration.
During a Waterdance session, the recipient is fully submerged in warm water, wearing a mask and holding their breath.
The practitioner guides the recipient through a series of fluid and graceful movements, using massage and touch to help release tension and promote relaxation.
The receiver will experience a physical freedom which is said to transcend anything else.
The body can be stretched and moved in unlimited ways. This form also opens possibilities to playfully investigate movement in the underwater world.
It can make you feel really relaxed and peaceful, almost like you’re meditating as the combination of movement and touch in water can help to promote a deep sense of relaxation and inner peace.
It is also highly adaptable to individual needs, as the practitioner can tailor the movements and touch to suit the recipient’s unique physical and emotional needs.
What is Ai Chi Water Healing?
Ai Chi is a form of aquatic exercise that blends elements of Tai Chi and Qi Gong with the properties of water.
Created in 1990 by Jun Konno, one of Japan’s foremost swimming and fitness consultants, Ai Chi is a gentle and low-impact exercise that has become popular worldwide for its ability to improve physical and mental health.
Ai Chi involves a series of movements and deep breathing techniques that are performed while standing in shoulder-deep water.
The water provides a supportive environment that reduces stress on joints and muscles, making it an ideal exercise for people with conditions such as arthritis or chronic pain.
The buoyancy of the water also helps to improve balance and stability, while the resistance of the water provides a gentle workout for the muscles.
One of the key aspects of Ai Chi is its emphasis on mindfulness and relaxation.
The slow, flowing movements are designed to promote a sense of calm and reduce stress and anxiety.
Participants are encouraged to focus on their breath and the sensations in their body, allowing them to connect with their physical and emotional state.
This can be particularly beneficial for people who struggle with chronic pain, anxiety, or depression.
Another benefit of Ai Chi is its potential to improve cardiovascular health. The deep breathing techniques and gentle movements can help to lower blood pressure and improve circulation, which in turn can reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke.
Ai Chi has also been shown to improve lung function and increase oxygen uptake, making it an effective exercise for people with respiratory conditions.
Ai Chi is a versatile exercise that can be adapted to suit people of all ages and fitness levels.
The movements can be modified to be more or less challenging, and the water provides a low-impact workout that is gentler on the joints than traditional land-based exercises.
Ai Chi can also be practiced in a group or individually, making it a flexible and convenient exercise option.
With its emphasis on mindfulness, relaxation, and cardiovascular health, Ai Chi has become a popular exercise option for people of all ages and fitness levels.
Whether you are looking to improve your balance and stability, reduce stress and anxiety, or simply enjoy the benefits of a gentle workout, Ai Chi may be a great option to consider.
What is aqua yoga water healing?
One of the newest types of water healing therapies that is gaining popularity is aqua yoga.
As the name suggests, it is a combination of yoga and water activities.
It involves practising yoga poses and breathing exercises in a swimming pool, often in a shallow section of the pool where the feet can touch the bottom.
Aqua yoga can be enjoyed by anyone, regardless of their age, fitness level, or swimming ability.
The main benefit of aqua yoga is the therapeutic effect of being in the water.
As with most types of water healing therapies, the buoyancy of the water helps to reduce the impact on joints. This makes it a great option for those who may have difficulty with traditional yoga on land.
The resistance provided by the water also adds an element of strength training to the workout, making it a full-body workout that can help to build muscle and improve cardiovascular health.
One of the unique aspects of aqua yoga is the use of props such as pool noodles and floating mats.
These props are used to support the body in certain yoga poses, which helps to deepen the stretch and improve balance.
The use of props can also make the practice more accessible to those who may have physical limitations.
When practising aqua yoga, it is important to wear appropriate swimwear and bring a towel and water bottle.
It is also recommended to start with a beginner class to learn proper form and technique. Aqua yoga classes are offered at many gyms and community centres, or can be found online through instructional videos.
With its many benefits, it is worth considering aqua yoga as a part of your fitness routine, whether you are a seasoned yogi or a beginner looking for a new way to stay active and healthy.
