This work is all about creating and deepening a sense of trust. The skin-temperature water facilitates an altered perception of our sense of boundaries--where the skin ends and the water begins.  The conditions in the pool provide for a deeply relaxing state, allowing the receiver to more fully accept the nurturing sensations of the session.  Many people fall asleep during Aquatic Massage sessions. 

In an Aquatic Massage session, the receiver floats with their nose above water the entire time. As the body moves, the water's resistance provides a gentle stretch and after some time the limbs begin to move like seaweed gliding with the ocean's currents. This gentle movement and the lack of gravity allow the muscles to release around the spine. The three-dimensional access to passive stretching and body movement is made possible because of the buoyancy water creates.

There are many reasons for body movements to become restricted and painful. Over time, the body learns to guard against unpleasant stimuli (such as painful movement) by tightening specific muscles.  This becomes a frustrating cycle of continual restriction and pain that can even cause the breath to become shallow. Aquatic massage can be an effective tool for creating new patterns of sensory awareness. As the body is released, movements can be softer and smoother.  Experiencing these subtle, pleasurable sensations creates a positive feedback loop, changing the neural pathways and increasing the sense of wellness in the body. The breath becomes fuller and smoother and excess tension dissipates and circulation is restored to the tissues.  A sense of ease comes over the recipient.

 Aquatic Massage and Watsu create ease, trust, and comfort in the body. These experiences allow more of the same...and happiness follows!

Gary Olsen

Aquatic Massage Therapist and Massage Therapist

Rocking the Body

rockingthebody@gmail.com