Watsu Therapy: Finding Perfect Relaxation on the Water

Are you looking for a way to deeply release tension in your body and mind amidst a busy daily life?

Watsu therapy, where you surrender your body to warm water and move gently with the flow, is an aquatic therapy that goes beyond simple healing to lead you toward recovery and emotional stability. By combining a state of weightless relaxation unattainable on land, water temperatures similar to body heat, and the delicate handling of professional therapists, you can escape from tension and fatigue.

In this article, we will explore the Watsu therapy offered at Chaum TheraSpa.

What is Watsu Therapy?

Watsu is an aquatic relaxation therapy that combines ‘Water’ and the traditional Japanese acupressure technique ‘Shiatsu’ (指圧). Conducted in warm water, a professional aqua trainer uses the water’s buoyancy to stably support the client’s body while gently moving joints and muscles, continuing natural and connected movements as if swimming through the water. Through this process, tension in stiff muscles is relieved, breathing stabilizes, and the body gradually reaches a comfortable state close to weightlessness. The relaxation and sense of security provided by Watsu therapy deepen when the water temperature and space configuration are in harmony.

Chaum features ‘Um,’ a dedicated Watsu pool designed to fully realize this experience. Inspired by the womb, Um’s streamlined structure, water temperature of approximately 37°C (similar to body heat), soft lighting, and calm meditation music work together to slowly lower the tension of the body and mind. When the delicate handling of a professional trainer is added, the body relaxes deeply through Watsu, leading to a profound healing experience where physical recovery and emotional stability occur simultaneously.

Effects of Watsu Therapy

Watsu therapy is a full-body stretching therapy in a weightless state using buoyancy and the physiological relaxation effects of warm water. Warm water (34–37°C) dilates blood vessels to facilitate smooth blood and lymph circulation and helps the body feel comfortable by naturally lowering tension. Additionally, buoyancy in the water minimizes the effects of gravity, allowing for a wide range of joint motion. It is particularly effective for relaxing tension around the spine and relieving joint pain. The process of surrendering the body to the trainer’s gentle handling and the flow of water increases psychological security, helping to alleviate tension and anxiety. Actual international research reports that Watsu therapy, which moves based on buoyancy in a warm aquatic environment, improves quality of life in various aspects, including pain reduction, physical tension relief, increased mobility and flexibility, and improved sleep quality and emotional stability1).

1) Schitter, A. M., Rausch, M., Huber, M., & Diermayr, G. (2022). Application areas and effects of aquatic therapy WATSU® – A survey among practitioners. Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies, 30, 169-177.

Who is Watsu Therapy Recommended For?

Watsu therapy is a great help not only for rehabilitation patients but also for modern individuals experiencing daily discomforts such as insomnia, chronic tension, and muscle knots. Watsu therapy gently relaxes even the deep layers of muscle that endure daily stress, gravity, and tension. On days when your body feels heavy, when tension won’t easily release, or when you need peace of mind, we hope you enjoy a moment of true healing while experiencing time flowing slowly on this warm water.

Chaum TheraSpa’s Watsu therapy offers true rest to those exhausted by busy daily lives. Empty your mind for a moment and let your body follow the flow on the water. We hope you regain deep rest and vitality through the various programs offered at Chaum TheraSpa.

>> View Watsu Therapy Review (Avenuel November Issue)

- Source: Avenuel November Issue. https://zrr.kr/cKiFur. EDITOR Lee Young-jin

Inquiries

Chaum TheraSpa 02-3015-5460~1 | 3rd Floor, Chaum, 442 Dosan-daero, Gangnam-gu, Seoul