Watsu floating water massage, is based on the principles of Zen Shiatsu.  The warm water of the Golden Door’s Watsu pool, is the ideal medium for the gentle stretches and point work of Watsu.  The support of the water takes weight off the vertebrae and allows the spine to be moved in healing ways impossible on land. 

What happens during a Watsu session?  A Watsu massage is based on the therapeutic principles of warm water and Shiatsu massage by incorporating gentle twists, stretches and pressure point work into the massage.  The person receiving Watsu is stretched and floated in the water while the therapist uses the weight of the guest’s body to perform Shiatsu pressure point work.  The continual support that warm water can provide is ideal for allowing the spine to become free.  The water makes vertebrae weightless and allows the muscles to completely relax.  The combination of water resistance, buoyancy and a weightless environment make a Watsu massage a truly multi-dimensional experience. 

The benefits of Watsu include:

• Deep relaxation
• Strengthening of muscles and increased flexibility
• Increase blood circulation and decreased muscle spasms
• Pain control

 Watsu will benefit those guests with:

• Fibromyalgia and Arthritis
• Neurological disorders and orthopedic dysfunctions
• Chronic and general aches and pains
• Sleep disorders and stress related challenges

 After you step into the warm Watsu pool (about 98 degrees, body temperature) your therapist will give you a few simple instructions.  With your eyes closed and your ears submerged (ear plugs provided), you will be floated in blissful silence.  Throughout the session, the therapist will connect with your breath, being sensitive to your individual rhythm and response.  You will experience stretches and deep point work.  All of these movements will blend into one, deep, healing dance of relaxation!

 The results of a Watsu session … Watsu brings relaxation to the body, mind and spirit.  Guests can experience heightened awareness even when reduced oxygen requirements in the weightless water environment help calm respiration and achieve great relaxation.  Watsu involves both letting go and a new awareness of what is means to be relaxed!  Just let go and enjoy the ride!