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WATSU - WATer shiatSU Prime benefits to patients and staff A primary goal of much post operative or post injury care is to reunify the elements of the body's internal poise. The requirement is to remove tension and pain, and to return the body to productive harmony. WATSU is a profoundly relaxing aquatic movement therapy where the emphasis is upon stretching and freeing the body in a warm and comforting water environment. The word WATSU derives from Water Shiatsu. The technique is based upon Zen Shiatsu, and is an effective way of mobilizing "CHI", the body's life force, through the " meridians", which in Oriental systems, are its paths of energy. WATSU is equally helpful for the many hospital workers, both medical and non-medical, who are under so many pressures in today's NHS that stress, anxiety, poor breathing and sleeping patterns can each take their toll and reduce effectiveness. WATSU works for them too. Body-temperature water is an ideal medium for freeing energy. The lightness of the body in water allows the practitioner to float the receiver, to free the spinal vertebrae, to articulate joints and elongate muscles in ways that are not possible on land. These rhythmic and dance-like movements are performed in harmony with the breath to inspire the natural regeneration of mind, body and spirit. One feature of Watsu that makes it more effective than other forms of bodywork is the potency of being held closely and non-sexually. This is more easily accepted in water, and can heal deep wounds of mistrust and separation. Watsu connects us to something beyond the purely physical. This therapeutic environment permits deep feelings of nurture and security, leading to a profound and holistic bodywork experience like no other. Physiotherapists, Massage Therapists and other bodyworkers use Watsu all over the world because of Watsu's clinically proven benefits:
WATSU WORKS! Rachel Lewis, Rheumatology Superintendent of Physiotherapists at Southmead Hospital, N. Bristol says: "Since our first Basic Watsu Training in January 2001, our ankylosing spondilitis A/S patients speak of little else. They get great benefit from the deep relaxation, and comment that they sleep extremely well, which is very important in clinical conditions. Our metrology shows tremendous improvement in their range of motion and posture. We have also used Watsu with patients who are in chronic pain. Our staff are requesting Watsu for stress relief." Jacqueline Pattman, who attended the Bristol course, introduced Basic Watsu Training in January 2002 at The Princess Royal Hospital in Haywards Heath, Sussex. She too endorses Watsu's benefits: "I first experienced Watsu on a Hydrotherapy HACP study day when I was quick enough to change to be a model for Hilary's demonstration. Even with a crowd of people watching I completely relaxed, felt entirely safe and extremely free. Further to this I attended a W/E introductory Watsu Course, which highlighted the precision and skill required in this unique water work. I started to practice Watsu on my colleagues. They noticed immediate physical and mental benefits. In my clinical practice, as a Hydrotherapist, I have practiced Watsu on a variety of patients with excellent effects. The types of conditions that have benefited are:
· Cerebral Palsy It has also proved very popular with the STAFF within the department for STRESS RELIEF and other stress related complaints. In my experience, Watsu can complement traditional techniques and is an extremely useful tool in today's stressful living." Do Heath, Physiotherapist, Teddington, Middx, says: "Firstly I have to say I have had a lot of success with the 'bits' of Watsu I do. I have had a few patients recovering or terminally ill with cancer and very debilitated and were desperate to get in the water. I obviously cannot do much in the way of physio type treatments. They have just adored even the little bit of Watsu I have been able to give them....... then they go back to the clinic and I am inundated with referrals.!! Also with my neuro patients- varying from tetraplegic, MS , Parkinsons, strokes - the hip and knee extension stretches (on the side) are particularly good-- and they say it is such a good feeling. It is difficult to get any largish (!) patient in a comfortable position to get both hip and knee stretched backwards on land. The concertina and straighten out is also great.... even though many or these people are sitting in wheelchairs the full flexion into extention is lovely, then of course the 'sea weeding' which we do anyway but it is better to do it without any neck floats. If I get a chance I always try and sneak a bit more of the sequence in and the relaxation is fantastic for all of the neuro patients. As I am sure you appreciate, many of them live very stressful lives continually battling with everyday activities and for 'equality' in all their dealings with bureaucracy. The water is a beautiful place for them to be and as I too am in a costume the whole experience is a great leveller." June 2009 BASIC WATSU TRAINING PROGRAMME Hilary Austin provides a 16 hour programme that lasts 2 days and is based in the hospital's own pool. The major elements of the training are:
·Watsu's basic moves and positions taught as a sequence Hilary says: "This foundational programme grounds us in our presence with another, in our connected breathing, in our surrender to the water. We learn a simple but complete sequence, which can be practiced with family and friends. The therapist can return to the elements of the course, as one would with yoga or tai chi, and it can be a solid basis for further advanced training."
STUDENT REQUIREMENTS
·Preferably previous bodywork experience VENUE REQUIREMENT
A pool that can sustain 34o C. and is about 1:2 m deep. COST for the 16 hour training 1. Tuition Fee of £190 per person [minimum 4, maximum 6 persons]
[STUDENT NOTES ARE PROVIDED] To organize dates for your programme: | ||
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