Imagine floating in a warm pool of chest deep water. You are being held, floated, gently stretched, and massaged. You move with the rhythm of your breath as the warm water allows you to open to deeper states of relaxation. Your tension melts, stress reduces, and pain is released. What are you experiencing? A Watsu® Massage.

Watsu® (or Water Shiatsu) is a form of water hydrotherapy massage which integrates the healing qualities of water with stretches, acupressure, and cranio-sacral manipulation. Each session is not only a massage, but a profound experience that promotes healing “shifts” on the physical, emotional and spiritual levels.

While in the water,  your body is able to move in ways that are impossible on land. This deeply relaxing and healing treatments is offered at Glen Ivy Hot Springs and is performed by two of our specially trained Watsu® practitioners, Carla and Lori. Today they shared their journey into the world of Watsu® and why it’s such a unique experience that everyone should try:

Lori: “I originally got into massage after I had met three amazing massage therapists and energy workers who came in and worked with my daughter and other kids at CHOC Hospital while she was undergoing treatment for leukemia. I could see the positive difference in the way their pain was eased, moods uplifted, and in general as it helped them to relax.

It impacted and touched me so deeply that after my daughter’s passing, I decided I wanted to give back; so I went to massage school and have continued to study many different forms of bodywork including  yoga and natural health practices, and have also gone on to become a Certified Holistic Health Coach. I am now in my 19th year of doing massage therapy.

A few years after I had been doing massage, I was working at a place that rented videos of different styles of bodywork and I saw this video called “Watsu®” and I thought “What is that?” I took it home and watched it and my heart started racing and tears flowed down my face and I just knew I HAD to practice this!

The first time I experienced Watsu®, when I finally opened my eyes after an hour and a half session, my Mom had tears flowing down her face and she said she had never seen me so relaxed and beautiful. I felt like I had been reborn. I was so relaxed and at peace. I went for my training six months after and it is the most amazing bodywork I have even encountered. It is so healing and transformative.”

Carla: “I have been a massage therapist for eleven years now. When Watsu® was brought into our Glen Ivy Hot Springs location I immediately tried it out. It was so heavenly and amazing that I was researching that very same night where I could go to study it. I wanted to be able to help people achieve the profound sense of relaxation and joy that my Watsu® experience had given me. Now I am a Watsu® practitioner here at Glen Ivy Hot Springs and going on my second season. I love seeing the look on people’s faces after their sessions and I am moved by how much they benefit from a session.

The  healing qualities of the warm water seem to magnify the benefits of body work. Each session is a unique experience tailored to what your practitioner senses in your body that day.

I hope more people will take advantage of the wonderful healing on both the physical and emotional levels that Watsu® can offer.”

Here is what guests are saying about their Watsu® experiences:

“The most profound massage I have ever had the joy to experience. I don’t have the words to express–colors are brighter, the air is sweeter. Thank you.” K.S

“This was the most unique massage experience. It was instantly relaxing and comforting. I was transported to another world that is filled with love and joy. I will definitely do Watsu® again! It was so enjoyable. Amazing! Thank you so much.” E.S

“Carla, you make this treatment beautiful. Thank you!.” J.T

Interested in booking a Watsu® Massage experience? Call 888-GLEN IVY to book your appointment now!