| Massage is the practice of applying structured or | | | | tranquility. Massage is also relaxing, but when it joins |
| unstructured pressure, tension, motion, or vibration - | | | | forces with water the effect can be profound. Hence |
| manually or with mechanical aids. Zen massage | | | | the birth of Watsu, a combination of the words water |
| incorporates a variety of techniques inspired by | | | | and shiatsu it was invented by a Zen Shiatsu therapist |
| eastern philosophies to create a seamless, effortless, | | | | named Harold Dull in the early 1980's. |
| relaxation experience. The Zen principle is based on | | | | It combines the major principles of shiatsu: relaxation, |
| relaxation, relief of tension and acupressure. | | | | relief of tension and acupressure, though it is not a |
| Shiatsu Massage | | | | traditional shiatsu method. Many of the movements |
| Shaiatsu is the Japanese equivalent of the Chinese | | | | used in Watsu are similar to those seen in other water |
| method of acupressure. It is derived from the | | | | exercises or water ballet. |
| Japanese words "shi" and "atsu," meaning "finger | | | | Watsu massage is performed in chest-high |
| pressure. It is a finger pressure massage technique. | | | | body-temperature or warm water. The therapist |
| The therapist applies pressure with his thumbs, finger, | | | | guides the client through a series of dance like |
| and palms to specific areas of the client's body that | | | | movements while using Zen shiatsu techniques in order |
| need to be healed. | | | | to release obstructions in the body's meridians. The |
| Shiatsu massage, sometimes called Zen shiatsu, unifies | | | | therapist is able to rotate, flex and move muscles in |
| spiritual, philosophical, and medical aspects of the body. | | | | ways that are not possible on a massage table, which |
| According to shiatsu energy, qi or chi circulates along | | | | results in a fuller, more relaxing massage. The water |
| channels called meridians. When it is freely flowing, chi | | | | allows for freedom of the spinal vertebrae, wide |
| brings fresh, strong energy and carries away toxins. | | | | rotation of the joints and maximum elongation of the |
| Blocked or diverted chi must be cleared and restored | | | | muscles. Breathing patterns are also included heighten |
| otherwise the body falls prey to disease. Pressure | | | | the sense of self awareness. |
| points lie along fourteen meridians running the length of | | | | Watsu can be done by anyone, Children, teenagers, |
| the body. The therapist gently but firmly applies | | | | middle age and the elderly. The calming, fluid surface |
| pressure using, knuckles, thumbs, palms, toes, feet, | | | | of water alleviates pressures and relaxes and soothes |
| knees, and elbows. Shiatsu involves deep breathing, | | | | the mind, body and soul. The entire point of Water |
| rotating and stretching your joints, as well as | | | | Shiatsu - Watsu - is to free the mind from everyday |
| manipulating pressure points. | | | | stress. |
| Shaitsu is believed to alleviate disorders such as | | | | Be it the Shaitsu massage or the Watsu massages, |
| depression, anxiety, nausea, stiffness, headaches, | | | | both are great methods of achieving health and |
| arthritis, cramps, or pulled muscles. It can be practiced | | | | relaxation. They help you attain tranquility and peace in |
| on people of all ages. | | | | today's fast paced world and take introduce you to |
| Water Massage - Watsu | | | | the harmonious world of Zen. |
| Water is a symbol of relaxation and peace and | | | | |