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