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Writer's pictureDiana Cheng

Exploring Aquatic Therapy: The Intriguing Science of Water Spa

Updated: Mar 5

Water has long been recognized for its therapeutic properties, offering a unique environment for healing and relaxation. Aqua therapy, also known as water spa therapy, harnesses the power of water to promote physical and mental well-being. This form of therapy utilizes the properties of water, such as buoyancy, hydrostatic pressure, and fluidity, to create a nurturing environment that can benefit people of a wide range of ages and physical conditions.


As we delve deeper into the science behind water spa therapy, we will explore how these properties interact to create a healing environment unlike any other.


A Watsu practitioner doing aqua therapy for a woman on a water spa, relieving migraine headache
Water Spa therapy allows receiver to be treated in the most relaxed position.

Buoyancy of Water


Firstly, water is buoyant, which means that it helps to support the body's weight. This can be especially beneficial for individuals with joint pain, compressed spine, or mobility issues simply from the constant need to fight gravity.


Buoyancy of water reduces the strain on their muscles and joints. Without the need to bear your own body weight, water allows for greater freedom of movement, making it easier to perform exercises and stretches possible to start moving before you can bear your own body weight, after hip, knee, or ankle surgeries.


Being weightless in the water can take off the pressure and provide relief for people with back pain, especially during pregnancy. Many of my pregnant clients told me that getting floated in the water is the only time that they don't feel pregnant - a much-needed break for their back pain!



Fluidity of Water


The warm water and gentle movements of Watsu embody the fluidity of water, a property that teaches us to let go. Water never fights back; it flows around obstacles effortlessly. When the body senses this lack of hard resistance, it realizes it has been tensing up for no reason and can finally let go.


This sensation can be very awakening for people with tension/pain that is generated subconsciously by stress, from work/school, relationships, etc. As the receivers of aqua therapy flow through the water, with no gravity and nothing to fight, they learn that there is no point in tensing up. They learn to be fluid and soft like water. This is a beautiful state of surrendering from the body, which teaches the mind to let go of control.


When the mind finally let go of control, the whole body softens. The receiver of Watsu moves like a seaweed at the end of the session. More importantly, their mind is also more adaptive and open to possibilities. I have a few clients who have no physical or mental conditions. They come to my pool to "think clearly" and become more "creative". They come to learn from the water, and learn from themselves!


Hydrostatic Pressure of Water


The hydrostatic pressure of water is like an unconditional, yet gentle hug from all directions, providing a sense of safety and support no matter what position you are in. This can be especially comforting for people with physical disabilities or lack of physical touch in their past or current life. The touch from backflow of warm water is one of the most acceptable forms of physical touch. It feels just like you are back in your mother's womb.


This unconditional support from water, allows Watsu receivers to move freely in the water and experience a sense of freedom - a basic human need that we rarely get in our daily lives!


Discover the Magic of Watsu Therapy with Diana


Thanks to its unique properties of water, Watsu therapy creates an environment that deeply relaxes both body and mind. The warmth and gentle movements in this therapy help you experience profound relaxation and healing.


The buoyancy of the water reduces joint and muscle strain, making movement easier and more comfortable. This can be particularly beneficial for those with conditions like arthritis or fibromyalgia. Additionally, the fluidity of water teaches you to let go and relax, promoting peace and well-being. The hydrostatic pressure of the water provides gentle, all-encompassing support, which can be incredibly comforting, especially for those with physical limitations.


In conclusion, Watsu therapy offers a unique and profound way to relax and heal. If you're looking for a holistic approach to well-being, consider trying Watsu therapy with Diana Cheng. Experience the magic of water therapy and discover a new level of relaxation and healing.





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