What is Watsu®?

New Flexibility and Freedom

Watsu® is Aquatic Shiatsu. Shiatsu is a form of Japanese bodywork based on concepts in traditional Chinese medicine such as the use of chi meridians. Harold Dull developed this combination of using principles of Shiatsu in warm water with the receiver floating on their back. Warm water, and the continuous support it provides, is ideal for freeing the spine. It takes the weight off the vertebrae and relaxes the muscles. The support from the water allows the body to be stretched and moved in ways impossible on land. A new flexibility and freedom is possible in the water.

Moving with the Breath

A main principle of Shiatsu is connecting with the breath. This takes on a new dimension in Watsu®. I breath with you and sink into your unique rhythm. Holding and supporting you, I move with your breath and allow the water to do the work. I follow your breath and the stretches and movements come from that connection. When movements coincide with your breath the nervous system calms and a deeper relaxation is attained.

A Safe Space

I am not doing something to you. I am meeting you, then moving with you and the water (our silent partner). I am offering you to the water and getting out of the way for the magic to happen. You are welcome here and it is my intention to make everyone feel safe and welcome.

Photos

Pricing

Sessions are $155/hr. I offer 60 and 90 min sessions. To avoid a 50% cancellation fee, cancel at least 24 hours in advance. I take cash, Venmo, Zelle, and PayPal.

Gift Certificates are available upon request.

Package Deal

Prepay for 3 sessions and get 10% off.

Book Now

What to Expect

Sessions are held in an indoor, private, 96°, saltwater, therapy pool. There are 3 different pools I use. One is in Lakewood, CO (8 miles west of Denver), one is in Boulder, CO, and the other is in Longmont, CO.
Plan on an extra 15-20 minutes after your scheduled appointment to allow time for changing and talking.
I ask about injuries, expectations, health issues etc. at the beginning of the session before we get into the pool. I also give some further information and instructions before we start.
There is a space to change into your swimsuit and a shower at all locations. Please bring your own towel, toiletries, and water bottle.
There is a wide pool ladder to enter the pool at the Longmont and Lakewood locations. (If using a ladder is not possible for you the Longmont pool also has a lift.) The Boulder pool is down 3 steps with a railing.
I will put floats on your legs to help support you and I will be supporting your head above water the entire time. (In Watsu® the head stays above water the whole time. I am also trained in underwater modalities so if that's something that interests you please let me know.)
Your ears will be in the water. Earplugs are available if you'd like.
There will be moments of stillness. Watsu® includes massage, pressure points, still holds, stretches, lifts, and rolls. You are on your back or side for most of the session and you do not have to help me. You can just breath and relax and I will take care of the rest.