Aquatic Bodywork
Aquatic Bodywork in a Warm-Water Pool
Explore forms of movement therapy in Courage Center’s warm-water pools. Experience stretch, massage and relaxation for your mind and body aided by trained aquatic therapists. Our programs integrate the best in therapy with mind-body principles such as breath control to invite healing and positive body changes. Two rates are available, one for certified practitioners and another, lower cost option with trained staff.
Aquatic Bodywork Descriptions
Watsu – (founder, Harold Dull), a form of aquatic therapy that quiets the mind, relaxes the body, and opens the heart. A combination of yoga-like stretches, massage, joint mobilization, shiatsu and dance carried out in warm water. The relatively weightless environment of the water allows for fluid dance-like movements that free the body and assist the receiver in relaxing deeply.
Watsu is akin to floating safely in a place of warm, nurturing peace. A serene surrounding creates “instant meditation,” freeing the spine and soothing tired, aching muscles. Joints are fed through gentle articulations created by water currents, resistance and trained practitioner guidance. Watsu provides the body with the deep rest required for rejuvenation and healing. Movement and stillness dance in harmony with the breath as the receiver is invited to completely let go.
Watsu is a unique form of aquatic bodywork with a range of therapeutic benefits and potential for healing on many levels. View Watsu video on YouTube.
Aquatic Integration - (Adaptive Watsu, founder Cameron West), an approach to warm-water therapy that combines:
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Eastern pressure point techniques, which invite healing change in the body's natural engery paths through myofascial release (a stretch or release in the connective tissue which houses all the organs and muscular/skeletal components in the body)
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Realignment of muscle holding patterns
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Breath work.
Highly effective in restoring sensory perception and motor control as well as increasing range of motion and reducing muscular spasticity; a tool for pain management. Inspired by Watsu, Jahara and Waterdance, Aquatic Integration can be used as a technique for full treatment, or with another passive bodywork technique.
Healing Dance – (innovated by Alexander Goeorgeakopoulos), influenced by ballet, Trager Work, and the interaction of body and water with movement, Healing Dance houses three dimensionality and spaciousness in a flowing and dancing version of Watsu.
The practitioner establishes a rhythmic field through breath, movement and state of mind. Movement is intermixed with restful pauses to allow for integration. Healing Dance can be understood as a silent music, consisting of impulses of pressure, touch, and movements upon the body’s perception of its own position in space. Blocked energies are opened up by these changes of the body’s position in the water through waves, spirals, figure 8s and releases. The essence is flow, freedom and lightness.
Contacts:
763.520.0375 or 651.439.8283
PoolServices@CourageCenter.org
Aquatic Bodywork Golden Valley Staff Bios
Aquatic Bodywork St. Croix Staff Bios