Watsu® is a passive form of aquatic bodywork. One is supported and gently carried through warm water with graceful, fluid movements. It promotes a deep state of relaxation with dramatic changes in the autonomic nervous system. Watsu has profound effects on the neuromuscular system, influencing healing on many levels. It is used for a variety of conditions including arthritis, Fibromyalgia, chronic pain, Parkinson's, stress, pregnancy and for post rehabilitative populations of all ages. Athletes, yoga practitioners and body workers also benefit significantly from Watsu. It reduces stress and increases flexibility. Although incredibly gently and sublte, watsu is considered to be one of the most powerful forms of bodywork of our time.

Watsu is based on stretching, which strengthens muscle and increases flexibility. Warm water, which many associate with the body's deepest states of waking relaxation, is the ideal medium. The support of water takes weight off the vertebrae and allows the spine to be moved in ways impossible on land. Gentle, gradual twists and pulls relieve the pressure a rigid spine places on nerves and helps undo dysfunction this pressure may cause to organs serviced by these nerves. The Watsu receiver experiences this greater flexibility and freedom.

Offered in many physical therapy clinics throughout the world (Watsu is in 40 countries), this modality is also used by massage therapists. For more information about Watsu, please see the rest of this website, www.watsu.com and the website for the Worldwide Aquatic Bodywork Association, www.waba.edu. Please call Keo Opton at 352-870-9800 with any questions you may have. A ten minute preview DVD showing of an introduction to Watsu is also available upon request.

• Decreased Heart Rate
• Decreased Rate of Respiration
• Increased Depth of Respiration
• Increased Smooth Muscle Activity (digestion)
• Decreased Reticular Activating System Activity

• Decreased Activation of Striated Muscles (Skeletal)
• Decreased Spasticity
• Decreased Muscle Spasm
• Increased Peripheral Vasodilation
• Enhanced Immune System Response