Aquatic Bodywork is also known as Watsu which is an evolution of Zen Shiatsu, which takes the massage practice in warm water.
People can experience the sessions as being profoundly relaxing. The immersive experience in the water gently supports your movement and takes you to the limits of your flexibility. It has been described as a guided meditation in the water, which can take people on a journey.
An Aquatic Bodywork session consists of a sequence of graceful, subtle, yet fluid and dynamic movements guided by a trained practitioner. You will be floating in chest deep water of a heated pool.
After floating on the surface, when you are ready and tuned in with your breathing rhythm, you are gently submerged. You will access 360 degrees of complete freedom, without the constraint of gravity.
Aquatic Bodywork combines the powerful therapeutic benefits of weightlessness in warm water with fluid movements, gentle stretches, rotations and massage. In water, our body weight is reduced, this allows a skilled therapist to float you effortlessly, subtly amplifying your movements, and assisting in releasing rigidity and stiffness.
There are many benefits like improved posture, reduced back pain, relaxed muscles, mobilised joints, deepened breathing, lowered stress and decreased anxiety.
Aquatic Bodywork is often recommended for people suffering from Parkinson’s disease, Fibromyalgia, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and sports rehabilitation. Pregnant women, overweight people or people with reduced mobility have also benefited.
The hydrostatic properties of the water, or the pressure the aquatic medium exerts on a body, have been shown to help increase superficial circulation and lymphatic function, reducing swelling and pain sensation.
You do not have to be a swimmer to participate in or benefit from hydrotherapy. No previous experience is required. In fact, Aquatic Bodywork has been shown to help overcome deeply rooted fears of water by carefully guiding into a safe environment. It is suitable for all ages and abilities.
How did you feel before treatment?
I was stressed and had a lot on my mind.
Any expectations?
I was hoping that I would get a little bit of me time and just turn off for a while.
Any questions?
I did not really have any questions going into the session I wanted to let myself have a surprise.
Any intentions?
I guess my intentions were to just enjoy the moment, not think about what comes next and just give myself into your hands for you to do your thing to float me and guide me.
What was your experience like?
As soon as I started to float and the pillow was under my head to support me I felt myself getting into a very deep relaxed state and there where times where I did not feel the water at all it might sound strange but I felt like I was floating in the air.
Did you stay in your body or mind in the session?
Throughout the session, I felt an embodied experience most of the time being in my body and sensing every movement, on occasion I did feel like going into my mind.
How are you feeling after treatment?
Straight after the session, I felt truly relaxed and I had the best sleep I have had in a very long time! The next day I had a lot of energy which was nice.
How would you describe your session?
I think the way you described it – as being profoundly relaxing with the immersive experience in the water gently supports your movement and takes you to the limits of your flexibility. It is like a guided meditation in the water, which can take people on a journey – certainly did ring true to me and I enjoyed experienced my very own journey letting go and just live for this moment in time.
Would you be interested in a follow up?
Yes, I would consider booking a follow up session and recommend people regular monthly sessions to top up their happy cup and deepen their relaxed state of mind.
How was the pool?
The minute I stepped into the pool I felt once with the water the warm 35 degree temperature of the water was very enjoyable.
How was therapist?
Helena asked me if I had any questions, she introduced me to the treatment steps, put on the infinity light and relaxing music, and burned incense Santo Pelo wood. We spoke about my buoyancy and tried various floats and a pillow to support my head, back and legs. She was very gentle with everything she did at the session.
How was quality of touch?
The touch varied from gliding through the water with very subtle help of her hands to various slow stretches and more refined massages.
Would you recommend it to people?
I think it is a great session to experience and I would and actually already told some friends about my experience and what it involved.
Who do you think maybe interested?
This Hypotherapy session really is for everyone from teenagers to grandparents I think Helena has the personal touch to make it enjoyable for any age group. She most certainly knows when exactly which movement is required and is very much in the flow.
What did you get out of your treatment?
My session made me realise that I have to listen more to my body and switch off, out the phone to one side more often and maybe go for a walk or read a book. I feel like especially with being a parent its hard to switch off and just do something nice for yourself for a change!
Do you think it is a good treatment for parents?
I think its a great treatment for any parents or carer especially because nowadays in our lives we are so busy and do forget to just do something nice for ourself to fill up some well needed energy again.
What do you think people may want to know about this treatment to book?
The treatment is a mixture between a massage, flotation and gentle stretches truly something you have not experience before and most certainly relaxing.
Is it accessible?
As you mentioned you do not even have to be a swimmer to participate in a session which I think is fantastic and might also help non swimmers to take away the fear of being in the water if that is something they are struggling with alongside your help and the secureness of the pillow and leg pillows I think every non swimmer would feel very secure!
Is it affordable?
The session is £115 which I think is a great treat because it is a very special session which would be make a perfect gift to any Mum, Dad or even Carer to give them an hour of relaxation.
Broadstone Physiotherapy & Aqua Therapy
Treatments: Tuesdays 18:30-20:30 and Saturdays 13:00-15:00
Address: 24, Story Lane, Broadstone, BH18 8EQ, Dorset
Phone: 01202 693199
Book treatment email: info@heaquatics.com
Price: 60 minutes £115
SenSpa, Careys Manor Hotel
Treatments: Mondays and Fridays 7:15-10:15 am
Address: Carey’s Manor Hotel, Lyndhurst Road, Brockenhurst, New Forrest, SO42 7QH, Hampshire
Phone: 01590 624467
Book treatment email: relax@senspa.co.uk
Price: 60 minutes £125
You can find out more info about HE Aquatics on their website heaquatics.com or follow them on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for their latest news.
Disclaimer: BCP Mumbler was invited to try out a Hydrotherapy Session in exchange for a review, but all thoughts and opinions are our own.
