Mélanie Dubois
DemoCabinet Mélanie Dubois
- 5.0(2)
- Delémont
- Languages: fr · en · de
Aquatic bodywork (Watsu)Classical massageMedical massage
EGK therapist register
- Price
- CHF 63–135
Aquatic bodywork (Watsu)
In aquatic bodywork you lie in water at around 35 degrees while the therapist holds you, moves you gently, stretches and rocks you. The best-known form is Watsu (water shiatsu); in other forms some of the work also takes place under water. The warm water carries your body weight, which many people find very relaxing.
- therapists
- 2
- session length
- 60–90 min
Therascout does not diagnose. Have new, severe or persistent complaints checked by a doctor first. Emergency: 144
Origin and approach
Watsu was developed in the 1980s in California by the American Harold Dull, who brought stretches and pressure points from Zen Shiatsu into warm water. The idea is that buoyancy and warmth take the load off muscles and joints, and the passive movements allow deep relaxation. Research is limited to a few small studies, for example on chronic pain.
What a session is like
Length: 60–90 min- First, you talk about how you are, your health and how comfortable you feel in water.
- In the warm pool, roughly chest-deep, you lie on your back, often with floats on your legs; the therapist supports your head and body.
- Slow, flowing movements, stretches and rocking follow; your ears are usually under water, so it becomes quiet.
- Afterwards, you rest and talk about the experience if you wish.
Aquatic bodywork (Watsu): what is it used for?
- Stress and inner tension.
- Muscle tension.
- Chronic pain, for example with fibromyalgia; there are only a few small studies on this.
- Reduced mobility, when moving on land is difficult; some rehabilitation clinics use it as an add-on.
How well is the effect supported?
Complaints for which this method is commonly used, sorted by the state of research. The rating shows how well the effect is supported, not whether it will help you.
What do the dots mean?How to read the rating
- Established
- recommended in guidelines, well studied
- Some evidence
- effect shown in studies, with limitations
- Limited evidence
- few or weak studies
- Traditional use
- used, but hardly studied
The rating covers the research, not the therapist.
- Limited evidence
Chronic pain
- Traditional use
Muscle tension
- Traditional use
Stress
Therapists: Aquatic bodywork (Watsu)
Costs and health insurance
- Basic insurance
- usually not.
- Supplementary insurance
- often 50–80% with EMR- or ASCA-recognised therapists, often up to an annual maximum.
- Your insurer
- Each profile shows which insurers recognise the therapist.
- Price per session
- Practices set their own prices; you can see them in each profile.
Good to know
- You do not need to be able to swim, but say if you are afraid of water.
- With open wounds, infections, incontinence, epilepsy or heart and circulation problems, check with a doctor first whether treatment is possible; warm water can lower blood pressure.
- Deep relaxation can also bring up feelings; often 3 to 10 sessions are held.
Training and recognition in Switzerland
Aquatic bodywork is learned in private training; there is no state-regulated qualification. Basic insurance does not pay for it; some supplementary insurers contribute, usually only with EMR or ASCA registration for this method.