Faye Bradley
- Sep 21

What is Watsu Therapy? Everything You Need to Know About the Aquatic Wellness Treatment, According to an Expert

INTERVIEW

Watsu therapy, a unique fusion of water and shiatsu, has been captivating wellness seekers since the 1980s when it was popularised by Harold Dull at Harbin Springs. Now, resorts like JOALI BEING in the Maldives are reigniting interest with dedicated Watsu pools. We spoke with Anatolii Lohinov, the resort's Watsu specialist, to learn how this therapy is transforming relaxation and wellness.

All images are courtesy of JOALI BEING.

How would you describe the core principles of Watsu therapy, and how does it differ from other aquatic therapies?

Watsu is a form of bodywork in warm water that combines elements of Japanese Shiatsu massage, dance, and breathing techniques. The core principles of Watsu are:

Warm water - The inherent benefit of warm water helps to relax the muscles and improve blood circulation.
Shiatsu massage - This technique helps to balance the energy flow and re-energise the body.

The distinctive feature of Watsu is that it is passive, focuses on the needs of the receiver and includes elements of Japanese shiatsu massage and dance movements leading to deeper states of relaxation.

What are the primary physical and mental health benefits clients can expect from Watsu therapy?

Watsu offers several physical and mental health benefits. Physically, it promotes muscle relaxation, relieves tension and spasms, enhances flexibility and mobility through gentle stretches in warm water, alleviates pain, and improves circulation by dilating blood vessels. Mentally, Watsu reduces stress and anxiety, improves sleep quality, fosters emotional balance by achieving inner peace, and boosts mood and overall wellbeing through the release of endorphins. Overall, Watsu harmonises physical and mental processes, leading to a significant improvement in general wellbeing.

Can you share a particular experience where Watsu had a profound impact on a guest’s wellbeing?

In fact, there have been many such experiences throughout my practice at JOALI BEING. The most recent one that I can remember is about a guest who was suffering from chronic back pain and severe stress due to her busy schedule. She was skeptical about the effectiveness of Watsu but decided to try it on the recommendation of our consultants.

During the session, I focused on relaxing the muscles of the back and neck, using gentle stretches and smooth movements in warm water. Gradually the guest began to feel the release of tension and by the end of the session, she noticed a significant improvement in her condition. The back pain became less intense, her stress level dropped significantly, and she slept better. This experience once again proves that Watsu can be a powerful tool to improve physical and mental wellbeing.

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How do you tailor a Watsu session for individual clients with different needs or concerns?

The key steps in customising my Watsu sessions include an initial consultation where I discuss the guest's health status, concerns, and expectations to tailor the therapy accordingly. Based on this information, I develop an individualised session plan; for instance, soft flowing movements and deep relaxation techniques are beneficial for stress and anxiety, while techniques focused on muscle relaxation and spasm relief are more effective for pain management. After the session, I often offer recommendations or techniques for guests to continue at home to maintain the benefits.

Watsu involves a lot of trust between therapist and client. How do you establish that trust and make people feel comfortable in the water?

As a Watsu specialist, I recognise that trust is essential in every session. To foster this trust and ensure guests feel comfortable, I follow a clear process. First, I conduct an initial consultation to discuss their concerns and establish a foundation of trust. I then explain the session in detail, including the techniques I will use and their benefits, to help the guest feel prepared and confident. The session begins with soft, gradual movements, increasing in intensity as the guest becomes more at ease. I also create a calming atmosphere with soft lighting, soothing music, and warm water to enhance relaxation. Throughout, I maintain professionalism and empathy, demonstrating genuine care for their wellbeing.

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What inspired you to specialize in Watsu therapy, and how has your practice evolved since you began?

I was inspired to specialise in Watsu therapy because of its unique combination of relaxation, healing, and deep emotional impact. I was amazed at how warm water and gentle movements could create such a deep sense of peace and relief.

My practice began with an apprenticeship under an experienced Watsu master, Toru Ogasawara, from Japanese Okinawa Watsu Center. I completed several levels of training to master the techniques and understand how to adapt them to the different needs of my guests. JOALI BEING has helped me to evolve as I had the opportunity to work with guests who had various issues such as chronic pain, stress, and trauma.

For me, Watsu is not just a job, it is my passion. I am happy to see how this therapy helps people find harmony and improve their physical and emotional wellbeing. Every session for me is an opportunity to make someone’s day better, and this inspires me to continue to develop in this field.

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For someone completely new to Watsu, how would you recommend they prepare for their first session?

To prepare for their first Watsu session, I would recommend the following steps to our guests:

Clothing: Wear a comfortable swimsuit that will allow you to move freely. Sports swimsuits are best.
Hygiene: Shower before your session to remove any creams, oils, or lotions. This will help in keeping the water clean and enhance the experience of Watsu.
Relaxation: Try arriving a little early to give yourself time to relax and get ready.
Openness: Be prepared for a new experience as Watsu may feel unfamiliar at first but try to trust the process and relax.
Expectations: Watsu is a process, and its effects may be gradual, so don’t expect instant results. Just enjoy the process and experience its benefits.

Find out more about Watsu at JOALI BEING here

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