Amid the flow of movements, Osceola works on a few shiatsu pressure points to rid my muscles of any remaining tension. I lose track of time. I feel very, very good - as loose as laundry floating in the wash. Watsu is about more than relaxation. As with other massage therapies, anecdotal accounts of relief from chronic pain and other ailments are plentiful.
Pregnant women report that watsu rejuvenates their overtaxed lower backs.
Some clients find the experience to be cathartic and spiritual as well. Despite its popularity out West for nearly 20 years, watsu has only recently picked up momentum here. Not long ago, Craig Fossella of Candela day spa in Boston went for a watsu session at Healing Waters. He found the experience so relaxing that he couldn't be bothered to change back into his street clothes and drove home in his bathrobe instead. As a result, this November Candela became the first area spa to offer watsu.