In the realm of spa therapy, few experiences offer the level of surrender and serenity achieved through underwater massage. Sometimes referred to as Watsu, a combination of water and shiatsu, underwater massage is performed in warm water and combines massage, stretching, and joint mobilization techniques to impart relaxation and health benefits to the body. With its origins in Japan and development in the United States during the 1980s, underwater massage has since become a beloved treatment offered in hydrotherapy and wellness destinations around the world.
Underwater massage harnesses water’s natural properties to boost the healing process. During the treatment, the client floats in thermoneutral water, typically at a temperature of 95°F, and their body becomes buoyant, free from the effects of gravity. Floating in the water reduces pressure on joints and muscles, enabling deeper muscular release and greater flexibility without as much strain. Spa professionals use a combination of gentle cradling, fluid movements, pressure point work, and breath-synchronized stretches to induce deep states of relaxation. While undergoing underwater massage, clients are invited into a meditative, womb-like state. Clients are directed to close their eyes and focus on their breathing. The sensation of floating and being held can be profoundly emotional, with many clients reporting feelings of emotional release, heightened bodily awareness, and a sense of reconnection with themselves.
Underwater massage has many reported benefits, namely its effect on the nervous system. The warm water and rhythmic motion stimulate the parasympathetic nervous response, promoting calm and reducing cortisol levels. Hydrotherapy has been associated with decreased anxiety, improved sleep quality, and reduced muscle soreness, among other health benefits. In particular, underwater massage is increasingly recommended for clients with fibromyalgia, arthritis, post-traumatic stress disorder, and chronic pain. Furthermore, Watsu has been reported to significantly reduced pain and improve range of motion in patients with musculoskeletal disorders. The combination of therapeutic touch and the water’s hydrostatic pressure enhances circulation, encourages lymphatic drainage, and can support skin health by increasing oxygen and nutrient flow to the dermis.
Spas looking to integrate underwater massage into their offerings should consider the logistical requirements, such as heated pools, trained aquatic bodyworkers, and sanitation protocols, as well as the marketing potential. Positioning the treatment as an aquatic renewal session can intrigue clients seeking something truly transformative. As spa-goers continue to seek therapeutic experiences that incorporate bodywork, meditation, and sensory immersion, underwater massage represents a treatment option dripping with benefits and spilling over with potential.
References
- Koroglu, S., Yıldız, M. Effectiveness of hydrotherapy and balneotherapy for anxiety and depression symptoms: a meta-analysis. Curr Psychol 43, 24193–24204 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12144-024-06062-w
- “Watsu Massage Therapy: What Is It and What Are the Benefits?” 2020. Healthline. March 10, 2020. https://www.healthline.com/health/watsu.
- “The Benefits of Underwater Massage Therapy | HydroWorx.” 2023. HydroWorx. October 26, 2023. https://www.hydroworx.com/about-hydroworx/superior-technology/hydro-massage/
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