Water Healing “Watsu Therapy”
Watsu is a form of water therapy, also known as hydrotherapy. It involves stretching, massages, and acupressure in warm water. The term “Watsu” comes from the words “water” and “shiatsu.” Shiatsu is a type of traditional Japanese massage that uses acupressure to promote relaxation. In Japanese, shiatsu means “finger pressure.”
Watsu was created by Harold Dull, a massage therapist, in 1980. Dull observed that it was easier for his clients’ muscles and tissues to relax in water. In turn, he found that shiatsu techniques were more effective when done in water. Generally, Watsu therapy is used to alleviate pain and discomfort caused by a range of ailments. The idea is that the resistance of water soothes physical tension and encourages relaxation, which supports overall health.
Private Water Healing Session
90 Min – IDR 2,500,000 ++ per person
As you allow yourself to relax and surrender to the support of the water and free movement, the body unwinds and releases holding patterns, inviting healing on the mental and emotional planes. Profoundly relaxing and nurturing, this therapy recalls the safety, timelessness and peacefulness of the womb. The Balinese concept of Tri Hita Karana comes to life with human and elemental connection and a sense of the deeper connection to Life itself.
Our therapists, trained in the aquatic bodywork traditions of Watsu, Healing Dance, and Water Dance, share this gift of love with you.
How does it work?
Your Watsu therapy takes place in our specially designed Watsu pool. The water is heated to 95°F (35°C), which is close to the same temperature as your skin. During Watsu, a therapist gently moves your body around in water. This is known as passive hydrotherapy, because you don’t need to actively perform the movements.
Your therapist is in the water with you. They move your body in specific motions, which may include:
Gentle twisting
Rocking or cradling
Stretching
Massaging pressure points
The goal is to release tightness in your muscle and fascia tissue. It is also meant to promote a healthy flow of energy. Watsu is typically done in a peaceful setting to increase relaxation.
Mr. Mauricio Gómez Perdomo
Water Healing “Watsu” Practitioner
Mauricio or better known as Mau was born in Cartagena de Indias, a small city on the coast of Colombia’s Caribbean Sea has always been passionate about everything related to water.
How and when did you Join Fivelements Retreat Bali? What is your role?
I was recommended Fivelements Retreat by my colleague and friend; Michael Hallock, a wonderful Healing Dance teacher, and world-renowned Watsu practitioner. During early 2020 I joined the team as its aquatic bodywork practitioner.
How much do you consider Balinese Culture and Philosophy part of the sustainability and wellness movement?
I believe Balinese culture and philosophy magically intertwines to perfection with the wellness and sustainability movement, especially regarding the importance of understanding how sacred, powerful and transforming the water element is in Bali, how water cleanses and nourishes our body and soul, filling us with gratitude to engage life in a more fertile and generous way.
What inspires you about working or spending time at Fivelements Retreat?
Walking into Fivelements Retreat is the beginning of a soothing sensation, seeing smiles all around, sensing nature alive, seeing and hearing its colorfulness. As minutes pass, I feel completely synchronized with this feeling, with this arising gratitude. What most inspires me about my work here is being able to share this synchronization, to reverberate this ripple through the water and into our guests, awakening bliss, relaxation and joy.
