Bodywork in Water
Aquatic Massage
Simply being in water can be a healing, calming experience. Our bodies, composed primarily of water, were birthed out of water. Drinking water daily is necessary to maintain the healthy functioning of our bodies, and until recently, has been greatly overlooked in relation to promoting overall wellbeing.
I have always felt the call of water, having lived mostly in humid climates near the coast. Since moving to the desert, I am even more aware of the need to connect with water, stay hydrated, and immerse in water. Aquatic work and being in water can be healing and calming for most people anywhere, but it’s especially significant for those of us living in such an arid climate.
Water elements have been used for millenia, such as in the art of Feng Shui, to create a particular ambience and energetic flow in a living or work space. As we are affected emotionally, psychologically and physiologically by lack of sunshine, my experience is that we are similarly affected by variations in humidity, rain, and proximity to water.
Hot springs and mineral baths have long been acknowledged to have healing properties for body, mind and spirit. Water has long been used to address sore muscles and joints, physical and emotional stress, rehabilitation, preparation for labor, as well as conditions such as fibromyalgia, arthritis, and the various physical discomforts experienced with being overweight.
Receiving aquatic bodywork takes us back to a primordial and pre-birth environment. The water is preferably a low or non-chlorine environment, heated to skin temperature—94 to 98 degrees Fahrenheit. A deep letting go and relaxing can happen in the water because it supports us, eliminating the weight of gravity. The warmth of the water envelops us, softening tension wherever we may be holding it.
These qualities allow us to relax into our bodies, while falling into a meditative space that often suspends our awareness of space-time, stills the mind, and creates a greater awareness of our innerspace. In this state, the water serves as an amplifier for potential physical and emotional healing.
As an amplifier of energy, water work taps directly into our nervous systems, which are basically complex electrical circuits. Any form of bodywork provides an interruption to our often stressed out, fight-or-flight state, restoring our systems to normal functioning. However, bodywork received in the water exponentially increases this effect.
Working with a certified therapist in the water provides a unique opportunity for tapping into the innate healing abilities of the body through movement, attention and deep support. Find balance, calm, and physical relief through aquatic massage.
Therapeutic Floating
Enjoy the healing and meditative properties of water through floating in it!
Simply allowing yourself to relax in warm water with the appropriate flotation supports provides an experience that greatly relaxes the body and mind, decompresses the spine and joints, lowers blood pressure and decreases muscular and joint pain.
Around the world, flotation tanks in which people simply float for a period of time to de-stress, relax and still the mind are growing in popularity. Many people are finding it allows them to be more creative in their work and lived experience.
For pregnant women, the connection to floating in warm water is deepened. While it brings us back to the familiar experience of being in the womb on levels beyond our cognitive awareness, pregnant women have the unique situation of connecting to their babies while they are still in the womb environment.
Also, the physical discomforts and strains brought about by pregnancy are often alleviated and decreased through time spent floating in the water and receiving aquatic bodywork. Most women find significant relief from low back pain, joint pain, and spinal compression from the added weight and positioning of the baby along with increased fluid retention.
Floating provides for a more balanced physical and mental space to experience labor, often decreasing the physical strain and resistance during labor and contributing to a more gentle birth experience.