Watsu - Oriental Medicine Meets Western Medicine
Watsu (Bie ) is the traditional Japanese method of measuring writing materials. Watsu also refers to the Japanese art of writing with the use of a brush or pen. Writing is done on a flat surface using a stick. It is known as "washi" or in Japan, "ink". If you wish to make an even vertical mark on a smooth surface using a stick, then a stick can be used, but it's called "tsuba" in Japan.
Watsu means "writing using a stick" and is an example of "Mitsubishi" or "pool massage." "Mitsubishi" literally refers to "a straight shaft made of wood" while "pitch" refers to the stroke. When you perform a standard massage, you may use standard or normal massage strokes or include special requests or exercises such as adding oils, or working on various muscles. A lot of therapists who are comfortable with "mitsubishi sessions" are also experienced in "watsu." "witzoba" also refers to this type of massage, but has nothing to do with "writing with sticks."
There are numerous options for those who want to "write with a stick" today. Massage "witzoba" treatments are typically used in gyms, relaxation pools and other similar locations. You can avail "witzoba" therapy either by appointment or on your own. If you want your own "witzoba" therapy session you can study books and/or videos, or purchase a product that is designed for your massage needs. Special "witzoba" sticks can be found in specialty shops. These sticks are usually very thick and hard so they aren't always the most comfortable.
Watsu was originally created as a Chinese medicine method. As studies of traditional Chinese medicine and the practice of acupuncture grew it became apparent that the acupressure points throughout the body corresponded to specific body functions, discuss and that when a therapist applied continuous pressure to those points the patient would be able to receive therapeutic benefits. Takeda Sohnya, an experienced Japanese researcher who was interested in applying the theories and practices of energy massage to various ailments. He discovered that if you applied heat to a given location on the body when doing an acupressure massage the patient would feel a difference in his or their energy level or chi.
Chi is believed to be the cause of altered states of consciousness, also referred to as "psi" or "altered states." In other words, when the energy level is "altered," a person may experience psychic events and think in a different way, or have unexpected insights into his or her past. The early Japanese practitioners created and practiced what's now known as "chi" or "watsu." The ancient Chinese scientists translated wabi-saburo into Chinese and realized it had key healing properties.
Combining watsu with traditional Chinese medicine, we now know it as "moxibustion," which is the application of heat to the body to alter its physical condition. Moxibustion has been shown to be effective in treating stress, cancer, stress, diabetes high blood pressure and kidney stones, as well as acute injuries. A major Japanese university conducted a study which showed that patients suffering from arthritis with rheumatoid were able to lessen their pain using low-impact bodywork like relaxing massages in the pool. A University of Tokyo study found that patients who regularly attended "chi" (chi) sessions noticed significant improvements in their joint stiffness and pain. In addition, research conducted in the Far East also indicates that regular sessions of watsu aid in reducing the symptoms of Parkinson's disease.
There are two types of watsu therapy that are commonly associated with it dry and wet. Dry therapy involves a specific physical therapy regimen geared towards relieving pain and softening the body. Dry therapy is thought to be less invasive and less costly than wet, but it may take longer to yield results. Wet treatment involves the patient being massaged in the specially-designed bodywork basin. The goal of the soak is to loosen muscles that are tight and release any built up pressure. Both types of watsu are acceptable for rehabilitation purposes. However, it is important to use only licensed therapy professionals to administer either.
As previously mentioned Watsu is most effective when it is combined with other therapeutic approaches. This is usually the foundation of any comprehensive treatment plan for any type of illness. For instance, combining low-impact bodywork used primarily to soothe and relax sore muscles with herbal remedies and acupuncture may seem strange. Studies have shown that the combination of these two therapies can improve conditions like sciatica and degenerative joint diseases osteoarthritis and a variety of other musculoskeletal conditions. The benefits of acupuncture as well as herbal treatments for conditions that are related to the lymphatic system such as chronic liver disease or chronic heavy metal poisoning are also significant. Combined with other modalities like massage and other focused relaxation techniques, the combination of low-impact bodywork, acupuncture, herbal therapy and regular massages has proven quite useful for treating a variety of conditions.
