Upon becoming a certified practitioner, you will be able to offer professional paid sessions. As a Watsu® or other Aquatic Bodywork student, conducting professional (paid) Watsu® or other AB sessions prior to becoming a certified practitioner will result in the loss of your student status and removal from the WABA registry if dialogue fails to resolve the issue. The movement techniques taught in Watsu® or other AB trainings are for personal use in non-professional settings only. Students are not allowed to utilize them in professional sessions until they become a certified practitioner or teach them until I become a certified instructor.

Yes, Watsu India is affiliated with the Worldwide Aquatic Bodywork Association (WABA), which means certifications through Watsu India are recognized globally. Upon completing the required training levels, you will receive an internationally recognized Watsu Practitioner certificate that allows you to practice in various countries.

To become a certified Watsu Practitioner, you’ll follow a structured training pathway that includes foundational courses, advanced techniques, and practical experience requirements. You can find detailed information on each step in the certification process on our Resources page. This document outlines each course level, practice hours, and any additional requirements needed to reach certification.

No prior aquatic or bodywork experience is required to start Watsu training. Our introductory courses are designed to teach the fundamentals of Watsu, allowing new practitioners to develop skills progressively. However, those with prior experience in bodywork may find certain techniques and concepts familiar, which can enhance their learning experience.

All information regarding courses, certification levels, and specific requirements is available on our Resources page. This page includes downloadable documents that outline each stage of the training path and provide guidelines for students with different backgrounds and experience levels.

If you’re already a bodywork practitioner, you may be eligible for a tailored training pathway. This alternative path builds on your existing skills and focuses on integrating aquatic techniques. To learn more about the shorter program available for you, refer to the specific document on our Resources page, which provides guidance for experienced professionals.

Watsu is based on Zen Shiatsu principles, but it takes place in warm water, which reduces gravity’s impact and enables more fluid, effortless stretches. Unlike land-based Shiatsu, where the client is supported by a mat, Watsu allows the body to be fully supported and moved by the water, which can provide deeper muscle relaxation and an enhanced sense of calm. This water-based approach allows greater freedom of movement and a unique way to access the body’s energy pathways.

Watsu, short for "Water Shiatsu," is a form of aquatic therapy rooted in the principles of Zen Shiatsu. It combines gentle stretches, acupressure, and flowing movements in warm, body-temperature water to promote deep relaxation and release tension. Performed entirely on the surface of the water, Watsu allows clients to float while being fully supported by the practitioner, who guides them through fluid movements designed to relieve both physical and mental stress. Because it takes place in shallow water, Watsu doesn’t require swimming skills, so clients can simply relax and enjoy the therapeutic benefits.

Yes, many practitioners choose to train in multiple modalities to offer a more comprehensive range of techniques. Learning multiple approaches allows you to adapt to individual client needs and preferences. Each modality brings unique elements—Watsu offers soothing, surface-level relaxation, while others like WaterDance bring an immersive, three-dimensional experience through underwater movements.

Watsu is one of the most widely recognized forms of aquatic bodywork and is rooted in Zen Shiatsu, with a focus on surface-level, rhythmic movements and acupressure techniques to relieve tension. Other modalities, such as WaterDance or Healing Dance, often incorporate underwater movements and might involve more dynamic stretches or fluid motions beneath the surface. Each modality has a unique approach, so exploring them can help you understand which best aligns with your therapeutic goals and interests. You can find the links to the official websites of other modalities on the Useful Links section.

Yes, Watsu can be especially helpful for people with physical limitations or chronic pain. The warm water supports the body, reducing strain on muscles and joints, which is beneficial for those with arthritis, back pain, or other mobility issues. However, if you have a serious medical condition, it’s recommended to consult your doctor before starting Watsu.

Experience the benefits of Watsu and Aquatic Bodywork with certified practitioners at these locations: Quiet Healing Center, in Auroville, Tamil Nadu Happy Turtles Wellness & Retreat in Varkala, Kerala Practitioners Pooja Gutham, and Ankit Shah in Mumbai If you’re interested in trying a session, feel free to reach out through the links provided. This therapy can be a transformative experience for relaxation and healing!

Absolutely! Watsu doesn’t require any swimming skills, and all sessions are held in shallow, warm water. The practitioner will support and guide you throughout the session, so you feel safe and comfortable at all times. Many clients, including those with a fear of water, find Watsu surprisingly relaxing and enjoy the sense of floating while feeling secure.

Watsu has many benefits for both body and mind. It’s known to reduce stress, relieve muscle and joint pain, improve flexibility, and support restful sleep. One of the unique aspects of Watsu is its ability to activate the parasympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for the body’s “rest and digest” response. This activation promotes deep relaxation, lowers stress, and can enhance mental clarity and emotional well-being. Many people experience a profound sense of calm and mental clarity after a session. It’s a therapeutic experience that can benefit anyone looking for relaxation, physical release, and stress relief.

Watsu can be both physically and emotionally therapeutic. Many people feel a profound sense of emotional release during sessions, finding that the gentle, floating movements help ease stress, improve mood, and bring about a sense of inner peace. It’s a whole-body experience that nurtures both body and mind.

For your Watsu session, all you need is comfortable swimwear. You may also want to bring a towel, a change of clothes, and a water bottle to stay hydrated afterward. If it’s your first session, arrive a bit early to meet your practitioner, ask any questions, and ease into the experience.

Your session will begin with a short chat with your practitioner about any specific needs or concerns. In the water, you’ll be gently held and guided through movements designed to relax and stretch your body. Many clients feel a unique sense of calm as they float in warm water, experiencing relief from muscle tension and a quieting of the mind. Afterward, you might feel both relaxed and refreshed.

A full Watsu experience generally takes about 1.5 hours. The time in the water is usually around 50-60 minutes, allowing you to relax deeply and receive the full benefit of the therapy. Before the session begins, you’ll have a brief talk with the practitioner to discuss any health concerns, expectations, or special needs, and to get an overview of what the session will involve. After the session, you’re welcome to take a few quiet moments in the pool to let the experience settle in before stepping out. We recommend allowing this extra time to fully enjoy and absorb the effects of Watsu.

Watsu is suitable for most people, from children to seniors, because the movements and techniques can be adapted to each person’s needs. Children, older adults, and even pregnant women often benefit from the gentle, supportive nature of Watsu. However, it’s always a good idea to inform the practitioner in advance if you have specific health concerns.