Watsu

Relaxation technique Watsu is a hydrotherapy method, based on Zen shiatsu. the patient is rhythmically moved and massaged in warm water (35 degrees celsuis).
Advantages which the hydrotherapy method provides

The unnecessary muscular activity stops due to the warm en weightlessness from water, creating a space of mindfullness.
Calmer deeper and slower breating
Reduced blood pressure and heart rate
Pain relief
Anxiety reduction
Metabolic stimulation
Muscular extension
Passive mobility of the joints
Extension of the vertebral column
Softening of connective tissue
Enhanced Immune system response
Increased range of motion
Improved sleep patterns
Improved digestion
Decrease in emotional pain

Applications

pain relief (for example pregnant women or cancer patients).
Recovery from extreme fatiques and injuries for athletes.
relaxation (all age groups).
Relaxation for childern and adults with one or more handicaps.
Rheumatism
Fibromyalgia
recovering form a brain stroke or injury
Spasticity
Osteoporosis
Wheelchair-bound patients
Degenerative joint disease
Elderly Patients
Trauma and chronical stress
Neurological diseases and injury's such as parkinson's

Precautions
Guidelines
Waterdance or Wata
Waterdance is a technique to relax in the water in a 3-dimensional way. the patient, which is wearing a nose clip, is guided under water by the dance partner (therapist). being underwater causes the heart rate to reduce, metabolic processes slow down, the needed amount oxygen reduces. A session usually starts above water. once the breathing and movement are coordinated and an sense of trust is established, the patient can begin to go underwater. the dives in the first phase are short and gradually become longer. the therapist  guides the movement of the patient in the water as if its a dance (flowing, spiraling and twisting).
Healing dance
Healing dance combines Waterdance, Trager approach, Watsu and Pure movement in 3-dimensions. thereby combining the freedom and 3-dimensionality with safety and nurturing of Watsu. This technique has over 20 different spacious and hydrodynamic movements. A session is, most of the time, entirely above water, but due to the free waving movements patients can experience the same effects as during a waterdance session.
there are 4 levels of healing dance: basic, advanced, above and below and finally shape and space. more info on the levels
Hydrotherapy equipment

Movable swimming pool floor
Modular pool
Underwater treadmill

Bronnen
Watsu, Saskia van Rees (the Watsu Instituut The Netherlands)
watsu and healing dance applications, Saskia van Rees (the Watsu Instituut The Netherlands)
About Healing dance, Saskia van Rees (the Watsu Instituut The Netherlands)
Waterdance or Wata, Saskia van Rees (the Watsu Instituut The Netherlands)
Applications of watsu, Peggy Schoedinger (watsu)
Wata - Waterdance,  by Waterdance Wata
Watsu, By Waterdance Wata