Click to go to a web page for a 10 minute video introducing Watsu and its use in clinics:
NOTE: Low bandwidth connections (dialup), should download the
21 MB video file to desktop and then play
By Ginny Altmiller
Parent of RSD Patient
Considerations for Patients Interested in Watsu
Because Watsu is a one-to-one practice of healing involving physical touch, it is important for the practitioner and client to establish and maintain appropriate boundaries. If either participant experiences discomfort with the level of intimacy, it is vital that this is communicated immediately.
Unlike traditional massage sessions, which usually occur in a private room with closed door, Watsu is usually practiced in an open pool setting, where others may easily be present without compromising the beneficial effects of the therapy. Clients may seek a practitioner of their same gender, and request that the practitioner wear shorts and tank top over their swimming suit for additional privacy protection. The client may prefer to wear a one piece swimming suit, though RSD patients may find two piece suits more manageable. When practical, the practitioner should use the back of his/her hand to support the client in the water.
The certifying organization, WABA, ( www.waba.edu), does require a background certification as prerequisite for admission to the training program for assistants and instructors. It is recommended that clients seek a practitioner who has received instruction through a WABA authorized program.
An excellent article on the ethics of Watsu instructors may be found at:
www.watsusf.com
Ginny Altmiller
January 2007
To locate a Watsu facility in your area:
1. Go to WATSU web site
2. Alternatively, enter the following keywords in your favorite search engine:
Watsu and (name of your city)
By Stephanie Ezell
RSD Patient
Considerations for Patients Interested in Floatation Tanks
Dr. Kirkpatrick,
I am writing to let you know that I have found floatation tanks to be benefitial as an RSD patient and I would recommend it to others. In fact, my family has purchased a tank for personal use at home. In the tank, I experienced no extra flairs or stabs of pain (though I would warn other RSDers that any pain you enter the tank with, you will probably also leave the tank with).
I would not say that floating reduced any pain, but I would say that it allowed me to get greatly needed rest which in turn better equips me to deal with high pain levels. After an hour of floating in the tank, I felt more rested than after what I would normally refer to as a good night's sleep. Water and warmth have always been soothing to my pain and I found that the floatation tank amplified this effect. I do have some advice for other RSD patients considering floating:
1) Make absolute sure that you scrub all of the salt off of you after each and every float. I didn't get all of it out of my hair one day and it really irritated my skin.The next day that I floated, my irritated skin burnt in the salt solution.
2) If you have any small cuts, bug bites or skin irritations, cover them with vaseline before entering the tank to prevent the salt solution from burning. On a similar note, do not shave before floating.
3) Try it more than once. The first time is really weird and hard to fully relax.
4) Wear earplugs. It doesn't really change the experience and it will keep the salt from crystalizing deep in your ears which can irritate you later (speaking from experience).
I plan on floating every other day for an hour to and hour and a half once I have the tank set up in my home. I did find the salt irritating when I floated every day, but a floatation expert has agreed to help me adjust the salt solution of my own tank. It was definitely worth the trip and will make a difference in my day to day life.
Stephanie Ezell
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