The basic phases of the entire experience conforms to 2nd Class WatsuŽ and are as follows:

The Receiver will view a video of an example WatsuŽ session before his or her first experience. The Practitioner asks the Receiver to consider if the movements look appropriate. The Receiver is encouraged to avoid or interrupt the session if he or she feels uncomfortable. This point cannot be stressed enough. If the Receiver does not feel confident, he/she erects a barrier of protection that prevents the build up of empathy with the Practitioner. It is most important that the Receiver feel comfortable with the protocol and communicates with the Practitioner any limits he or she wishes for the session.

The WatsuŽ session in the water itself is comprised of a series of movements that stretch the muscles and free the joints utilizing water buoyancy and water friction. The Receiver after a while will lose the cognition of the movements and normally lose his or her awareness of being in water and of the time. If this were observed by an outsider, he might describe the session as a sort of Shiatsu in the water.

At the end of the session, the Receiver returns his or her orientation to the moment with a deep feeling of well being. Before and after a session, the Receiver may be invited for a chakras check, which I performed with the help of a pendulum. I typically find a realignment of these centers of power after a session.

Much has been written to explain these amazing results. I found quite interesting the article, "Water and Spirituality" written by Andrew Yavelov (Registry@waba.edu). My simplified interpretation is that the warm water has a calming effect on the nervous system. The absence of the weight relaxes the muscles. The defense system is short-circuited, the Receiver is accessible to the good intentions of the Practitioner, and there is a transfer of positive energy.

During the session, it is not uncommon that the Receiver shows signs of emotional reactions. My partner Barbara, with 30 years of experience in psychological therapy, can offer her help one floor above the pool. There is a joke between us that in the basement I deal with the Basic Chakras, and she takes care of the Higher Chakras on the higher house floors.

It is recommended to take time to reenter the earth planet after a session. For example, avoid driving a car immediately after a session is recommended, so factor in a little post-session time within your visit. Do not forget: for one hour, your body was experiencing a feeling without tension or gravity.