Spas plus Discussions - Aquatic Resources Network

Learning from negative feedback

2010-09-01T15:18:57.000Z

Here is an example of the kind of publicity for Watsu that we hope not to get.

'Would I have Watsu again? Probably not.''

Below is a link to the full article and I think you will find, as I did, that some of the complaints were not ones you'd expect from an experienced practitioner in the right setting. 'Chest bumping' and not feeling physically lengthened or mentally relaxed for example?

I think it's a helpful reminder to all of us about what a client's experience might be. Having worked in this pool myself I do know that the depth can be corrected and also that it sometimes increases in both temperature and depth while a therapist is working.

Once I had the astonishing experience of it filling and filling and then finally overflowing onto the landing that met the adjoining treatment rooms. I eventually had to leave my client mid session since there was no means for me to alert my colleagues.

The spa assured me that they would add an emergency pulley. I also left them with many recommendations about how to promote this therapy to the public and also who to promote it to. So many different people go through this spa and not all will enjoy Watsu.

However, in the right presentation with a well trained and experienced practitioner and for the right person, it may change someone's perspective entirely regards the power and potential of this healing art.

<a href="http://showbiz.sky.com/treatment-of-the-week-20" target="_blank">Treatment of the week at Thermae Bath Spa</a>

Your thoughts?

Home spa swops

2010-08-16T15:20:37.000Z

An article entitled 'A sweet swap for homeowners' by Laura Randall for the Los Angeles Times (go here to read the full piece) presents an interesting idea-opportunity for watsu practitioners without their own pools but who live near existing pools in the homes of people who are interested in renting the space.

This reminds me also of the Find a Pool service AquaticNet set up some time ago, which allows those with pools to connect with those without: Go here to see more.

Important factors to remember when considering this are licencing, zoning, safety and liability. But if these can be overcome, then this is surely a creative and community oriented option.

Extract from article in LA Times:

For Davida Taurek, who specializes in water dance and bodywork, it was a client who first proposed a swap years ago: She could use his Beverly
Hills pool for Watsu, a brand of water massage that combines shiatsu, yoga
and stretching techniques. In return, she gave him and his family free
sessions, which start at $135 an hour. Now, Taurek, who works out of
private pools in Culver City, Brentwood and Calabasas, lets the homeowners
dictate what they would like in return: a flat hourly rate, free
massages or a little of both. "It usually works pretty smoothly," she
said.

Linda Ivarie-Kaplan opted to have Taurek teach her the basics of Watsu in exchange for the use of her secluded and shaded pool area in rural
Calabasas. The two met at a yoga retreat in Tahiti, where Ivarie-Kaplan
had a Watsu massage and was "blown away" by the blissful experience. The
arrangement has worked out well, she said. "People attracted to Watsu
are a benign group," she said. "It's like having a neighbor come over
for a visit."

If this is something you have done or are thinking of, and you have ideas to share with fellow practitioners... please consider commenting below.

Spa Watsu 'Providers' - what you need to qualify

2010-06-29T16:28:58.000Z

I thought it might be useful to share WABA's 2008 Registry requirements (from the WABA website) for Provider (different from Practitioner).

If you are currently working as Provider or train personnel for this or have any other interest, you might like to share your thoughts in the Comments below.

I've highlighted the new category for Provider which has been mentioned in the Comments section in this Group too.

'If you [have a licence to touch and] are already employed in a spa, clinic or other facility, you may become authorized to practice as a Provider under a contract to complete the full requirements to be a practitioner within a specified period of time.'

See below for details (from the website):

WABA oversees and authorizes Aquatic Bodywork courses, programs, providers, practitioners and instructors and maintains their authorizations and transcripts on the Worldwide Registry. WABA also
authorizes ⁴ training institutes to offer variants of its programs.

Anyone wishing to enter this field must understand the difference between certification, registration and licensure. Certificates are issued by state approved schools. Some licensing agencies will only accept
courses and certificates obtained at a state approved school. Since most of our students are already licensed to work with the body and can add Watsu as a modality to their existing practice, WABA has
authorized instructors to teach anybody in clinics and spas and wherever else Watsu is needed. Wherever they are taught, instructors add all Aquatic Bodywork classes to the transcript on the Registry that is maintained for every student. Whether the classes were taught at a school or not, whether the student is licensed to touch or not, when all the requirements are met and the student requests it, WABA
will add their authorization to the Registry.

If you do not already have a license to touch. If you wish to work with the public in an area where licensure is required, check what the local requirements are. If they include certification from a state approved school, determine if there is a school where Watsu is taught that will meet those requirements, or plan to obtain that licensure through another modality at a local school before, during or after your Watsu studies. (Be aware that courses taken outside a state approved school may fulfill a requirement for a pre-requisites,
but probably can not be transferred into the school as credit).

If you already have a license to touch. If you are already employed in a spa, clinic or other facility, you may become authorized to practice as a Provider under a contract to complete the full requirements to be a practitioner within a specified period of time. Otherwise you can complete your requirements to be listed as a practitioner under the program below that takes into account the applicability of your previous education.

Worldwide Requirements to be placed on the Registry as a Watsu® Practitioner – 2008

Note: the rate of progress through any of our programs is based on the successful completion of each step. Many students benefit by auditing a course (repeating it at a usually reduced cost), or by attending a
supervision, or logging additional practice sessions, before continuing on to the next step. Instructors will note when these are required. Since audits and supervisions can help fulfill the electives required, they do not usually lengthen a student's overall program.

Watsu 1 and 2 (100 hours)
Log 20 practice sessions
n either a Supervision , Integration or audit of Watsu 2 , demonstrate competency^.

Watsu 3 (50 hours)

Have attended, including the above courses and additional audits or electives, at least 200 hours of WABA Aquatic Bodywork courses.
Current CPR certification
Log 10 sessions received from a professional (Before, during or after the above).

100 hours of Shiatsu and/or Tantsu³
100 hours of Anatomy/Physiology³

Enough additional hours of WABA Aquatic Bodywork courses to bring the total hours of classes and supervisions to 500 (520 In Europe⁴).

Licensed Professional² Practitioner

Those with a current license to touch²who have attended at least 50 hours of shiatsu or its equivalent may
add Watsu as an additional modality to their current practice on completion of A + B above. Those who have not had a shiatsu course but demonstrate sufficient knowledge of bodywork may take the
shiatsu course as their first continuing education.

Licensed Professional² Provider

Licensed Professionals² currently employed at a spa, clinic or sports club, etc. may, under the contract described below, provide Watsu sessions to the clients at that location upon completion of A above.

Provider Contract
The provider agrees to complete required courses at the rate of 50 hours a year and to have completed any other requirements, such as logging 10 received sessions by the time all coursework is completed. The Provider contract must include a clause in which the owner of the facility where the sessions will be provided signs an acknowledgment that their continued employment is based on their fulfilling this contract. In regions where Training Institutes oversee the Provider programs additional requirements appropriate to the region may be in place.

Registration

On completion of the appropriate program student may apply to WABA to be registered as a Watsu Practitioner or a Watsu Provider. There is a $50 fee for the registration. There is a renewal fee of $50 (every
year in the U.S or every two years in other countries) and, for Practitioners, a continuing education requirement of having at least 50 hours of authorized Aquatic Bodywork courses listed on the WABA
transcript attended during the 3 years prior to the renewal year.

Public Listing

Currently registered practitioners may choose to list themselves to the public on the WABA site. Normally a provider can not list themselves to the public as giving Watsu sessions until they become a Watsu
Practitioner. In countries where Watsu 3 is not yet available providers may request to be listed and that listing will be determined on an individual basis.

¹Demonstrate Competency. After Watsu 2 and 20 logged sessions, before attending Watsu 3, give a session to an authorized assistant or instructor during a Supervision, Integration or audit of Watsu 2. Mastery of the form and principles of Watsu is required for placement as provider or practitioner.

²Licensed Professionals eligible for this program includes Nationally Certified Massage Therapist (NCBTMB), Licensed Physical Therapist or Physical Therapy Assistant, Licensed Occupational Therapist or Occupational Therapist Assistant, Registered Nurse (BSN/MSN), License to practice Medicine or Dentistry (MD/DO/DC/DDS/DMD), State Licensed/Certified Massage Therapist (500+ Hours), ATRI Certified
Aquatic Therapist (2003 Standards) with over 500 hours of certified training. Those with an extensive bodywork practice in an area where the minimum requirements were less than 500 hours may reduce the 500 hundred hour minimum by 50 hours for each year of full time bodywork practice. Those with similar qualifications will be considered on a case by case basis.

³Transfer Credits Requirements may be fulfilled by transferring credits from an equivalent course taken elsewhere. Any number of courses up to the required total hours may be transferred into your transcript
on the Registry at one time for a fee of $50. Training Institutes may oversee these transfers.

Training Institutes with special programs that incorporate WABA requirements for registering Providers and Practitioners

(more to be added)

The School of Shiatsu and Massage
Watsu France
Watsu Italia
Watsu India
Watsu Netherlands
German IAKA
AquaTerra (Europe)
Trinity Spa Academy
Okinawa WATSU Center
Instituto Brasiliero

(Unique versions of Watsu 1 and 2 are taught in IAKA programs. Students wishing to attend a IAKA Watsu 2 after taking Watsu 1 elsewhere must
first attend a Supervision and demonstrate readiness, likewise those
wishing to attend the Worldwide version of Watsu 2 after IAKA Watsu
1.)

Healing Dance US Requirements

Note: Those who began their studies under an earlier program may, if they complete its requirements within 24 months of their first class, be registered under that program, or, if they prefer (or it has been
more than 24 months), they may apply previous classes to the above program.

Helping clients to feel safe

2010-04-12T16:17:20.000Z

This post 'Speaking up at the spa' on AboutSpa (click link to read) is an excellent reminder to all watsu practitioners, especially men.

The writer says: 'All of a sudden my alarm bells went off. I just couldn't imagine
relaxing while being cradled in the water by a man.'

But with clear communication and a good therapist ...'it was quite a profound experience to come close to gentle male energy.'

When I was in partnership with my ex-husband offering watsu in our private setting, where many of our clients were women, this issue arose quite often.

I think that choice is ideal and certainly no-one should every be persuaded to take a session when they don't feel comfortable with it. Here are some thoughts:

I was invariably there or nearby, which was obviously reassuring
We could offer a choice, and always made this very comfortable for people to make
We could offer a session with me first for those who had never had Watsu
Many of our clients also stayed with us, which gave them the opportunity to feel 'at home' with us and 'check out our energy'
Quite often we did watsu and massage in the same bath house area so a friend could be nearby
We could offer massage first, if that was more familiar or felt safer

There are situations when working with a male therapist or a female therapist is preferable and again choice is always good:

Those with male-related past trauma need very special care to protect both parties
Many men are stronger with longer reaches, which helps with larger clients

Your experience and thoughts?

Watsu in practice

2010-01-17T15:25:10.000Z

Here are some extracts from posts I have written about the practices of other aquatic bodyworkers on my website Aquapoetics: Creative Aquatic Bodywork.

Each of them contains unique ideas and inspiration for your own practice, promotion and further studies ....

Keo Opton

Extract: Keo's credentials enable her to accept Blue Cross Blue Shield Insurance for her Watsu sessions. Currently, she rents a saline pool at Fit for Life Physical Therapy. The pool is 9 x 12 ft, heated to 94 degrees. Designed specifically for aquatic therapy and rehabilitation, she is grateful for the space and offers complimentary sessions for all those on staff at the clinic.

Susun Wilmot

Extract: 'There was a synergistic series of events that led to my studies of Water based therapies,' says spa owner and therapist Susun'....' Just two years after her first Watsu and training to practice, Susun opened her own venue, Splendor Mountain Spa in Glenwood Springs, Colorado. That was ten years ago (1998).

Tara Anstensen

Extract: Tara is a physical therapy assistant at Martin Memorial Hospital, Rehabilitation Department in Florida, and also offers private sessions at home. Her training in aquatic therapy has ranged from a spiritual esoteric place to the more clinical approach of physical therapy.

Kim Chamberlain

Extract: Kim notes she's always interested in working for public awareness of aquatic therapy and willing to work with others toward this goal. She already has a promotional video (which she plans to rework) for use at presentations and health fairs, where she gets useful feedback about her work and how people perceive it.

Please feel welcome to comment on the website or below, and to share your own experiences and ideas.

A spa-resort manager inquires about watsu

2009-11-02T15:57:56.000Z

Here is an actual example (from 2008) illustrating the kinds of issues you might face when offering Watsu to spas. The spa manager of a US resort spa wrote to me saying:

I think Watsu would be terrific at [our spa] but we do have a few hurdles the largest of them being where to do it. The indoor/outdoor pool is the perfect answer as it is in close proximity to the spa and is heated but yet it is open to guests from the Lodge so it would be hard to control the environment. There is a possibility it could be closed for Watsu but it might cause some complaints and some might not follow the rules and I am really strict with myself that I don't start something that has the best of intentions but has a lot of bumps in the road and the end result is not the planned result so if you have any thoughts?

My reply:

Yes, the question of multi pool use is a common one for spas wanting to use existing facilities. The biggest issue in this regard is that swimmers generally want cooler temperatures and an area to do lengths in. But warmer pools designed more for leisure and soaking can work, especially if the ambiance is meditative (encouraging quiet) rather than social (people playing and talking).

Also aquatic bodywork is often appealing and inspiring to watch. At the five-star hotel spa I managed in the UK this was a great asset regards promoting sessions. It also helped to create a feeling of beauty and relaxation in the pool area (designed to be sanctuary-like). So in your setting there may be quieter times when Watsu could happen. The way in which sessions are conducted must be (and can be with awareness) adapted to this more public setting.

I would generally advise a practitioner working in a public leisure setting to focus on the pleasure and relaxation aspects of warm-water aquatic therapy. However, this work can sometimes trigger strong emotional reactions in those whose life-situations make them vulnerable to this (grief, abuse, profound sadness, etc.). Practitioners should remain aware of the limitations of the setting and do all they can to avoid leaving someone in an 'opened-up' state after such a session.

More open settings can also be ideal for offering couples Watsu classes (learn simple techniques for floating a partner) and for Water Tai Chi (Ai Chi) (one-on-one or small group classes). In some circumstances these could be free and used to encourage people to sign up for one-on-one watsu sessions.

What might you have added? What have been your own experiences?

Good publicity

2009-08-11T19:03:27.000Z

This example of good publicity for aquatic bodywork in a spa setting came to my attention today. It profiles one of our members Taylore Sinclaire.

The post appears on a blog advertising the Sunshine Coast of British Columbia to visitors. Here is an extract:

The Aorai Spa is a unique experience, available to visitors and locals alike, and we are tremendously privileged to have such an innovative modality [Watsu] available to us in this small semi-rural community.

Go here to read the full article. Reading accounts like this could provide good insights into what clients notice and how they describe their experience.

Another quote:

On the Aorai Spa web site, it was written that it was impossible to describe Watsu because the treatments vary from person to person, based on the physical ailments or issues they are experiencing, their comfort in the water, how motion affects them, etc.

Do you agree?

I invite you to post similar articles here.

Presenting Watsu to hotel spas

2009-06-15T16:49:51.000Z

This posting is a response to Ertan's comment on 13 June in Spas Plus.

Here are some specific suggestions I have regarding providing or offering Watsu in spa-type settings:

First, I think Watsu is a quintessential spa treatment in that it makes full use of the therapeutic qualities of water and provides a profoundly relaxing and pleasurable experience.

For places that have natural thermal mineral waters (such as many in Turkey), it is a great offering.

However, it is still not widely known or practiced, partly because it requires a dedicated warm pool of the right size and depth and temperature that is ideally not used for swimming or other activities.

It's important to make sure that the pools available or those that are to be constructed will be suitable for Watsu. Not all are.

The setting and environment are very important if the work is to be received well.

For example, noise from pool filters or the sounds of other activities in the spa, fluctuating pool temperatures, poor ventilation, etc. can spoil the experience.

For most clients in hotel/ leisure settings this is their first experience of aquatic bodywork/Watsu and many have no idea what to expect.

The staff must be very clear in conveying what it involves and who it will suit.

Return clients, and those specifically seeking aquatic bodywork, are not yet common in the hotel/ leisure setting.

For anyone, the first experience is likely to be a strong deciding factor in choosing to repeat or recommend aquatic bodywork.

It's important to market and present it correctly to serve customers who will really benefit from it.

I advise compiling special guidelines for spa reservations staff so that they know who to offer aquatic bodywork to. It isn't right for everyone.

Another important factor is that good qualified and experienced practitioners be employed. Mini-training courses for existing massage staff are not enough.

An inexperienced practitioner would find the first-time clients you often get in spas especially difficult - they must be able to convey the safety and confidence a nervous or uncertain receiver needs.

It is important to note that there are contradictions for Watsu that differ from those for other spa treatments, and reservations staff need to be really clear about this.

The range of clients coming for sessions in spas can be very wide - both men and women of all ages and body types. This again requires an experienced practitioner.

The ability to move with ease and stability while supporting the client, creative adaptation of techniques to suit different body types, and skilled use of flotation devices (leg floats and noodles) are all essential.

I would advise a practitioner working in a leisure setting to focus on the pleasure and relaxation aspects of warm-water aquatic bodywork. People are not usually expecting physical or psycho therapy.

However, this work can sometimes trigger strong emotional reactions in those whose life-situations make them vulnerable to this (grief, abuse, profound sadness, etc.).

Practitioners should be prepared to handle this while remaining aware of the limitations of the setting and doing all they can to avoid leaving someone in an 'opened-up' state after such a session.

If you are currently working offering Watsu in a spa setting, please do add your thoughts and comments here ....

PS For spa consultancy services with a special focus on water/aquatic bodywork. See Vision Spa Retreat and Aquapoetics

Does working for a spa pay?

2009-06-09T19:06:22.000Z

I was stunned recently by an advertisement for staff therapists from a top rate US hotel spa offering $6/h plus commission. I think you'd have to work VERY hard to live on that.

In a recent post on About Spa, Anitra Brown wrote: 'some spa consultants, like one I heard at a spa convention in New York City, are telling managers they're overpaying the staff.... It seems that so much money and attention has gone into building fabulous facilities, that we've forgotten that it's ultimately about what happens between the therapist and the client ...'.

The comments following her article are worth looking at. The one that struck me most was that of Skip Williams who offers a financial program for more effective allocation of funds. Though I am not familiar with this program, I do know from my own time as spa manager that this is key. However, from my point of view it goes along with commitment and responsibility on the part of both staff and employers. And that depends on building relationships and trust.

Meanwhile, in a recent interview with a friend of mine who is chair of an international spa association (Marion Schneider, BISA) the growth of the spa 'industry' and the serious shortage of and need for qualified staff was emphasized. And some recent correspondence with an aquatic colleague who has a great deal of experience of going it alone (setting up a small private pool practice), emphasized the very real challenges and risks of that. He suggests that a community venture is best.

If you work for or operate a spa offering aquatic bodywork, would you be interested in sharing thoughts about this issue and information on current rates of pay?

It's a big and wide-ranging topic .... but important if we are to see the quality of work offered and the settings in which it is offered thrive and survive. Brainstorm?

Economic blues

2008-12-11T22:34:23.000Z

This week's Splash e-newsletter from Andrea for members of the Aquatic Resources Network addressed the topic of 'Attracting Patients in a Down Economy' and suggested that it would be beneficial to look at how other aquatic disciplines are approaching this concern. Particular reference was made to the spa industry and a recent blog post from Susie Ellis (spa guru) of Spa Finder giving her top 10 list of new spa trends for 2009. I too had seen the list and have been thinking about what it might mean in the context of 'economy' and 'choice'. What might spas and aquatic therapy clinics, both service-oriented, have in common when it comes to attracting custom?

I invite you to read the full post on my blog Vision Spa Retreat and share any thoughts you might have.

Andrea also addressed the related issue of marketing (or gaining good referrals) for aquatic therapy clinics on the Aquatic Therapist's blog last week and invited feedback from our community. Another opportunity to share your experiences. Your views are welcomed on all these posts ... they help us to build a strong and interactive profession.