Effects
CONNECTION
The calming environment offers a moment to connect with the subtle sensations of the body and breath. The warmth and continuous contact of water on skin paired with the practice of observation of the breath can invoke a greater sense of self, connection to self, and overall well being. Meeting with your designated practitioner each week supports the gradual development of vulnerability, intimacy, and trust, allowing for the creation of a healthy and meaningful connection.
MEDITATIVE REST
Increased mind-body connection, coupled with the comforting environment, the rhythmic movements through water, and the calming of your nervous system, allows for an opportunity to find a calmer place in your mind. This is often difficult for those with challenged nervous systems and clients often report they can relax here in a different way than they can on land.
DEEP RELAXATION
The calming and immersive nature of water can promote a sense of relaxation and greater well-being that has been shown to reduce feelings of stress and anxiety within the body. The warm water can assist in loosening the muscles due to increased blood flow, while the hydrostatic pressure from water can improve circulation, contributing to relaxation and ease.
Benefits
GREATER MOBILITY
The buoyancy of your body in the warm water reduces pressure on your joints, allowing for increased freedom of movement. The temperature softens the muscles so flexibility is naturally increased, and can be beneficial for those who need relief from functional problems, decreased mobility from surgeries, or the potential challenges of aging.
PAIN RELIEF
The temperature of the environment increases circulation, allowing for greater flow of blood and oxygen throughout the body. This process can bring about pain relief by delivering more oxygen and nutrients to the affected area, removing waste products like lactic acid that can build up during injury or exertion, and promoting faster tissue repair. This can reduce inflammation and muscle tension, both of which are major contributors to pain. When the body is immersed in warm water, it stimulates the body to release endorphins, which are natural painkillers that produce a feeling of deep relaxation, ease muscle tension, joint pain, and overall discomfort.
IMPROVED SLEEP
The process of your body adapting to receiving an aquatic bodywork session is much like the process of falling asleep. It is also common for clients as they adapt to the process to even fall asleep during the treatment. Because the sessions deepen the relaxation response, clients find that on the evening of their session (and often for a time longer) the quality of their sleep is improved. People have reported being able to fall asleep faster, sleep deeper than usual, and with less interruptions.
