Water-Chi and other forms of aquatic bodywork combine the benefits of floating in warm water with the benefits of gentle stretching. Get information about water massage and what to expect from a session.

If the thought of floating in warm water while also receiving a nurturing physical and mental therapy appeals to you, Water-Chi experience may be just the ticket.

Before starting your water therapy session, the practitioner you about your expectations, physical condition and any issues that might affect your reaction to the experience, such as fear of drowning.

For a Water-Chi session, you enter the pool wearing a swimming suit, and the practitioner may attach floats around your ankles or knees. Your practitioner uses one arm to support your knees and the other arm to support your back, literally cradling your body, and moves you around through the water. The practitioner stretches and applies pressure to your muscles, always keeping your face above water, although your ears are often underwater during the session.

Why a water therapy?

Warm water is, in and of itself, relaxing to most people. By removing the effects of gravity and taking the weight off your joints, the water creates more freedom of movement in stretching your muscles and moving your joints through their range of motion. In particular, your spinal vertebrae can move in ways in the water that they cannot move on land.

People commonly experience deep relaxation and increased range of motion after a session. Benefits attributed to water therapy include relieving stress, reducing the pain of arthritis, relaxing tight muscles and helping relieve various conditions, including insomnia and anxiety disorders.