Aquatic massage therapy refers to a technique of gentle massage which is used as a therapy while the patient floats in a water pool. It is done in a water pool with an objective to avoid the jerks and stretching often experiences when the same is done on land. Thus, this form of therapy is painless and effective.
Aquatic massage therapy is one of the best forms of massage therapy for people who have no problem with water. During this therapy, the person floats in water with the help of both a floating board and therapist. Also, floating itself provides relaxation to both body and mind without any massage.
The patient’s mental stress level goes down with soft and gentle pressing of his (or her) body. The gentle massage soothes the patient from inside and gives him peace internally. When patient floats on water, there is a loosening of muscles, which provides wellness to the whole body.
Aquatic massage therapy is helpful in curing various neurological disturbances like insomnia (sleeping disorders) and amnesia (short term memory). This therapy is also very beneficial in case of pregnancy. Water acts like a cushion and enables the therapist to administer a gentle massage to the pregnant mother, which is otherwise not possible on land and hard-mattresses.
Aquatic massage therapy is recommended mostly in case of arthritis (Rheumatoid arthritis and Osteoarthritis), muscle cramps, and ligament fractures. It helps in the process of healing too. The temperature of the water-bath is usually kept around 35 degree Celsius. It is mostly found useful in cases of backache and other spinal cramps which happen due to incorrect sitting postures (mostly in front of the computer) for long hours at a stretch. The buoyant force of water lifts up and soothes the patient with a feeling of weightlessness.
Watsu and Jahara are two main types of aquatic massage therapy. The former includes the activation of the acupoints of the body, while the latter involves the alignment of the muscles with gentle stretching. Besides muscle and bone relaxation, this therapy is helpful in the treatment of Psoriasis.
The synergistic mechanism of acupressure and massage helps in obtaining spontaneous relief from pain and stimulates the healing processes of the body. The circulation of blood is also improved due to the warmth of water. Overall, aquatic massage therapy is one of the most relaxing forms of massage therapy. It not only provides relief on a physiological level, but also imparts a sense of peace and serenity to the
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