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Watsu is a form of water therapy (hydrotherapy) that involves massages, stretches, and acupressure in warm water. Watsu comes from the words water and Shiatsu (meaning “finger pressure” in Japanese) is a traditional Japanese massage that can reduce stress and ease neck, shoulder, and back pain using acupressure.
Watsu can be performed on different groups of people, including children, adults, seniors, athletes, and pregnant mothers. It has many benefits but is most commonly used to ease pain and tension that is caused by a range of conditions. It may provide relief for those who have:
Low back pain
Muscle tension
Chronic pain
Discomfort during pregnancy
Depression
Anxiety
Stress-related conditions
Post-traumatic stress disorder
Sleep disorders
Neurological conditions (such as multiple sclerosis)
Fibromyalgia
Spinal cord injury
Injury rehabilitation.
This type of therapy can be used to improve joint mobility and physical movement as well.
Watsu sessions can be customized to your specific conditions. It can involve massages, movements, and stretches that are designed to ease your symptoms.
Watsu is performed in a pool or hot tub and the water is heated to around 35°C, which is close to the temperature of your skin. To increase relaxation, Watsu is usually performed in a peaceful setting and many therapists play soothing music while they carry out the therapy.
During your Watsu sessions, you will typically need to wear floating devices on your legs or arms. To start the session, you will enter the water and float on your back. You may have to rest the back of your head and knees in your therapist’s forearms. The therapist will gently move your body in water. This is called passive hydrotherapy because you do not have to actively perform the movements.
The therapist will slowly move your body in large circles, and alternate between extending their arms and drawing them in to move you back and forth in the water. Your arms and legs will then be extended in gentle, repetitive patterns. In some cases, they may also twist, bend, or lift different parts of your body. The therapist may also rest your head on their shoulder and move you in large circles. Throughout the whole session, pressure points on your body will be massaged gently.
Since there is typically no recovery time or follow-up checkups, you can leave Brazil on the same day of the therapy or as soon as you want to. Note that you may need more than one Watsu session, so if you do not want to go back and forth between your home and Brazil, you can choose to stay in the area until you finish all of your sessions.
There is no recovery time after Watsu sessions. You can usually go back to your normal routine, including work and exercise, immediately after the procedure. However, this depends on your specific condition. For instance, if you have spinal cord injury, your therapist and doctors may recommend you to take some time off work until you have fully recovered. Talk to your therapist and/or doctor regarding the specific recovery period for your individual case.
No aftercare is required for the Watsu itself. However, depending on the specific condition you have, you may need special aftercare to help you recover. For example, if you have Watsu for spinal cord injury, you may also need to undergo occupational therapy and use assistive devices to maximize your function.
Watsu is a safe procedure with high success rates. Several studies revealed that there is a positive correlation between pain relief and Watsu. In a 2013 study, 12 people with fibromyalgia had reduced symptoms after completing 15 sessions. A 2019 study showed that a group of children with juvenile arthritis experience less pain after Watsu.
It is also proven to reduce anxiety. According to a small 2014 case report, someone with temporomandibular disorders have lower anxiety levels after they underwent Watsu.
While it is safe and effective, it does have several drawbacks and side effects. Since it is a passive therapy, you must be willing to let your therapist do the movement for you. This means that you will be in close contact with your therapist, which may feel uncomfortable for some people. Watsu may worsen several conditions, such as fever, bowel incontinence, skin infections, and uncontrolled epilepsy. Therefore, make sure to avoid Watsu if you have these conditions.
Besides Watsu, you can try traditional hydrotherapy. In traditional hydrotherapy, a physiotherapist can show you exercises to help improve your strength and range of movement. If you do not want to have your therapy in water, you can try other forms of physical therapy as well. In regular physical therapy, a therapist will show you stretches and movements to help relieve your symptoms.
Before Watsu, you may experience chronic pain, muscle tension, low back pain, anxiety, or other conditions that cause uncomfortable symptoms that interfere with your ability to perform day-to-day activities and stop you from enjoying your life. After Watsu, the symptoms should be relieved. Your joint mobility and soft tissue viscoelasticity will be improved, while your muscle spasm, muscle activation, and pain perception should be decreased. Overall, your quality of life should improve after Watsu.
Whilst the information presented here has been accurately sourced and verified by a medical professional for its accuracy, it is still advised to consult with your doctor before pursuing a medical treatment at one of the listed medical providers
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Occupying the title of the largest country in South America, Brazil embraces a diverse population of over 209 million people. The nation is globally renowned for its passion for football (also referred to as soccer in some parts of the world) and their dynamic, flamboyant carnival traditions, boasting a vibrant mix of music, dance, and colorful attire.
In addition to its vivacious culture, Brazil is a sanctuary of spectacular natural beauty. The country nurtures some of the world's most stunning natural wonders, including the dramatic Iguacu Falls and the world's largest tropical rainforest, the Amazon Rainforest, teeming with diverse plant and animal species. One can't miss the landmark figurine of Christ the Redeemer in Rio de Janeiro that towers 98-feet high, becoming a symbol of Brazil's deep-rooted religious faith and an iconic sight that captures hearts worldwide.
Brazil offers more than 60 JCI-accredited facilities and is one of the leading destinations in the world for cosmetic surgery, with Watsu procedures being especially popular. Doctors are often Western-trained and speak English on top of Portuguese and Spanish. Local accreditations include the Consortium of Brazilian Accreditation and the Brazilian Hospital Medical Quality Organization (ONA). Popular locations within Brazil include the capital Brasilia, Rio de Janeiro, Sao Paulo, and Curitiba.
As a large country, the weather in Brazil varies from tropical in the north to temperate in the south. A large part of the country lies in the topics. Brazil is a year-round destination because it has a steady average annual temperature. The temperature rarely drops below 20 °C.
Winter in Brazil starts in May and ends in September. The weather remains tropical in the north with an average temperature ranging between 20 °C to 30 °C. In Rio de Janeiro, the temperature varies between 14 °C to 25 °C. However, the evenings usually feel a lot colder.
During this particular season, one can expect a fair amount of rainfall in Rio, leading to many wet and rain-soaked days. If you plan a visit at this time, it's wise to keep that in mind and prepare accordingly. In contrast, further inland, São Paulo experiences significantly cooler temperatures compared to Rio, reflecting the country's vast geographical expanse and diverse microclimates spread across its regions.
This temperature drop might require some warm clothing, especially during late evenings and nights. So, whether you wish to enjoy the rainy murmur in Rio or seek the cool retreat of São Paulo, there's something unique for every traveler in Brazil during this season.
The temperature in Rio rise between November and March, with the highest temperature of around 40 °C but with a thermal sensation of around 50 °C. The Rain rarely lasts long during these months. In the north of Brazil, the rainy season starts in December. March and May see the heaviest rainfall. It’s hot and humid with frequent rain throughout the year in the Amazon.
The most popular international airports are Rio de Janeiro–Antonio Carlos Jobim International Airport (popularly known as Galeão International Airport) and São Paulo/Guarulhos–Governador André Franco Montoro International Airport. Both airports serve domestic and international flights to many cities around the globe. The airports mainly serve major airlines but there are budget airlines such as Norwegian Air UK. Tourists can take taxis, bus, train, or car rental from both airports to the city centers.
Brazil is really big, so there will be a lot of long-distance travel to get around the country. The easiest and fastest way to get from one city to another is by domestic flights. The only downside is that the tickets are very expensive. LATAM and GOL Airlines offer multi-trip tickets or air pass. The most economical option is to buy an air pass if you plan to visit a number of different cities.
Buses are popular in Brazil, servicing most areas of the country. The bus system is excellent and provides a comfortable and economical way of travel. Be aware that the distance can be really tiring and overwhelming; some trips can take over 40 hours. The buses are operated by hundreds of different private companies, but the price is standardized. The fare varies from 75 BRL to 240 BRL. There are luxurious buses too.
A good way to get around major cities like São Paulo and Rio is to use Brazil Metro (subway). The fares are around 3.50 BRL to 3.80 BRL. You can purchase rechargeable travel cards. The metro does not operate at night. Be sure to watch your belongings at all times when traveling on the metro.
Taxis run on a metered system, but if you travel a bit further out of town, you need to negotiate the price with the driver. It is best to phone for a taxi or pick one up at a taxi station and make sure to get into a licensed taxi. Ferries and other water travel are important in many parts of Brazil.
Nationals of 72 countries and territories can enter and stay in Brazil for up to 90 days without a visa. In some cases, an identity document may be accepted instead of a passport. Citizens of other countries, including China and India, must apply for and obtain a visa before entering Brazil. It is recommended to contact the nearest Brazilian embassy or consulate for the most up-to-date visa information.
Brazil offers an electronic visa (e-Visa) for citizens of eligible countries. The e-Visa is valid for two years and allows multiple entries for stays of up to 90 days per year. Applicants can apply for the e-Visa online through the Brazilian government's website.