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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 Colombia 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 Colombia, 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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Colombia, officially the Republic of Colombia, is a country in northwestern South America. Since emerging from four decades of civil war, Colombia today has become a safe and rewarding place to visit. This country is blessed with breathtaking beauty, from Caribbean beaches and high Andean peaks to lush Amazon jungle and diverse wildlife, not to mention its gorgeous colonial cities, mysterious archeological sites, and magical culture. In recent years, the popularity of Colombia’s high-quality, internationally recognized medical centers has turned the country into an international medical tourism destination. The country is particularly popular for those who want to undergo top-quality, but affordable cosmetic surgery, such as liposuction and breast augmentation.
Bogotá, the capital of Colombia, is a city of contrasts. Colonial churches stand side by side with modern high-rise buildings, and the culture is a mixture of Spanish, English, and Indian influences. Here, visitors can see the Museo de Oro (Gold Museum), tour Casa de Nariño (the president’s house), visit the Botero Museum, or check out a beautiful view of the city from Monserrate Church. Besides Bogotá, Cartagena is also a popular destination. It is a wonderfully preserved colonial town next to the Caribbean. It is famous for many things, such as its Old Walled City, Castillo San Felipe de Barajas, Playa Blanca, Getsemani, and Plaza de Trinidad.
Due to its proximity to the Equator, Colombia experiences a tropical climate. The average temperatures in the country remain the same all year round, ranging from 17°C to 24°C. There are generally two seasons in the country: the dry season and the wet (rainy) season. The dry season runs from December to January and July to August. The weather during this season is pleasant, with lots of sunny days. However, it can be dusty and windy. The rainy season spans from April to May and October to November. Rain usually comes in the afternoon or at night, while the morning is sunny.
El Dorado international airport is the main airport in Colombia. It connects Bogota with 42 domestic and 46 international destinations, serving 26 different countries across the globe, including France, Mexico, Canada, the US, the UAE, Japan, and the Netherlands. The fastest and most convenient way to get around is by plane, especially when traveling long distances. All major cities are connected by frequent bus services. Long-distance services usually use large, comfortable buses, while shorter distances are covered with vans, sometimes even sedans. To get around in most of the Pacific coast and the Amazon, boats are the only option, though they can be expensive. Inside cities, taxis are widely available and city buses are reliable. Several cities also have cable-car lines and metro train services.
Nationals of 99 countries, including all EU countries, Australia, the US, the UK, and Canada, do not need a visa to visit and stay in Colombia for up to 90 days unless noted otherwise. Citizens of other countries are required to obtain a visa before their visit. The visa is valid for up to 90 days. Colombia has a special temporary visa for medical treatment, which may be granted to a foreigner who needs to undergo medical treatment in Colombia for more than 90 days.