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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 Croatia 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 Croatia, 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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Despite its relatively small size, Croatia presents a striking geographical diversity. It undoubtedly has a unique charm for those indulging in fantasies of an idyllic beach holiday. Being home to a vast stretch of seafront that spans thousands of miles and an intriguing archipelago with hundreds of islands, Croatia upholds a significant appeal for lovers of sun, sand, and surf.
Beyond its appealing coastlines, Croatia encompasses much more in its terrains. The expanse of the country is dotted with rugged, dramatic mountains that serve as the perfect backdrop to ancient towns that are enclosed within historical walls. The country is rich in untouched national parks that are truly a paradise for nature enthusiasts.
You also get a glimpse of regal history through majestic castles that mark the Croatian landscape. The icing on the cake is its fantastic cuisine that adds a flavorful dimension to one's experiences. Last but not least, the impressive Roman ruins scattered across the country are a testament to its astonishing historical heritage, enticing history buffs worldwide to explore Croatia.
Although Croatia is a newcomer to the medical tourism sector, the demand for medical services in the country by foreign patients is increasing. Its strong growth is largely driven by the high cost of private care and long waiting times in public healthcare in countries such as the UK and the US. Croatia is known to have affordable, top-quality treatments performed by highly qualified medical professionals. Also, medical centers in the country have modern equipment, friendly staff, and exceptional services.
Zagreb, the bustling capital of Croatia, is a vibrant city that boasts a blend of verdant parks, unconventional art galleries, and enticing museums. Even though the city pulsates with modern energy, its scenery stands distinguished by an array of neo-baroque and art deco buildings that impart a unique architectural charm.
The vibrant city of Zagreb brims with an eclectic mix of attractions that can appeal to a wide range of tastes and interests. One such unique point of interest is the Museum of Broken Relationships. This peculiar museum offers an offbeat exploration into the vestiges of love that has ended, providing a distinctively intimate glimpse into personal stories of heartbreak.
Another notable site that significantly attracts visitors is the serene Mirogoj. Not just an ordinary cemetery, Mirogoj stands out as one of the finest architectural gems in Croatia, offering a peaceful retreat within the lively cityscape. Balancing modern dynamics with a deep-rooted cultural heritage, Zagreb indeed offers engaging facets for every type of traveler.
The Croatian Museum of Naïve Art, standing as a symbol of the country’s rich artistic history, is a must-visit for art aficionados. Further, the bustling Dolac Market is the city's epicentre for fresh produce where locals and tourists alike converge. Rounding off the list is the Funicular Railway, another essential experience that offers a charming way to take in Zagreb's panoramic views.
Those who want to enjoy Croatian’s famous beaches and explore ancient monuments should visit Dubrovnik. Known as the “Pearl of the Adriatic,” this city has a giant walled Old Town, stunning mountains, and idyllic beaches.
Croatia's summer season, extending from July to August, is characterized by lovely warm weather and dry conditions, with a generous sprinkling of sunshine across most days. Transition seasons such as spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October) also offer a fairly warm and agreeable climate, making them pleasant times to visit. However, the spring season can sometimes bring increased rainfall.
On the other hand, winters in Croatia, particularly in January, can dip into colder temperatures. This chill factor is more pronounced in areas of higher elevations, where it's common to witness snowy landscapes. Each season in Croatia brings with it a distinctive climate and charm, shaping the country's scenic beauty in different ways throughout the year.
As the calendar flips over to the cooler months, the Croatian landscape transitions from sun-kissed beaches to frost-laden terrains, especially in the elevated regions of the country. Here, it is not unusual to see snowfall, adding a whole new dimension to Croatia's captivating beauty. Still, regardless of the weather, Croatia retains its charm, offering visitors an array of unique experiences all year round. The country's seasonal moods only add to its diverse appeal, ensuring that there's always something beautiful to see or experience, making Croatia a truly year-round destination.
Zagreb Airport claims the title of being the largest and most frequented international airport in Croatia. This bustling transport hub is where the majority of global explorers set foot in the country.
The airport operates a host of both regular and seasonal air services that connect Zagreb to numerous metropolises worldwide. Notable among these are Paris, Toronto, London, Barcelona, Dubai, and Seoul, further emphasising Zagreb Airport's significance in global travel.
There are good transport options in Croatia. Domestic flights are the fastest option to get around, though they can be a bit expensive. The bus network is run by a lot of different companies and is generally comfortable.
The Croatian Railways has a reasonably efficient service and is cheaper than buses, but they are slower and less frequent. There is a large network of catamarans and car ferries. In major cities, the main form of transport is buses. Taxis are available and are expensive.
EU nationals, Canadian, Australian, British, and US nationals do not need to apply for a visa to stay in Croatia for up to 90 days. While Croatia is not yet a member of the Schengen area, holders of Schengen visas to enter the country without having to apply for an additional visa.
Tips for applying for a tourist visa to Croatia: