Imagine yourself suspended in warm water... With eyes closed, you are guided through a series of gentle stretches, bends, and rotations combined with moments of cradling and stillness. The gentle resistance of the 96 degree water contributes to muscular relaxation and a freeing of the spine and joints in ways impossible on land. The nurturing movements lead to decreased physical pain, a release of emotional tension, and a soothing of the soul. Watsu receivers leave the pool with a general sense of relaxation and well being and often, with a shift in consciousness.

Warm water combined with a caring, qualified practitioner creates a healing experience incomparable to anything available on land. Whether you desire to relax and unwind, address specific physiological needs, or enhance spiritual awareness a Watsu session can meet your specific needs in a way that no other bodywork can.

Watsu was created by Harold Dull in the early 1980's. He began experimenting with the technique of Zen Shiatsu while floating people in warm water at Harbin Hot Springs, CA. A profoundly nurturing and healing form of aquatic bodywork was thus, created and continues to contribute to well being around the world.

Scheduling a Watsu Session

To Schedule a Watsu Session: You may either call Liz at (360) 766-8403 or e-mail: lizbart@wavecable.com. Please have a few options for different times and dates that will work when scheduling your session. Allow 1 hour and 15 minutes for your session, including Intake Form review.

It may be possible to make arrangments for group sessions (especially enjoyed by woman’s groups) and couple sessions. Please ask about these possibilities.

Before You Arrive: Please do not eat anything 1 hour prior to your session. You may either wear your bathing suit or change at Soothing Waters. Please bring a towel and wear sandals or shoes that are easy to get on and off and are not affected by water. You may want to bring some type of cover-up; a bathrobe works well.

Please complete and bring the Intake Form to our appointment and review the forms Before You Come to Soothing Waters and Parking Plan prior to our first meeting. These forms are available on line by clicking on the Fees and Forms link at the top of this page, or by contacting Liz at (360) 766-8403.

Watsu Fee

The cost for a one hour and fifteen minutes Watsu session is $85. Receive one free session when you purchase 5 sessions at the regular price of $425. Gift certificates are available and make appreciated gifts for all occasions. (Watsu sessions are especially appreciated by pregnant woman and make a great shared shower gift!)

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Receiver Reflections

“My daughter experienced a Watsu session while pregnant and marveled at the benefits. For a few years she encouraged me to give it a try knowing it would reduce my chronic pain. I wonder why I waited so long! I have been a regular client as a result of the immediate improvements I experienced to my low back, hips, leg tightness, and lung capacity. It has been difficult for me to stretch on my own and the passive stretching has really helped. I have also experienced a reduction in stress. The relief of my symptoms makes a big difference in my ability to function daily and on my outlook on life." Anonymous

"After falling off my bicycle in the spring of 2008 I learned about Soothing Waters and Watsu therapy to help in the healing process of my broken ankle. For the next several months with numerous Watsu sessions, more than my ankle was healed. This holistic, whole mind-body therapy improved my 61 year old female body in ways I would have not have anticipated. Greater shoulder and hip flexibility and improved range of motion occurred. A deepening sense of well-being and calm smoothed out daily stress. Restored and restful sleep returned. But for me one of the most subtle changes is the elimination of food cravings and loss of weight that I would describe as middle age spread. My hour glass figure is more evident, this not only improves my appearance, but improves my health. Liz Bart’s approach is so compassionate that one can not help but emulate and practice more daily compassionate acts." ~ Jan Wilson, retired teacher

"I've been participating in WATSU with Liz Bart for the past two years. My physical problems are the result of severe degenerative disc disease and spinal arthritis, along with significant pain when I'm on my feet on dry land. As time goes on, there have been increasing balance problems. All of this has made it difficult to fight off depression, and hard to keep my spirits up. A weekly workout with Liz in the warm water leaves me so relaxed and refreshed, I can go home and enjoy a very restorative sleep. I'm steadier on my 90 year old pins after a workout, too. The benefits last for days, and over time I've felt an increased sense of well being. I so look forward to floating in the warm water, surrounded by birds singing and breezes whispering in the evergreens overhead. Spring will be here soon." ~ Les B., 90 years old

"Watsu revitalized my spirit physically and mentally. The gentle spacelessness of the water relaxed my body in such a way that a feeling of peace and well-being flowed through me and lingered afterwards. It was incredible! The mind/body relationship is very obvious with Watsu. I left the session with feelings of love for my body, my soon to be born baby, and a total joy for the experience of life." ~Karen Powers, Organic farmer in last trimester of pregnancy

"I have had chronic back pain for over 10 years. Just one Watsu treatment left me pain free, with improved flexibility for over two months. I have found Watsu to be the perfect ally to chiropractic." ~Lynn Albright, businesswoman

"Each Watsu session has provided me with a valuable gift. I often leave the pool feeling immense clarity and with direction for how I want to lead my life. Watsu provokes an excellent release, which assists me in transitioning into the next phase of life." ~Anonymous

"I read an article about the benefits of Watsu and scheduled an appointment expecting deep relaxation and release of muscle tension. Over the years I had experienced this during massage and acupuncture treatments. My first Watsu experience was this and so much more! I felt at ease with Liz and her lovely setting immediately and felt open to the benefits as soon as I felt the warm and soothing water. Once my breathing deepened, eyes closed and Liz and the water lifted me, I experienced the most powerful merging of my mind, body, and spirit than can fully be described. The feelings were intense, but when painful or frightening memories came to mind, they felt transformed by warmth and light and the most profound feelings of peace, forgiveness and love. I was also flooded with joyful memories of my entire life. This awareness made me feel completely present and whole and connected to all of life the entire session and long after. Subsequent sessions have been equally renewing and truly healing and transformational. At times of tension I can recall the peaceful feeling of Watsu and it helps me to find that place of calm and joy. Numerous people have commented to me that I seem unusually calm and peaceful yet still have my outgoing and enthusiastic energy. Truly, I wish everyone could experience Watsu with Liz Bart - my time with her has been immensely beneficial in so many ways." ~Connie Funk, mosaic artist, wife, mother, horse lover, student of life

"The experience of Watsu took me deeper than any meditation practice I have ever used. Gradually relaxing into the gentle undulations of the water was so nurturing, and Liz has an incredible healing energy that allows one to truly release and trust. For me, Watsu combined the best elements of a shamanic journey and the rebirthing experience. Water truly has the power to heal and restore, and I highly recommend Watsu as a practice to be followed." ~Lynn

"My Watsu session provided great relief from the discomfort and heaviness that I felt in my eighth month of pregnancy. The warm water allowed me to fully relax and escape into a state of weightlessness. After our session, I noticed an improvement in my posture and I felt more limber. I was better able to breathe and was energized." ~Linda Nark, last trimester of pregnancy

"My experience with Watsu was incredible. The beautiful motion in the water gave me total peace and joy. My first impressions was, this must be what it is like in the ethereal." ~Debbie Baker, homemaker

"I felt like a baby! At 83 years of age, it was a treat to be cared for, rocked, and held again." ~Betty Chowka, Senior Citizen

"Exquisite! As Watsu gave attention to every muscle in my body, I felt as if I was sinking into a down comforter. I was totally in the moment and able to let go of all stress." ~Victoria Reeb, busy Mom

"Joyful childhood memories flooded my mind during our session. When the session was over, nothing hurt and everything was fine. I was relaxed and at peace." ~Mark Van Winkle, carpenter

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