By Damien Finn

This July I was fortunate to travel over to Perth WA for the first time ever, which

was a sensational experience in so many ways. The light quality and natural

scenery over there is vivid and unique, especially in the Margaret River area and

between the capes.

The purpose of my visit wasn’t only to explore the stunning southwest coastline

but to complete 100 hours of intensive training in Watsu®, an aquatic form of

bodywork performed in a therapeutic pool, which I began training in Australia

(2016) and Okinawa, Japan (2018).

A portmanteau of ‘water’ and ‘shiatsu’, Watsu® incorporates fluid movements,

dynamic stretches, massage, acupressure, trigger point therapy, myofascial

release and meridian work, in a meter-deep pool around 34℃.

The body stays warm and is kept buoyant with supportive floats, so all muscles,

including deep stabilisers, can totally let go. The water resistance tractions the

neck, spine and limbs, while freeing soft tissue, joints and fascial lines safely,

within their natural ranges. Incorporating a balance of light and gentle to dynamic

and strong, the modality offers remarkable benefits with many sports and clinical

applications.

Aquatic bodywork can also have a profoundly positive effect on the nervous

system, facilitating an impressive depth of release and calm. The water medium

allows greater accessibility for a range of bodily conditions and includes

techniques that are otherwise impossible on land.

Elite athletes and people recovering from surgeries are aware of the benefits of

aquatic rehabilitation and conditioning – this is a treatment based method that

comprises those aspects in a passive form of hydrotherapy.

Shiatsu (literally ‘Shi’ = thumb/finger, ‘atsu’ = pressure) is a Japanese form of

remedial bodywork with a practical, harmonious, zen approach. Integrating

traditional Japanese massage, mobilising/stretching, cupping and many other

techniques, shiatsu applies martial art based movements, positions, presses and

holds to balance and tonify the body.

Shiatsu is generally done on a futon on the floor, fully clothed and without oil. Book

at Muscle Freedom Black Rock via the website if you’d like to try it (please bring

loose, comfortable clothing).

Returning to shiatsu and the water has fostered a renaissance in my career and

enhanced my style on land. I still work with appropriate strength but in a slower,

deeper and more deliberate way, that doesn’t fight the body. A subtle but profound

difference. Aquatic bodywork and adapting my bodywork on land is part of my ‘oldman plan’ to improve longevity, effectiveness, sustainability and joy in my work as I

age.

I am incredibly grateful to my amazing teachers and fellow students both in Perth

and Okinawa (as well as my land mentors of course), and am very keen for more

training.

Currently I am locating appropriate facilities for aquatic work and will have more

details soon. All you need is comfortable swimwear.

Please check out my site damienfinn.com.au (currently under construction) for

more info or feel free to contact me (damienfinn@icloud.com) with