Relaxation is a skill, and like any other, it has to be learned and experienced.

For many suffering with chronic pain or stress disorders, learning to relax can be a more elusive goal than you might think. Water Shiatsu, Ai Chi or meditative swimming can give you a level of relief, and it can also provide you with a basis point of what a relaxed state feels like.

The Mind, Body Awareness Programme is multi-faceted in that it will involve both active techniques where you learn how to identify, and control muscle tension /stress, and passive techniques where you experience relaxation and relieve muscle tension through movement and breathing.

Immersion in warm water has a natural calming effect on the body, and will promote relaxation. In addition, floating, or moving through water removes external distractions which allows you to focus on you, and how your body feels.

Relaxation is not simply just the opposite of being active; but it involves mind and body awareness to release held muscle tension, and stress.

Learning to let go

Water Shiatsu can help you to experience what it feels like to be relaxed, and how to release stress and muscle tension.

Watsu is beneficial for all ages, for the young and the not so young, and for those of all physical abilities. It helps us to find a balance and equilibrium in our lives allowing us to feel connected with ourselves and others.

After a few sessions, with a new understanding of what it feels like to be relaxed, you can work towards controlling your stress level,its causes, and your reactions. The goal is to learn, within yourself, how to regain that feeling of relaxation that you experienced during Water Shiatsu.

Integrated Approach

Many physical therapy programs designed to help individuals understand and control the effects of stress will focus on three individual components; breathing patterns, physical stretching excercises, and learning to become conscious of muscle holding patterns or habbits.

The Mind, Body Awareness Programme is designed not only to include these three components, but to integrate them and allow the individual to experience the effects of all three at the same time.

The Mind, Body Awareness Programme we offer is a perfect supplement to your physical therapy regime.

Mind over Matter

An Ai Chi program can be used as a supplement or follow up exercise, allowing you to expereince and practice calming tension-reducing movements on a regular basis on your own.

See our AI CHI page for a full description of this medatative form of relaxation exercise.