We are a healing sanctuary cradled in the lush forest and hills of Western North Carolina.

Watsu is a form of aquatic therapy that combines elements of water therapy, massage, and movement. It originated from the principles of shiatsu (a Japanese form of massage) and is performed in warm water, typically in a pool. Here are some key aspects of Watsu:

Warm Water Environment: The therapy is conducted in water that is usually heated to around body temperature, which helps to relax muscles and facilitate movement.

Floating and Support: The practitioner supports and gently moves the recipient through the water, allowing for a sense of weightlessness. This floating experience helps relieve tension and promotes relaxation.

Mind-Body Connection: Watsu emphasizes the connection between the mind and body. Practitioners often use rhythmic movements and stretches, which can lead to deep relaxation and a meditative state.

Therapeutic Benefits: Many people seek Watsu for its potential benefits, which may include stress relief, improved flexibility, pain reduction, and enhanced emotional well-being.

Personalized Experience: Each session can be tailored to meet the individual needs of the client, making it a unique therapeutic experience.

Thank you to all the clients who have generously given permission to share their sessions on this website.

We fuse our primary inspirations while providing holistic services to our clients. Namely, The Escalen Institute and Somatic Experiencing.

The Esalen Institute, located on the rugged coast of Big Sur, California, is a renowned center for humanistic alternative education and personal growth. Established in the 1960s, it has long been associated with the development of well-being techniques, particularly Esalen Massage, which blends Eastern and Western modalities. This form of massage is deeply rooted in holistic healing, emphasizing long, flowing strokes, mindful presence, and the integration of body, mind, and spirit. The setting itself contributes to the experience, with natural hot springs and an atmosphere that encourages self-reflection, awareness, and relaxation.

Somatic Experiencing (SE) is a therapeutic approach developed by Dr. Peter Levine, aimed at healing trauma by focusing on the body’s physical responses. It is based on the idea that trauma and stress are stored in the body and can be resolved through gentle awareness and movement, rather than only through cognitive processing. SE practitioners guide clients through bodily sensations, helping them release pent-up energy and restore balance to the nervous system. This method is effective for those who have experienced trauma, stress, or emotional imbalances, fostering a sense of safety and self-regulation within the body.

Shiatsu a traditional Japanese healing art rooted in ancient Chinese medicine, focuses on restoring balance to the body’s energy, or qi. Using gentle finger pressure, stretches, and palm techniques, practitioners stimulate specific points along the meridians—channels through which energy flows. The aim is to harmonize the interplay between Yin (receptive, cooling energy) and Yang (active, warming energy), ensuring a free and balanced flow of qi throughout the body. By promoting relaxation, enhancing circulation, and relieving tension, Shiatsu helps restore vitality, supporting the body’s natural ability to heal and maintain overall well-being.

Integrating Esalen practices with Somatic Experiencing creates a comprehensive, healing-centered approach. The Esalen philosophy, with its emphasis on connection and intentional care, pairs well with the somatic exploration that SE provides. Clients are not only nurtured through touch but are also encouraged to engage with their own bodily sensations, leading to deeper healing and self-awareness. This approach appeals to those interested in exploring new healing methods, particularly individuals open to alternative modalities and personal growth experiences.

Somatic Experiencing (SE) and Watsu, when combined with bodywork, create a powerful triad for holistic healing that focuses on both the emotional and physical aspects of well-being. SE works with the body’s natural responses to trauma and stress, aiming to release stored tension and promote nervous system regulation. By gently guiding clients through their physical sensations, SE allows them to resolve unresolved traumas and emotional blockages. This awareness and release enable a profound sense of balance and calm, which can be further enhanced when integrated with touch therapies like Watsu and traditional bodywork.

Watsu, a form of aquatic bodywork, takes place in warm water and emphasizes fluid, rhythmic movements. It allows the body to feel weightless and free, making it easier to access deep levels of relaxation. In tandem with Somatic Experiencing, Watsu helps the client safely explore body sensations while being supported by water, which encourages a sense of security and freedom. This combination allows for the release of physical tension while addressing emotional and psychological stress stored in the body. The experience can be deeply calming, fostering an environment where trauma can be gently processed without overwhelming the client.

When SE is combined with traditional bodywork techniques, such as massage, the benefits are amplified. Bodywork helps release physical tension, increases circulation, and promotes relaxation, while SE adds the layer of intentional somatic awareness, allowing clients to process deeper emotional experiences tied to their bodies. Together, SE, Watsu, and bodywork create a comprehensive approach to healing that addresses the mind, body, and emotional well-being. Clients often feel a renewed sense of freedom in their movements, reduced stress, and an enhanced connection to their bodies. This combination is particularly effective for those seeking not just physical relaxation but emotional release and a deeper integration of body-mind wellness.