In my aquatic bodywork practice, I have found feedback obtained verbally (and recorded) or from questionnaires and follow-up email correspondence to be invaluable. It provides insights into the varied experiences people have through this work and helps me to meet them where they are in their awareness of self and to understand better what they are seeking through their experience.
Collecting this kind of anecdotal information might also reveal therapeutic aspects that could be developed and included in research studies. Here are some examples of responses from receivers of my aquatic bodywork to the questions: How would you describe this aquatic bodywork to someone who has not experienced it? and How would you describe your first experience of aquatic bodywork?
How would you describe this aquatic bodywork to someone who has not experienced it?
The first two [aquatic bodywork] sessions were extremely visual and physical. The second two were very subtle emotionally, and it is still a bit close to the third two to say - but they were both more feeling, not very visual and I felt more at ease and able to simply be and flow. If you remember, I 'forgot' to bring a lot of the things I normally bring - drawing materials, cards to read/ journey with, etc. so it seemed the theme of this last set was simplicity and that is how the [sessions] felt to me - simple, quiet, and yet this is not to say that I didn't feel as if very deep work were going on at a soul level. So to describe it in a poem, drawing or writing will take some deep focus time. (a spa-retreat guest)
Floating, free in time and space. Always supported, sometimes guided. Safe to move within myself and to just be, and to move and be moved in the environment of the warm water. A sense of 'allowing' the universe to coordinate for and with me. Also a wonderful 'massage' ('bodywork' is probably a better term). A totally delightful and luxurious experience. (a student of Avatar)
For me the [aquatic bodywork session] is a way to 'go home', like returning to the womb, to a peaceful place within myself. It allows me the freedom from gravitational restrictions, not being tied down by the weight of my body and the crippling joints from rheumatoid arthritis. (an accountant with serious RA)
Your body is suspended and surrounded by the warmth of the water, then you are moved through the water, kneaded, massaged, stretched, with each movement further relaxing you, taking you to a place of inner peace and total relaxation. (a counselor)
An [aquatic bodywork session] is a non-verbal experience - gentle stretching through slow aquatic movements guided by S my facilitator.
I felt like I was stretched out.
It's very dreamlike, it's like being held and soothed by the warm mother of the world.
I simply try to tell others of the various aspects of discovery available during [an aquatic bodywork session].
[Aquatic bodywork] is not for everyone. Those that it's right for - it will be profound. There are womb-like aspects and it has shamanic overtones. The water allows me to reach a deeper level of awareness - beyond all intellect. This leaves me in a more vulnerable state. It is more intimate than massage. (massage therapist)
In the calm water/ we travel to the center/ and its free beauty. (chiropractor)
I'm on the cautious and practical side. I speak to the physical 'closeness' of the experience - sometimes this turns people off knowing that [the practitioners] will be touching them! I explain the process - wearing a swimsuit, no makeup, etc. Tell of the water temp, no dunking the head, the physical setting, the warmness of the [practitioners], the professionalism, the respect for modesty. I don't get into the 'zen' of the experience - this is very personal and individual and also may turn some people off thinking it is a 'new age' type of experience. (hospice director)
When people have asked me about the [aquatic bodywork], I have given them one of your brochures because I have not known how to explain it. (mental health counselor)
I have a very difficult time in explaining the experience of an [aquatic bodywork session]. Each one has felt different for me (all in a positive way). It is very relaxing, soothing and calming. It relieves tension held in your body in a more effective way than a massage 'on dry land'. It has been an emotional experience for me at times, in a way I can't really describe. (yoga practitioner)
How would you describe your first experience of aquatic bodywork?
Check boxes were given in questionnaire format: physically relaxing, physically energizing, emotionally calming, emotionally releasing, trance/dream-like, spiritual, other. Respondents were also encouraged to use their own words.
My first experience was releasing on many levels - I remember dancing in the water and swirling around feeling free for the first time in a long time (and completely safe) - also the visual images that came through helped to release many hidden emotional issues while bringing to the surface at least as many more. (spa-retreat guest)
Relaxing/ calming. Sense of OKness.
It felt like I was going 'home', returning to the womb. Very relaxing, yet energizing.
Physically relaxing, almost draining - very tired afterward. Seem to get into trance or dream-like state.
Very relaxing and nurturing.
Physically relaxing.
Physically relaxing, emotionally calming, dream-like. I felt as though I was a rag doll or collection of leaves floating down a creek. I felt like I was a baby in a pool with a fun-loving parent who I knew would keep me safe while amusing me. I felt like I was the entranced partner of a ballet dancer who skillfully maneuvered me through beautiful choreography. It was amazing.
Each one has been different - the first was very trance-dream like, spiritual. They are always emotionally and physically calming in effect, the last one was emotionally releasing, discharging and physically energizing, which was interesting. I felt more energy that evening than I had for a long time and realized that energy was still inside me.
My very out of whack pelvic region was restored to balance with just the first session. Quite a nice beginning. There is also an energizing, yet calming aspect that I experienced along with the physical healing.
Physically energizing, emotionally releasing, trance/dream-like, spiritual.
Physically relaxing, emotionally calming, emotionally releasing, trance/dream-like, spiritual.
Pleasant. Took me 45 minutes to quit 'working' in my head and to relax, after that I believe I fell asleep to some extent. Very relaxing and calming. [Sulis was] welcoming and made me feel right at home as soon as I stepped out of my car.
I have always had trouble with my neck - tightness, tension, etc. and have been a little afraid to have anyone work on it. My first experience [of aquatic bodywork] I had a hard time getting into it, trusting that I wouldn't get water in my mouth. It was difficult to relax. Because I had a hard time relaxing, my neck felt a little uncomfortable. [This did not alter with further session and this person chose to continue with table massage with a soak in the pool beforehand on a weekly basis. That worked very well for her!]
It was definitely physically relaxing - I did have a little trouble in quieting my mind.
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In future posts, I'll share feedback on the following further questions:
The first two [aquatic bodywork] sessions were extremely visual and physical. The second two were very subtle emotionally, and it is still a bit close to the third two to say - but they were both more feeling, not very visual and I felt more at ease and able to simply be and flow. If you remember, I 'forgot' to bring a lot of the things I normally bring - drawing materials, cards to read/ journey with, etc. so it seemed the theme of this last set was simplicity and that is how the [sessions] felt to me - simple, quiet, and yet this is not to say that I didn't feel as if very deep work were going on at a soul level. So to describe it in a poem, drawing or writing will take some deep focus time. (a spa-retreat guest)
Floating, free in time and space. Always supported, sometimes guided. Safe to move within myself and to just be, and to move and be moved in the environment of the warm water. A sense of 'allowing' the universe to coordinate for and with me. Also a wonderful 'massage' ('bodywork' is probably a better term). A totally delightful and luxurious experience. (a student of Avatar)
For me the [aquatic bodywork session] is a way to 'go home', like returning to the womb, to a peaceful place within myself. It allows me the freedom from gravitational restrictions, not being tied down by the weight of my body and the crippling joints from rheumatoid arthritis. (an accountant with serious RA)
Your body is suspended and surrounded by the warmth of the water, then you are moved through the water, kneaded, massaged, stretched, with each movement further relaxing you, taking you to a place of inner peace and total relaxation. (a counselor)
An [aquatic bodywork session] is a non-verbal experience - gentle stretching through slow aquatic movements guided by S my facilitator.
I felt like I was stretched out.
It's very dreamlike, it's like being held and soothed by the warm mother of the world.
I simply try to tell others of the various aspects of discovery available during [an aquatic bodywork session].
[Aquatic bodywork] is not for everyone. Those that it's right for - it will be profound. There are womb-like aspects and it has shamanic overtones. The water allows me to reach a deeper level of awareness - beyond all intellect. This leaves me in a more vulnerable state. It is more intimate than massage. (massage therapist)
In the calm water/ we travel to the center/ and its free beauty. (chiropractor)
I'm on the cautious and practical side. I speak to the physical 'closeness' of the experience - sometimes this turns people off knowing that [the practitioners] will be touching them! I explain the process - wearing a swimsuit, no makeup, etc. Tell of the water temp, no dunking the head, the physical setting, the warmness of the [practitioners], the professionalism, the respect for modesty. I don't get into the 'zen' of the experience - this is very personal and individual and also may turn some people off thinking it is a 'new age' type of experience. (hospice director)
When people have asked me about the [aquatic bodywork], I have given them one of your brochures because I have not known how to explain it. (mental health counselor)
I have a very difficult time in explaining the experience of an [aquatic bodywork session]. Each one has felt different for me (all in a positive way). It is very relaxing, soothing and calming. It relieves tension held in your body in a more effective way than a massage 'on dry land'. It has been an emotional experience for me at times, in a way I can't really describe. (yoga practitioner)
How would you describe your first experience of aquatic bodywork?
Check boxes were given in questionnaire format: physically relaxing, physically energizing, emotionally calming, emotionally releasing, trance/dream-like, spiritual, other. Respondents were also encouraged to use their own words.
My first experience was releasing on many levels - I remember dancing in the water and swirling around feeling free for the first time in a long time (and completely safe) - also the visual images that came through helped to release many hidden emotional issues while bringing to the surface at least as many more. (spa-retreat guest)
Relaxing/ calming. Sense of OKness.
It felt like I was going 'home', returning to the womb. Very relaxing, yet energizing.
Physically relaxing, almost draining - very tired afterward. Seem to get into trance or dream-like state.
Very relaxing and nurturing.
Physically relaxing.
Physically relaxing, emotionally calming, dream-like. I felt as though I was a rag doll or collection of leaves floating down a creek. I felt like I was a baby in a pool with a fun-loving parent who I knew would keep me safe while amusing me. I felt like I was the entranced partner of a ballet dancer who skillfully maneuvered me through beautiful choreography. It was amazing.
Each one has been different - the first was very trance-dream like, spiritual. They are always emotionally and physically calming in effect, the last one was emotionally releasing, discharging and physically energizing, which was interesting. I felt more energy that evening than I had for a long time and realized that energy was still inside me.
My very out of whack pelvic region was restored to balance with just the first session. Quite a nice beginning. There is also an energizing, yet calming aspect that I experienced along with the physical healing.
Physically energizing, emotionally releasing, trance/dream-like, spiritual.
Physically relaxing, emotionally calming, emotionally releasing, trance/dream-like, spiritual.
Pleasant. Took me 45 minutes to quit 'working' in my head and to relax, after that I believe I fell asleep to some extent. Very relaxing and calming. [Sulis was] welcoming and made me feel right at home as soon as I stepped out of my car.
I have always had trouble with my neck - tightness, tension, etc. and have been a little afraid to have anyone work on it. My first experience [of aquatic bodywork] I had a hard time getting into it, trusting that I wouldn't get water in my mouth. It was difficult to relax. Because I had a hard time relaxing, my neck felt a little uncomfortable. [This did not alter with further session and this person chose to continue with table massage with a soak in the pool beforehand on a weekly basis. That worked very well for her!]
It was definitely physically relaxing - I did have a little trouble in quieting my mind.
.........................................................................................................................................................
In future posts, I'll share feedback on the following further questions:
- Was there any personal change/benefit that you could ascribe to your aquatic bodywork session?
- Has this altered with further aquatic bodywork sessions?
- For how long did you experience the effects of your aquatic bodywork sessions?
If you are a practitioner and are interested in obtaining copies of the questionnaires I've created to adapt for you own use, please contact me for more information and cost.
