Here's an opportunity to get involved in a preliminary investigation of the alternative aquatic bodywork phenomenon called the 'bodywave'. You'll find an explanation and links to the questionnaire below. But first some background ...
In many of the posts on this blog, I have referenced areas of potential therapeutic value in alternative aquatics that are not easily amenable to conventional scientific study. These include:
(Click on the links above to see other posts on this blog.)
In a recent digest, I gathered together nine posts that explore the differences between the approaches and outcomes of alternative aquatic practices and those practices with scientific clinical focus. To illustrate the investigative dilemma I'm concerned with, here is an example from my practice of alternative aquatic bodywork.
In the early days of Watsu training, the bodywave phenomenon was not given direct attention and apparently is still not highlighted since, to my knowledge, no-one but Harold Dull, creator of Watsu (and me) has referenced it in any writings to be found online.
In recent years, interest in subtle energy-based healing methods and recognition of the hidden harm caused by trauma (physical or emotional) has created an opening for a less dismissive approach to the subtle effects of aquatic bodywork of which the bodywave is one of the more visible expressions.
For years, I have wondered if anyone would investigate this extraordinary effect further, perhaps even from a scientific point of view. As with many alternative healing practices, any scientific study would be fraught with the difficulties outlined in the posts in my earlier digest.
Those include finding methodologies and means of assessment compatible with an effect that does not fit with current conventional understanding of the human body, or could be diminished by an attempt to make it fit. But to start with, we at least need some more detailed accounts of this phenomenon.
Back in November 2008, I described my own experience of bodywaves and my thoughts about that in:
An aquatic kriya: the bodywave (click on the link to read)
I called for anyone who had experienced bodywaves, either as a practitioner of aquatic bodywork or as a receiver, to share their insights with me. Sadly, there was no response, though the website was new and perhaps few people saw this request.
Three-part questionnaire on aquatic bodywaves
Here is another opportunity to get involved. Below you will find links to a three-part questionnaire I have designed as a preliminary investigation of aquatic bodywaves in those who have experienced them while receiving aquatic bodywork such as Watsu and similar modalities.
If you have never experienced an aquatic bodywave but are an experienced practitioner or long-time receiver of aquatic bodywork, or simply want to share your thoughts, I would still be interested in hearing from you - please contact me through this website or leave a comment below.
Notes
- It's important to complete all parts, if possible, since the questions (multichoice and comment) are progressively informative.
- Re-enter your full name when you move on to Parts 2 and 3 so that I can link the three parts to you.
- Each part will take upwards of 10 minutes depending on how much you share. If you have more to share than the space allows, write to me at sulis@aquapoetics.com.
- You can re-visit the survey to edit your response at any time after submission until the survey closes (no date specified as yet).
Part 1: Aquatic bodywave questionnaire
Part 2: Aquatic bodywave questionnaire
Part 3: Aquatic bodywave questionnaire
Thank you for participating!
Please share this survey with others you think may be interested by using the Share button below.
