Decoding Watsu Water Healing At Fivelements Hong Kong (Now Closed)

There are few things more frustrating than feeling creatively blocked. For the most part, it’s to do with unlocking your mind to the possibility of inspiration. There are a variety of methods that people use, but here at CompareRetreats.com we’re all about healthy and healing practices, physically and emotionally – and as our founder Dervla Louli just found out, Watsu water healing might be a creative’s new best friend. 

My best creative ideas usually hit when I’m about five or six kilometres into a steady run, or halfway through an intense yoga class. Meditation is also a tool I use when I need to create some space in my mind to make way for creative thoughts. Watsu (water healing) is the newest tool in my medley of wellness practices that is a fast and effective way of gaining clarity and inspiration fast. In my first session with Michael Hallock at Fivelements in Hong Kong, I had three moments of enlightenment that shocked me in the best possible way. I wrote them down right after our one-hour session, and they’ve proved very helpful.

Watsu is a form of water healing that incorporates gentle massage, dance elements, shiatsu and muscle stretching and joint mobilisation. A practitioner guides you through the water to relax your body and release emotional tension. It’s a very nurturing form of bodywork and every session is personalised and unique.

There’s an element of sensory deprivation as you float in warm water with your eyes closed and ears underneath the surface. Small floats are attached to your legs, and a nose clip is used if you’re comfortable with being submerged in water for a few moments at a time. It was during moments underwater that my thoughts became crystal clear so I recommend opting in for this part if you’re relaxed in the water.

Concentrating on your breath and relaxing like a rag doll are two tips that will help you enter a state of calm when your treatment begins. I’m also really grateful that Michael told me to write down a few notes after my treatment and I recommend you do the same if you treat yourself to Watsu too.

Dervla Louli

Founder

Dervla Louli is the Founder of wellness travel portal CompareRetreats.com and a Digital Editorial Consultant based in Hong Kong. She was formerly the Digital Editor of Hong Kong Tatler, the Director of Integrated Content at Edipresse Media Asia and the Managing Editor of Sassy Media Group. She has moderated events at The British Chamber of Commerce, Hong Kong University and Swire Hotels, and was the youngest panel member invited to speak at the Goldman Sachs' International Luxury Conference in 2013. She is a member of the Global Shaper Community, part of the World Economic Forum and a certified yoga teacher.