Aquatic Integration Open House

SUNDAY, JUNE 27th

11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Join us for a day of receiving and demonstrations in the warm pool with international aquatic bodywork teacher Cameron West. Come to observe on land or participate in the water. If you’d like to receive a 15-minute session in the warm pool during the open house, bring a swimsuit and towel. Call to reserve a time: 541-621-2431 or email: sharondvora@gmail.com.

For more information about Aquatic Integration, Cameron West & Ai Chi, view the posts below.

For an open house schedule, click here: AI Open House Flyer

Call to schedule a private session with Cameron during her Ashland visit $75-$100 for a 1-hr & 15-minute session. Call 541-621-2431

What is Ai Chi?

“Ai Chi is the sigh we give when we’re at peace,” says Jun Konno, founder of Ai Chi and president of Aqua Dynamics Institute in Japan. Inspired by the popularity of Watsu®, a form of water-based massage therapy created by Harold Dull, Konno created Ai Chi to serve a need for a gentle, relaxing water movement practice. Although several other mind-body aquatics programs have been introduced, Ai Chi has developed a particularly strong and loyal worldwide following as instructors spread their enthusiasm.

Participants practice Ai Chi in warm, shallow, chest-deep water. Exercisers stand with knees bent, body immersed to the neck. The program combines deep breathing with slow, broad movements. The arms, legs and torso flow in continual patterns characterized by “softness” and “roundness.” Ai Chi’s constant circular movements create a feeling of harmony that, with repetition, becomes internal and fosters relaxation. Like other East Asian disciplines, Ai Chi encourages movement in tune with nature.

Click here to read more about Ai Chi.

Aquatic Integration: A New Approach to Hydrotherapy

Developed by Cameron West, Aquatic Integration is a new approach to hydrotherapy which combines eastern meridian and point work with myofascial release, proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation and breathwork. AI is highly effective in restoring sensory perception and motor control as well as increasing range of motion and reducing muscular spasticity and has proven a profoundly effective tool in pain management.

…moments of stillness vary with rhythmical smooth movements, freeing the body in ways impossible on land.

The warmth and buoyancy of the water relaxes the muscles and supports the whole spine.  With this support and without the weight of the body, the spine, joints and muscles can be manipulated and freed in a way only unique to water.

To read more about this new approach to hydrotherapy, visit Aquatic Integration.

Watsu: Body of Water, Water Bodywork

Yesterday I received a Watsu session from my friend Sharon Dvora.  Wow!

Watsu (from “water shiatsu”) is type of bodywork done in the water.  (Find out more about Watsu here.)

You float in warm water, while being continuously cradled, rocked and stretched by the Watsu practitioner.  Stillness alternates with flow, coiling and uncoiling with the gentle rhythms of the water.  The body is weightless, yet always supported.  The physical body and the energy body are moving together, sensing, integrating.

Again and again during the session, I found myself thinking, “Everyone in the world should experience Watsu!”

To read more, visit this blog entry by Rachael Resch of Synergy Physical Therapy in Ashland, Oregon.

Gentle Aquatic Therapy

Welcome to our blog—The Healing Power of Water.

Inspired by aquatic bodywork experiences that we’ve given & received in the past few years, we are very excited to be offering classes and individual aquatic bodywork sessions in our beautiful dome-enclosed pool in Ashland, Oregon. We are currently both studying with Cameron West, founder & instructor of Aquatic Integration. This gentle, powerful technique opens the door for the body’s innate ability to revitalize—utilizing awareness, movement, stillness & the healing power of water! Join us in this exploration of the warm water experience that enlivens, relaxes & rejuvenates!

Ronen Geffen & Sharon Dvora

Freedom in Water!

Floating on water or allowing oneself to immerse fully… a sense of freedom pervades! Free of the pull of gravity—our body/mind/spirit takes flight—allowing the underwater experience to restore space in the interior expanse of our being.

Our Dome-Enclosed Warm Water Therapy Pool

Our warm water therapy pool is now open during all four seasons of the year! We recently enclosed our pool with a beautiful custom-built geodesic dome created by the wonderful team at Pacific Domes in Ashland, Oregon.