Taught by Gabriela Villalba Gallardo, Watsu® 1 Instructor
October 8–12, 2026 | Málaga, Spain
(50 hours accredited with Watsupath™ Training Institute https://watsupath.com and Worldwide Aquatic Bodywork Association W.A.B.A. http://waba.pro for the professional training in Watsu®)
Watsu® is a specific method of aquatic therapy characterized by one-on-one sessions in which a Practitioner gently cradles, moves, stretches, and massages Receiver in warm water, with nose and mouth above water surface; for relaxation, recreation, personal growth, and therapy; originally developed by Harold Dull at Harbin Hot Springs.
Harold Dull began developing Watsu® in California in 1980 after studying Zen Shiatsu in Japan under Shizuto Masunaga, one of the most renowned masters of this traditional Eastern art and author of “Zen Shiatsu.” Zen Shiatsu utilizes pressure from the practitioner’s HARA (energy center) to stretch meridians (energy channels) described in Traditional Chinese Medicine, promoting psychophysical wellbeing.
After returning from Japan, Dull adapted Zen Shiatsu stretches to warm water. Through collaboration with professionals from various fields, he gradually developed Watsu® into the transformative aquatic therapy known worldwide today.
In the 1980s, Harold established the official Registry (watsu.com), which maintains a public directory of certified Watsu® instructors and their classes, while tracking student credentials. During this period, the nonprofit Worldwide Aquatic Bodywork Association (WABA) oversaw his school at Harbin Hot Springs. Following the school’s sale, registry instructors and training institutes formed the new International Aquatic Bodywork Association (waba.pro) to continue this educational legacy.
Now practiced globally in therapeutic centers, hospitals, and spas, Watsu® has evolved through countless contributors into what many consider the most profound development in bodywork of our era.
COURSE CONTENTS (5 days, 50 hours)
Course Objective: To provide the foundational skills for students to practice and explore aquatic therapy using the Watsu® technique.
Competencies to be acquired:
- Understand the therapeutic properties of water and its applications in bodywork.
- Master body mechanics to move safely and harmoniously with the receiver.
- Adapt head support techniques to each individual’s needs.
- Develop sensitivity to perceive and facilitate the receiver’s breathing patterns.
- Execute a basic sequence of aquatic movements and mobilizations with precision.
- Achieve fluid transitions in preparation for Watsu® 2 training.
- Assess session progress to make real-time therapeutic adjustments.
PREREQUISITES
The class will be taught in Spanish. Pre-class work, including the WABA Code of Ethics and Conduct for Watsu® Form, must be completed and submitted to us before the class begins.
QUALIFICATIONS
At the end of the course a Certificate of Participation will be awarded by Watsupath™ Training Institute, the only Training Institute in Spain accredited by Worldwide Aquatic Bodywork Association W.A.B.A. valid for the Watsu® Professional Training program.
INSTRUCTOR
Gabriela Villalba Gallardo is a Professor of Body Expression and Dance. Her career has developed across various professional fields: education, arts, and therapy. Gabriela has trained in different bodywork and artistic disciplines, including Qi Gong, Yoga, Dance, Theater, Creative Movement, and more.
Gabriela is a Watsu® Practitioner trained in multiple aquatic therapy modalities, including Craniosacral Therapy in Water™, Waterness Journey™, Sound Water™, Fire and Water®, and Ai Chi®. She is also a Watsu® Basic and Watsu® 1 Instructor, a Shiatsu Therapist and Instructor, a Sound Therapist and Gong Practitioner, and a Manual Therapist specializing in Ayurveda, Shiatsu, Thai Massage, Lomi Lomi, Reflexology, Chinese Medicine, and Acupuncture, as well as Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy.
She is a member of the Watsupath™ Training Institute, where she participates in the Training Committee as a Watsu® 1 and Shiatsu Instructor. She works in both “Dry” and “Water” settings, integrating her knowledge and experience in Spas, Rehabilitation Clinics, and her private practice, bridging connections between Spain, Costa Rica, Uruguay, and Argentina.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
Gabriela Villalba Gallardo
Email: gabriela.villalbagallardo@watsupath.com
Website: watsuvibes.com