Foundations of Aquatic Bodywork and Preparation for the Watsu® 1 Training Itinerary
Taught by:
Elisa Muñoz Blanco · Silvia Sánchez Caballero
7–8 November 2026 · Hospital Fundación Instituto San José, Madrid, Spain
16 hours accredited by Watsupath™ Training Institute and the Worldwide Aquatic Bodywork Association (W.A.B.A.) as part of the professional Watsu® training itinerary
PRESENTATION
Watsu® is an aquatic bodywork practice that combines support, movement, breathing, stretching and touch to facilitate a profound experience of relaxation and presence.
Developed by Harold Dull from his training in Zen Shiatsu with Shizuto Masunaga, Watsu® emerged from adapting the stretches and principles of Shiatsu to the aquatic environment. Warm water allows the body to be supported with minimal effort, facilitating mobility, body awareness and a different relationship with movement and breathing.
In Watsu®, the receiver is supported by the practitioner while being gently moved through the water. The sequence combines rhythmic movements, stretches, mobilisations and moments of stillness, following the breath and the body’s responses.
Beyond learning a sequence of movements, Watsu® proposes developing a particular way of being with another person in the water: learning to support, listen, accompany and move with the receiver without imposing movement.
This course introduces the foundations of Watsu® and provides the tools needed to begin developing a safe, conscious and respectful practice that honours each person’s body and individual rhythm.
Throughout the 16 hours of training, we will explore the foundations of aquatic bodywork, practitioner body mechanics, head support, breathing, transitions and a basic Watsu® sequence, preparing participants to continue their training itinerary towards Watsu® 1.
Original price
380,00€
Early bird
350,00€
Auditor’s price
266,00€
380.00€Select options
COURSE CONTENT
2 days · 16 hours
This Watsu® Basic course (2 days, 16 hours) will be followed by Watsu® Transition Flow (3 days, 34 hours), with both courses together forming the standard Watsu® 1 (50-hour) professional training itinerary.
The aim of this course is to provide the foundations needed to begin working and exploring in water through the Watsu® technique.
The competencies to be developed include:
• Understanding the properties of water and the possibilities of aquatic bodywork
• Learning the body mechanics required to move with another person
• Developing observation, listening and presence skills
• Refining appropriate head support for each person
• Learning to observe the receiver’s breathing and facilitate it
• Performing a basic sequence of movements and mobilisations
• Progressing towards Transition and Watsu® 1
PREREQUISITES
No previous experience in Watsu® is required to participate in this course.
The preparatory work for the training, including the WABA Code of Ethics and Conduct for Watsu®, must be completed and submitted before the beginning of the course.
The course will be taught in Spanish and English.
CERTIFICATION
Upon completion of the course, participants will receive a Certificate of Participation issued by Elisa Muñoz Blanco and Watsupath™ Training Institute, documenting the 16 hours of training completed.
The credits corresponding to this training may be incorporated into the student’s digital academic record within the International Registry of the Worldwide Aquatic Bodywork Association (W.A.B.A.), forming part of their official professional training itinerary, in accordance with the applicable regulations.
INSTRUCTORAS
Elisa Muñoz Blanco
Elisa Muñoz Blanco is a physiotherapist, university lecturer and clinical researcher, with more than two decades of experience exploring how the body organises life, pain and resilience. Her work integrates evidence-based physiotherapy, psychosomatics, neurophysiology and advanced aquatic therapies from a systemic, sensitive and deeply embodied perspective.
She is the creator of Craniosacral Therapy in Water™ (CST in Water™) and founder of Watsupath™ Training Institute, an international space for research, clinical practice and knowledge transmission.
She is one of the few accredited instructors authorised to teach Clinical Watsu® 3, with particular expertise in the fascia-as-a-system approach, trauma integration and processes of self-regulation in the aquatic environment.
Specialising in paediatric physiotherapy, psychotherapy and advanced manual therapy, she combines clinical practice with university teaching and scientific research, actively participating in international publications and conferences.
Her approach to teaching and therapeutic accompaniment is characterised by precision, listening and respect for the body’s rhythms, reflecting a curious, complex and creative mind committed to clinical excellence and deep care for people.
Silvia Sánchez Caballero
Her relationship with water began in childhood, experiencing its healing and transformative capacity long before becoming familiar with the scientific evidence that has subsequently supported many of these effects.
She trained at the Watsupath™ Institute, where she certified as a practitioner in Watsu®, Waterness Journey™ and Craniosacral Therapy in Water™, and has complemented her professional journey with studies in Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy at Confía en la Marea school.
In 2025, she completed the Watsu® Assistant Course, subsequently fulfilling her required assists with Elisa Muñoz Blanco and Gabriela Villalba Gallardo. In 2026, she completed the Watsu® Instructor Course and is currently undertaking her practice period as a Watsu® Basic Instructor.
Her training includes Quiromassage, Thai Massage, Holistic Massage, Reflexology, Maderotherapy and Kobido Massage, disciplines that have provided her with a broad range of resources for bodywork.
She integrates these approaches with a sensitive and close presence, adapting her work to each person’s specific physical needs and emotional accompaniment.
SCHEDULE
Total duration: 16 hours
The training begins on Saturday, 7 November 2026 at 8:30 am and ends on Sunday, 8 November 2026 at 6:00 pm.
Attendance throughout the full scheduled training is required to complete the course.
We kindly ask you to make every effort to arrive on time and to organise your return journey so that you can remain until the end of the training.
Any training hours not completed will need to be made up through individual supervision.
REGISTRATION AND EARLY-BIRD RATES
Standard registration: €380 (VAT included).
Early-bird registration: The first five people who complete their registration through the payment platform will have access to a special rate of €350 (VAT included).
Returning participants: Participants who repeat the course as auditors may benefit from a 30% discount on the course fee: €266 (VAT included).
Discounts cannot be combined.
The registration fee includes:
• Full participation in the training
• Teaching materials
• Access to preparatory online content, where applicable
• Certificate of Participation issued by Watsupath™ Training Institute
• Registration of the corresponding continuing education credits, in accordance with applicable regulations
The registration fee does not include:
The facility use fee, travel expenses, accommodation or meals.
Facility Use Fee
The facility use fee for the Aquatic Therapy Unit during the training is €76 (VAT included).
This fee must be paid through the Watsupath™ payment platform together with the registration and will be itemised on the corresponding invoice.
CANCELLATION POLICY
If, after completing registration, a participant needs to cancel their attendance, the following conditions will apply:
- Cancellations must be requested in writing by email to info@watsupath.com
- Cancellations requested more than 30 days before the start of the course are eligible for a refund of the amount paid, less a €100 administrative fee
- Cancellations requested less than 30 days before the start of the course are non-refundable.
- In the event that the course is cancelled by the organisation, the full amount paid will be refunded, with no additional compensation.
COURSE VENUE
AQUATIC THERAPY UNIT
HOSPITAL FUNDACIÓN SAN JOSÉ
C/ Pinar de San José, 98
28044 Madrid, Spain
Fundación Instituto San José will make its Aquatic Therapy Unit available to participants for the development of the training.
Lunch
The cafeteria at Fundación Instituto San José offers a simple daily menu, salads, sandwiches and hamburgers.
The dining area provided for the group is equipped with a microwave, so you are welcome to bring your own lunch if you prefer.
The areas available for lunch and breaks in the Hospital gardens provide a pleasant place to take a break, weather permitting.
Accommodation
The Institute takes care of everything related to the course itself. Participants are responsible for arranging their own transportation and accommodation during the training.
HOW TO GET TO THE COURSE VENUE
AQUATIC THERAPY UNIT
HOSPITAL FUNDACIÓN SAN JOSÉ
https://goo.gl/maps/nBpnxc2deLu
BY CAR:
M-40 exit 30, Cuatro Vientos
M-45, direction N-V, exit 30 from the M-40
M-30, direction N-V, Cuatro Vientos exit
URBAN BUS:
From Aluche — connected to Metro Line 5 and C-5 commuter rail: 483 and 487, direction La Fortuna.
From Plaza Elíptica — connected to Metro Lines 6 and 11: 486, direction La Fortuna.
METRO: Line 5 (green), direction Casa de Campo. Get off at Aluche and connect with the bus.
Line 11 (dark green), direction La Peseta. Get off at La Peseta and walk approximately 15 minutes.
TRAIN: RENFE provides regular services to Madrid.
By commuter train: C-5 line (yellow), towards Móstoles – El Soto. Get off at Aluche and connect with the bus.
AIRPORT: Madrid-Barajas Airport.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Watsupath™ Training Institute