Taught by Elisa Muñoz Blanco
19th –23rd of November 2025. Brescia, Italy.
(50 hours accredited with Watsupath™ Training Institute https://watsupath.com and the Worldwide Aquatic Bodywork Association https://www.waba.pro for the professional training in Watsu®)
CRANIOSACRAL THERAPY IN WATER™
Craniosacral Therapy in Water™ was born as a concept in 2010, as the result of my years of study, research, and clinical practice. I used to define it as a powerful and subtle method, designed to balance the CSR and release restrictions of the connective tissue throughout the body, taking advantage of mechanical and thermal properties of the aquatic media (Muñoz Blanco 2010). As there weren’t sessions equal to another and no recipes nor magic formula could be given to students, I soon realized that rather than a method it should be understood and integrated as a concept on which patients, students, practitioners, and instructors could rely.
Based on the application of WATSU® therapy, Craniosacral therapy (CST), manual therapy, and Myofascial Induction Therapy® (MIT®) in the aquatic environment, CST in Water™ facilitates neuroception and interoception, and produces local and systemic effects aimed at improving and restoring the overall health of the patient. This concept aims to promote the proper functioning of the craniosacral system, release the restrictions of connective tissue, and recover the hydrodynamic balance of the body.
CST in Water™ brings CST techniques with WATSU® tools flowing as a continuum, a unique and inward shared journey for patient and therapist (Güeita Rodríguez 2020). Both WATSU® and CST are based on common principles: listening to the subtlest physiological rhythms, facilitating spontaneous movements and body tendencies, observing the needs, respecting the limits, and framing the therapeutic intervention from an attitude of being with the patient, and not doing to the patient (Muñoz Blanco 2010), as Sutherland used to name complete emptiness (Sutherland 1962).
WATSU® provides constant elongation, symmetry, and alignment of the head through support, fluidity in transitions, correct positioning, and body management in all dimensions, while the therapist remains aligned, invisible, alert, and connected.
CST in Water™ gives us the facilitation by an intentioned light touch of the therapist and the mechanical and thermal stimuli, constant in the aquatic milieu. The application of the deeper techniques makes the reorganization of the tissue acquire a three-dimensional character, without the limits found on land (Güeita Rodríguez 2020). Interoceptive awareness of the patient, suspended and surrounded by water, guides the process, and is followed by the therapist’s facilitation.
All these factors create the ideal frame for correction, allowing the homeostasis of the body to occur, in an environment of real listening and presence in which the patient can surrender and trust (Dull & Keating 2023).
COURSE CONTENTS (50 hours)
Students who complete the 200 hours certification program in CranioSacral Therapy in Water™ divided in 3 modules and a clinical case, will benefit from integrating this technique into their aquatic therapy practice.
Module 1 provides the foundation for understanding the Craniosacral and Fascial Systems, including the basic techniques used to facilitate changes in the craniosacral and fascial systems, by identifying the subtle craniosacral rhythm, interpreting its patterns, and accurately assessing/resolving. The student will be able to immediately put into practice the listening and presence skills.
Program:
- CranioSacral System
- Scientific Evidence
- Conscious Touch and Listening
- Fascia and Diaphragm
- Cranial Base and Lumbosacral Release
- Dural Tube
- Still Point and CV-4
- Intro to SomatoEmotional Release®
- Clinical Applications
- Cautions, Contraindications
PREREQUISITES
This class does not have pre-requisites and will be taught in English.
A preparatory work for the course, including the WABA Code of Ethics and Conduct for CST in Water™ Form, must be completed by the student and submitted to us before the class begins.
QUALIFICATIONS
Craniosacral Therapy in Water™ (CST in Water™), having been added as Elective in the Worldwide Aquatic Bodywork Association´s Registry (W.A.B.A.), automatically results in earning CECs (Continuing Education Credits). At the end of the course, a Certificate of Participation issued by Elisa Muñoz Blanco, director of the Watsupath™ Training Institute, will be given, valid for the Professional Training program in Craniosacral Therapy in Water™ and as an elective for Watsu®.
INSTRUCTOR BIO
Elisa Muñoz Blanco is a passionate physiotherapist and pioneer in aquatic therapies, dedicated to integrating body and mind to enhance quality of life. With over 20 years of experience, she combines an enactive approach to pain with advanced techniques such as Craniosacral Therapy in Water™, a concept she developed and refined for clinical and educational applications worldwide.
As the founder of the Watsupath™ Training Institute, she has trained professionals across the globe, contributing to the evolution of aquatic physiotherapy. Elisa is the author of high-impact books and articles, and her clinical practice is distinguished by its human warmth and scientific rigor.
She balances clinical work with teaching at prestigious universities and hospitals, establishing herself as an international leader in pediatric physiotherapy and aquatic therapy. Currently, she is pursuing a Master’s in Psychosomatic Medicine, reaffirming her commitment to a holistic approach to wellbeing.
SCHEDULE
Commencing on Wednesday, November 19, 2025, at 9am and closing on Sunday, November 23, 2025, at 5pm.
All the scheduled hours are needed, so please make every effort to be on time for the start and to organize your travel back home in such a way that you won’t need to leave before the end of course. Any hour missed during the class must be recovered with individual supervisions.
AGREEMENTS FOR CLASS PARTICIPATION
1.We ask people to take personal responsibility and speak about their needs before and during class, by attending class, you are agreeing to do this.
2.WABA Code of Conduct for CST in Water™ Form, each student agrees to and signs.
3.Come with pre-class work completed and sent to elisa.mb@watsupath.com before the beginning of CST in Water™ Module 1.
4.The written information for class will be supplied to you two weeks prior to class.
COURSE VENUE
LOCATION: Brescia, Italy
Hosting: Monica Bacchilega WABA Watsu® Instructor monica.bacchilega@gmail.com
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ABOUT THE COURSE, PLEASE CONTACT:
Organizer, Registration & Payments: Monica Marcangeli WABA Senior Instructor
Email: moti@ilmiowatsu.it
WhatsApp: +39 338-9860063