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To register or receive information on a workshop, please contact the organizers directly.
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Souffle de l’eau /
Water Breath Dance

The Importance of Understanding Breath in Watsu®

Instructed by Georges Amir Künzler

June 26 - 27, 2025
(Thursday - Friday)
Register by emailing the instructor:
lewatsu@mac.com
Many of us harbor deeply ingrained misconceptions about how we breathe. These false pretences, such as the belief that the diaphragm ascends during inhalation, hinder our understanding of optimal breath function and limit our ability to guide clients towards healthier breathing patterns.

This class will dismantle these misconceptions and provide a foundational understanding of the true mechanics of breath. We'll delve into the crucial role of the diaphragm, exploring how its downward movement initiates inhalation and how it differs from the role of abdominal muscles in exhalation.

Furthermore, we'll debunk the myth that the lungs push the ribs open. In reality, healthy ribs track the lungs open due to the action of surrounding thoracic muscles. This understanding highlights the importance of rib cage flexibility in optimising breath capacity.
This course focuses on external breath, the muscular and visceral activity that drives the exchange of air. We'll explore three key components:

1.    Muscular Activity:
◦ We'll meticulously study the intricate network of muscles involved in breathing, including those small, often overlooked muscles that significantly impact rib cage flexibility.
◦ Through in-water exploration, we'll discover how to effectively stretch and mobilise these muscles, enhancing breath efficiency and range of motion.
2.    Posture:
◦ We'll examine how different postures influence breathing patterns.
◦ For example, hyperextended spines can trap residual air, while forward curves restrict lung capacity.
◦ Watsu will serve as an invaluable tool for experimenting with these postural influences and guiding clients towards optimal breath-supporting postures.
◦ We'll also explore "breathing gestures," such as knee-to-chest movements that compress the abdomen, and arm lifts that expand the rib cage, to further refine breath control.
3.    Mobility:
◦ While there are no inherently "good" or "bad" breathing patterns, limiting ourselves to habitual patterns can restrict our breath capacity and lead to rigidity, particularly in the rib cage.
◦ This rigidity can have serious consequences, including increased risk of herniated discs and rib dislocations.
◦ Watsu's three-dimensional environment provides an unparalleled opportunity to cultivate deep mobility within the rib cage through massage, stretches, and compression techniques.
As Blandine Calais-Germain eloquently stated, "The most important of every type of work with the body is the work of the rib cage." This class will provide you with the knowledge and practical experience to effectively guide your clients towards a deeper, more integrated breath, enhancing their overall well-being and optimising their therapeutic journey.”

Registration Cost: Coming soon + Lodging/Camping
Prerequisite: Coming soon
Register for this workshop, then make your Harbin Hot Springs lodging or camping reservations at: https://harbin.org/reservations.
About Georges Amir Künzlery

Born in Switzerland and a naturalised American, Amir spends the first part of his life in the Arts of Ceramic. In Switzerland France and Belgium then settled in Southern Oregon in 1985. 

After a brief residency in Harbin Hot Springs where he learned Shiatsu and Watsu in the late 90’s. he brought Watsu back to Switzerland in 2001, taught Watsu, and practiced various kinds of massage in the Spa called "Bains de Lavey" in the Swiss Alps.

Since 2015 Amir has been back to his land in northern California and working on building an aquatic and retreat center.

He has taught Yoga, Shiatsu, Watsu, and other aquatic modalities since 2001. His favorite approach is in simple moves witch allow for great technique and deep presence. Following the breath and knowledge of the anatomy is the key to a good session.

Harbin Hot Springs

A Spiritual Retreat Center
All are welcome here.
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We will not tolerate any form of harassment and/or discrimination.
Harbin is an alcohol and drug free retreat center.
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