Recognizing the body’s innate state of harmony has inspired Madeline’s current application of her PT work by creating more opportunities for individuals to work in the water and experience greater joy and freedom with movement regardless of perceived physical limitations. Water is a great place to exercise during the recovery or healing process, but also at any time because of both the buoyant support and resistance that is always present. The effects of water’s hydrostatic pressure on the body help to decrease swelling in painful joints while providing decompression to the spine and co-contraction to muscles surrounding the joints due to water’s resistive nature. Depending on the temperature of the water, it is also a great place to give the nervous system a chance to experience deep relaxation. Madeline continues to expand her knowledge of Aquatic Bodywork and skills for holding others in warm water through Watsu and Healing Dance. She currently offers private aquatic therapy at a Watsu pool on the Kohala coast in addition to teaching Ai Chi, a group exercise class open to the public twice a week there.
For more information on Ai Chi, please check out Jun Kunno and Ruth Sova online, as well as this article in West Hawaii Today.