From being fearful of water to discovering her love for water through Watsu, Pooja Gautam has pioneered the introduction and spread of Watsu in Mumbai and other parts of India.
Among the foremost Indians to become Worldwide Aquatic Bodywork Association (WABA)-certified Watsu practitioners, she’s now the first Indian-origin Watsu instructor and teacher of Woga ITC (Water Yoga—Instructor Training Course).
Over the last few years, she has worked with 3,000+ clients, including a majority of non-swimmers and aquaphobes, for needs ranging from stress management, relaxation and rejuvenation to dealing with mental health issues, including anxiety, depression, and sleep disorders, among others.
Pooja is a visiting practitioner with marque hospitality and wellness brands, including St. Regis (Maldives), Six Senses, JW Marriott, and Hilton.
In a freewheeling conversation, she dives into the world of WOGA, and gives us a complete picture of the therapeutic power of Aqua Yoga.
- What is Aqua Yoga? Can you tell us about its origins?
Aqua Yoga is based on yoga poses and stretches modified for water.
Thanks to a decrease in gravity, water allows greater ease of movement, unblocks joints, lengthens and melts muscles, and removes negative tensions, thereby preventing stress, insomnia and anxiety.
I practice Woga® (or Water Yoga), an adaptation of the Hatha Yoga technique in warm water. My Swiss aquatic bodywork teacher, Gianni De Stefani, developed it over the last couple of decades.
- When did you start your journey with Aqua Yoga, and how has it been?
Though I had been acquainted with yoga since I was a child, it was only in the last decade that I started appreciating its depth and therapeutic effects on the body and mind. So, after I became a certified Watsu® (Water Shiatsu) practitioner, I was keen to combine the healing power of water with the science of yoga. I became a certified Woga® instructor in 2019. Since then, I have catered to a diverse set of clients, ranging from those with ACL tears, obesity, hip injuries, movement imbalances, and mental health issues, among others.
- What are some unique physical and mental health benefits of Aqua Yoga?
Due to the resistance of the water, when we move, we increase muscle volume and stimulate the cardiovascular system. The pressure combined with a temperature above 32°C helps to decrease muscle tension. The water pressure is, in itself, a uniform massage on the entire body. Hence, the whole epidermis and its receptors are activated.
Being in the water can strengthen our immune system and stimulate our metabolic activity.
The buoyancy of water allows us to decrease by about ten times the weight of the submerged body parts, thus relieving the joints.
Water is a powerful energy reservoir that facilitates the practice of static or dynamic meditation. The heat of the water (at least 33°C, best at 35°C) and the resulting well-being help facilitate introspection. Meditation in hot water promotes self-awareness through a more flexible spine.
Even the great neuroscientists dedicated to the study of the functions of the brain are convinced of the power of water. They discovered that when you float in hot water, in a state of “sensory deprivation” within an environment of peace, your brain “works” to perfection. It feels good and is more harmonious. The right or “intuitive” side regulates emotions and creative activities and can finally express itself. While the left or “rational” side -that we tend to use too much as Westerners- can finally “rest.” Hot water relaxes the body, promotes concentration and meditation, and allows for symbolic work or visualisation.
- Who can practice Aqua Yoga? Are there any age/gender/physical restrictions?
Aqua Yoga benefits everyone by promoting well-being. It is also beneficial in rehabilitation work for people with difficulty exercising on land.
- How popular is Aqua Yoga in India? What can be done to increase awareness about the discipline?
Aquatherapy in India is still in a nascent stage, but it is growing very fast, given the immense benefits of immersion in water.
It is only a matter of time before aqua therapy, particularly Aqua Yoga, becomes mainstream.
- What are some myths associated with Aqua Yoga?
Some people have the misconception that you need to know swimming to be able to do Aqua Yoga. That’s not the case at all. Most of my clients are non-swimmers and even aquaphobic.
- What kind of exercises are covered in an Aqua Yoga session?
The following are the main aspects of Aqua Yoga:
- a) Stretching in the water with asanas derived from Hatha Yoga
Stretching in water is immensely beneficial. The effect of buoyancy, which opposes the force of gravity, is a decrease in body weight. This reduces joint contraction and leads to greater freedom and range of motion with less muscle strength and reduced (or no) pain during movement.
- b) Breath awareness work incorporating elements of pranayama
We can learn to manage the respiratory flow in very different ways and with a heightened sensibility in the water.
Due to the effect of the hydrostatic pressure in the water, there is an increase in intra-abdominal pressure that pushes the diaphragm and increases the work of the respiratory muscles.
- c) Meditation
Water is a powerful energy reservoir that facilitates static or dynamic meditation. Meditating in water promotes self-awareness through a more flexible spine.
- What is your wellness mantra?
Movement is medicine.
