Weightlessness for Deep Relaxation

Why Water Massages Are More Than Just a Wellness Trend

By Dr. Imke König –
31 Mai, 2026

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Source: Thomas Straub

Dr. Imke König, Medical Spa Director

The combination of warmth, buoyancy, and gentle movements creates a form of massage in the water that would be virtually impossible on land. At Schloss Elmau, this unique form of therapy is practiced in a 35-degree brine pool—using techniques that combine relief, mobilization, and deep relaxation.

Aqua aerobics has been around since ancient times, but active movements were always necessary in cooler temperatures to keep guests from getting cold. With the rising popularity of warm thermal baths in the last century, the foundation was laid for passive treatments in water. Since then, research has been conducted into the effects of warm water on the mind, skin, and body. The benefits of warmth and buoyancy for pain relief, joint mobility, and deep relaxation were immediately apparent. Studies have demonstrated the effects on blood pressure, stress hormones, metabolism, and kidney function. Various skin conditions and rheumatic diseases have also responded positively to warm baths.

Shantigiri Spa Retreat

Source: Timo Meier

Massages in Water—Brilliant or Unnecessary?

And soon, rudimentary treatments involving pure floating—whether on flotation aids or in highly concentrated brine like that of the Dead Sea—were marketed primarily as a means of deep relaxation. That is, until the first therapists made the switch from the massage table to warm water. The pioneers were innovative Shiatsu therapists, who then called their work in the water “water Shiatsu” (Watsu). In Watsu, clients are supported and moved through the water by the therapists. Since this is done without flotation aids, genuine manual massage is only possible to a limited extent because the therapist does not have any hands free.

The challenge was to position clients in such a way that they could relax completely without fear of their heads going under water. These issues called for innovative flotation aids that would provide optimal stabilization for the client—even during intense massage and movement while lying on their back. Pain patients and physical therapists searched for a long time for solutions that would allow them to perform manual therapy in water.

Dr. König has developed a special therapeutic buoyancy pillow for the Physio Floating Massage. Three air chambers are arranged so that the angle of the cervical spine can be individually adjusted and the head is supported from all sides by the cushion. In addition, a flotation aid is placed under the knees so that the client floats in the water in a supine position, as if on a recliner. The bent hips provide maximum relief for the spine, and the therapist has full access to the entire body in the water.

This positioning alone provides immediate relief to patients suffering from pain, offers instant relief to pregnant women, and allows many stressed guests to finally let go completely. The Physio Floating Massage uses three-dimensional spiral-dynamic mobilizations of the shoulders, hips, and spine. The back, neck, arms, legs, feet, and hips are massaged; stretches are performed physiologically using water resistance; and underwater waves create sensory stimuli on the skin’s surface that promote deep relaxation. Many of these techniques can only be performed in water. At Schloss Elmau, this award-winning massage is offered in the saltwater pool with water heated to 35 degrees.