Weightless Relaxation

Why Water Massages Are More Than a Wellness Trend.

By Dr. Imke König –
05/31/2026

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Source: Thomas Straub

Dr. Imke König, Medical Spa Director

In the interplay of warmth, buoyancy, and gentle movement, forms of therapeutic bodywork become possible that would be difficult to recreate on land. At Schloss Elmau, this award-winning treatment takes place in a 35°C (95°F) saltwater pool, where specialized techniques combine massage, mobilization, and the unique properties of water.

Water-based exercise has been practiced since antiquity, but in cooler climates, active movement was always necessary to keep the body warm. The growing popularity of thermal baths over the past century created the conditions for passive therapies in water. Since then, the effects of warm water on the body and mind have been studied extensively.

Researchers soon recognized the benefits of warmth and buoyancy for reducing pain, improving joint mobility, and promoting deep relaxation. Studies have also demonstrated positive effects on blood pressure, stress hormones, metabolism, kidney function, and various skin and rheumatic conditions.

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Quelle: Timo Maier

Massages in water – ingenious or superfluous?

It was only a matter of time before the first floating therapies emerged. Whether using flotation devices or highly concentrated saltwater such as that of the Dead Sea, these early concepts focused primarily on relaxation. Later, Shiatsu practitioners became pioneers in transferring therapeutic bodywork from the massage table into water, developing what became known as Water Shiatsu, or Watsu. Because therapists must continuously support the body during treatment, however, hands-on massage and mobilization remain limited.

The next challenge was to create a support system that would allow guests to float securely while giving therapists full access to the body. For years, physiotherapists searched for ways to make more comprehensive aquatic bodywork possible, particularly for people suffering from chronic pain.

For the Physio Floating Massage, Dr. König developed a specialized therapeutic flotation cushion. Three separate air chambers allow the position of the cervical spine to be individually adjusted while keeping the head securely supported from all sides. An additional flotation support beneath the knees enables guests to float effortlessly on their backs, almost as though reclining on a lounger suspended in water. The bent-leg position reduces pressure on the spine while leaving the entire body accessible for treatment.

This positioning alone often provides an immediate sense of comfort and ease. Building on this foundation, the Physio Floating Massage combines three-dimensional mobilization techniques based on Spiral Dynamics for the shoulders, hips, and spine. The back, neck, arms, legs, feet, and hips are massaged, while stretches are performed against the natural resistance of the water. Gentle underwater waves stimulate the skin and enhance relaxation. Many of these techniques would be impossible to perform on land.

Schloss Elmau’s award-winning treatment is performed in the 35°C (95°F) saltwater pool.