Peaceful Waters
I have always felt grounded by the water. I have always found solace in the rhythmic ebb and flow of her movement and have been moved by her contrasting force and placidity. There is no question that I am at home when I am near her. Why is it that so many of us feel such a strong connection to the water? Why should it be that so many turn to water for wellness? Why is it that so many vacationers arrive here, realize they have never felt so good and at peace, that they never leave?
From the Nile River, to the Roman baths, from Lourdes, France to The Blue Lagoon in Iceland, people have used water as a medium for health and healing for centuries. Water not only holds cleansing and nourishing properties, but it can also hold the power of intention. Dr. Masaru Emoto has demonstrated through scientific research that the molecular structure of water will change when exposed to positive or negative energies. The power of intention has been depicted in water!
Stacy is pictured above enjoying The Healing Baths of Virgin Gorda, in the British Virgin Islands.
Our bodies and our world are composed of 75% water. We take it in, and bathe ourselves in it every day. Water sustains us and we should view it as a modality of health.
I trained to become an aquatic therapist early in my career, because I believe in the healing properties of water. I have seen water strengthen the weak and allow those who are immobile to move in ways in which their bodies had forgotten. Water therapy affords us the benefits of buoyancy to decompress our joints, of resistance to strengthen our muscles, and hydrostatic pressure to move stagnant fluids and improve circulation. Most importantly, water therapy offers the power of hope, positive intention, and whole-body transformation in those that practice this form of healing.
I have heard "Peace" defined as the ability to be grounded in fluidity. Perhaps that is why so many of us find peace here on this island. We are so fortunate to be surrounded by the constantly moving healing waters of our ocean. An island is representative of stability engulfed in a constantly flowing environment. An island is always metamorphasizing.
She is continuously shifting her sands, building herself up where currents around her flow, and breaking herself down, to reorganize where needed.
Water poses the perfect opportunity for healing and the perfect metaphor for the journey to inner peace.
Stacy Pacuska, DPT, has been practicing physical therapy for 10 years. She received her Doctorate degree from Chatham University in Pittsburgh, PA and has practiced in MA for 8 years. Prior to moving to Martha's Vineyard, she resided on Nantucket Island and began the aquatic therapy program for Nantucket Cottage Hospital. Stacy has developed an aquatic therapy program for the Martha's Vineyard Community which will begin June 1, 2009. She is currently working at Vineyard Complimentary Medicine as a physical therapist in West Tisbury, MA. She also specializes in women's health, pediatrics, and orthopedics. To contact Stacy or book an appointment call 508-680-6032.
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