Practice and science of Aquatics, bodywork and wellbeing.<\/h1>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/watsu.pl\/conference2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Katia.jpg\")
<\/span>\n\nThe water is the life<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Watsu\u00ae Therapy, a unique bodywork that uses water to heal the body& mind, which have multiple applications in rehabilitation, SPA, sport and beyond – is the core for presenting science and practice during the conference. The topics are much wider…<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nLearn more<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nHonorary Patronage<\/h1>\n\n\n\n\n- Prof. Andrzej Klimek, MD, PhD<\/strong> \u2013 Rector of the University of Physical Education in Krak\u00f3w<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- \u0141ukasz Sm\u00f3\u0142ka <\/strong>– Marshal of the Ma\u0142opolska Region<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
Honorary Committee <\/h1>\n\n\n\n\n\n- Prof. Dr. Robert Schleip<\/strong> – University of Ulm, Fascia Research Group.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Dr hab. Agnieszka Jankowicz-Szyma\u0144ska<\/strong> – Vice-Rector for Research and Development at the Tarn\u00f3w Academy.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Anita W\u0142odarczyk<\/strong> – Olympic & World Champion, World Record Holder.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Anna Szotek-Bassa<\/strong> – President of Aquatic Therapy Development Association Watsu Polska.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
Organizing Committee <\/h1>\n\n\n\n\n- Tomasz Zag\u00f3rski <\/strong>– Senior Watsu Instructor & Coach Advisor, Watsu Polska & WABA co-founder.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Natalia Zag\u00f3rska<\/strong> – President of Fundacja Europejskie Centrum Watsu im. Harolda Dulla.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Steve Fernandez <\/strong>– Water Therapy Iceland.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
Speakers<\/h1>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/watsu.pl\/conference2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/images-1.jpeg\")
<\/figure>\nProf Robert Schleip (GER)<\/summary>\nTopic: How fascia behaves in water?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nBiography: Robert Schleip is a human biologist and psychologist with expertise in fascia research.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Schleip is one of the leading fascia researchers worldwide and is the Director of the Fascia Research Group at the University of Ulm. He has had a long clinical and teaching career as a body therapist with Rolfing and other modalities. He has also given presentations and lectures on the subject of fascia and its role in movement, somatic dysfunction, and pain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Robert Schleip is the author of several books on fascia, including \u201cFascia, The Tensional Network of the Human Body\u201d, “Fascial Fitness: How to Be Vital, Elastic and Dynamic in Everyday Life and Sport” and “Fascia in Sport and Movement”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Schleip has contributed significantly to our understanding of the human body’s structure and function, particularly in the area of fascia research. See more here.<\/a><\/p>\n<\/details>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/watsu.pl\/conference2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Julia-Andreyeva-971x1024.jpg\")
<\/figure>\nDr Julia Andrejeva (LTV)<\/summary>\nTopic: WATSU and Multiple Sclerosis<\/strong>, practical and scientific thoughts about WATSU from Physiotherapy prospective.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nBiography: see ful biography<\/a><\/p>\n<\/details>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/watsu.pl\/conference2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/DuranArslan.jpg\")
<\/figure>\nDr Duran Arslan (TUR)<\/summary>\nTopic: Application of Aquatic Therapy in training of Paralympic athletes.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nBiography: the national team coach in T\u00fcrkiye’s paraswimming and paratriathlon sports branches, Watsu Practitioner, Watsu 1 Instructor, have been providing professional swimming training to people with special needs for 15 years. He has 2 doctorates on aquatic exercises.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/watsu.pl\/conference2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Maria-G-684x1024.jpg\")
<\/figure>\nMaria Gerondoudis (RSA)<\/summary>\nTopic: Treating Frozen Shoulder with Geron Hydrotherapy.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nAbstract: see here<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\nBiography: Maria \u2013 Hydrotherapist, Educator, and Innovator
Maria is a passionate and experienced hydrotherapist who has spent over 20 years helping people heal and move better through water. Born in South Africa to Greek parents, she\u2019s a pioneer in the field of aquatic therapy and the founder of Geron Hydrotherapy<\/em>\u2014a unique approach that\u2019s changing how we treat pain and movement challenges.<\/p>\n\n\n\nHer techniques, developed for both pain conditions and sports injuries, combine active and passive methods that are now used by healthcare professionals. Maria\u2019s work has been recognised by medical and rehabilitation professionals for its effectiveness and innovation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For 10 years, Maria led the Hydrotherapy Program at the Sports Medicine Centre<\/a> of the Morningside Medi Clinic in Sandton, a premier multi-disciplinary sports medicine facility serving both professional athletes and the general public. Under the leadership of Prof Jon Patricios<\/a>, the centre provided rehabilitation and recovery for many of South Africa\u2019s national and professional sports teams.<\/p>\n\n\n\nIn 2018, Maria opened a state-of-the-art hydrotherapy facility in Sandton, offering patients access to both a cutting-edge therapeutic environment and world-class techniques to ensure optimal outcomes. At the heart of everything she does is one priority: exceptional patient care.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Maria now teaches for Wits University and the Geron Institute. She has presented at leading global conferences and institutions including the University of Johannesburg<\/a>, Wits University<\/a>, the Geron Institute, the Chevrah Kadisha,<\/a>and the Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics at the University of Oxford<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/watsu.pl\/conference2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/MLukowicz-\u2013-wykladowcy-1-1761727757.png\")
<\/figure>\nMa\u0142gorzata \u0141ukowicz, MD, PhD, DSc (POL)<\/summary>\nTopic: Balneotherapy in Poland.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nBiography: Deputy Director for Medical Affairs at the 23rd Military Rehabilitation Hospital (23 WSzUR SP ZOZ) in L\u0105dek-Zdr\u00f3j.
I graduated from the Faculty of Medicine at the Medical Academy in Bydgoszcz in 1996, and on November 1, 1996, I began working at the Department and Clinic of Rehabilitation at the same institution. I conducted teaching and research activities at the Faculty of Medicine in Bydgoszcz and subsequently at the Faculty of Health Sciences at Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, teaching students in medicine, physiotherapy, nursing, and cosmetology. I have supervised over 100 master’s theses and four doctoral dissertations, and have served as a reviewer for numerous doctoral and habilitation theses. I subsequently worked at the Faculty of Rehabilitation at the University of Physical Education in Warsaw. I served as Head of the Department of Rehabilitation and am currently Head of the Rehabilitation Clinic at the Centre of Postgraduate Medical Education (CMKP) in Warsaw, where I have been involved in the postgraduate training of physicians for many years. For many years, I have served as a director of specialization courses for physicians and have also participated in conducting specialization courses in the field of physiotherapy. My research activities have focused on evaluating the efficacy of neurological rehabilitation and physical medicine. Concurrently, I have developed my professional skills through numerous courses, including training in PNF, Vojta, and McKenzie methods, manual therapy, kinesiology taping, and the performance of densitometric and neurophysiological examinations. For over 20 years, I have performed neurophysiological tests (EMG, ENG) and administered botulinum toxin therapy for spasticity, dystonia, and migraines; furthermore, having undergone training myself, I now conduct training sessions on treating musculoskeletal disorders with tropocollagen. My career includes work in inpatient rehabilitation wards and outpatient rehabilitation clinics; since 2013, I have worked in day-rehabilitation units. I participated in organizing a new rehabilitation clinic in Bydgoszcz, subsequently reorganized the Rehabilitation Department at the MSWiA facility in Bydgoszcz, restructured operations at the Rehabilitation Clinic of the Children’s Memorial Health Institute (IP CZD) starting in 2014, and\u2014since 2020\u2014have been involved in establishing the new Rehabilitation Clinic at the Centre of Postgraduate Medical Education (CMKP). I possess extensive organizational experience and have held leadership positions in rehabilitation facilities for over two decades. I was appointed to an AOTMiT expert panel tasked with working on changes to medical rehabilitation, serving on teams focused on neurological and pediatric rehabilitation. I worked on an EU-funded project at CIOP developing the ICF framework for vocational rehabilitation. I participated in the “From Science to Business” EU project at Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toru\u0144 and completed entrepreneurship training in 2012. I was a member of a team appointed by the CMKP in 2021 to revise the medical rehabilitation specialization curriculum.
From 2022 to 2024, I served as the National Consultant in Medical Rehabilitation, promoting rehabilitation in Poland and performing advisory, consultative, and oversight functions for government administration bodies, healthcare providers, the National Health Fund (NFZ), and the Patient Ombudsman; I also participated in the work of committees and teams established to implement health policy. Primary areas of research and clinical work: neurological rehabilitation, spinal cord and traumatic brain injuries, neurophysiology, EMG and EP studies, developmental and neurodevelopmental disorders, treatment of spasticity, dystonia, and migraines with botulinum toxin, medical cannabis therapy, and treatment of musculoskeletal pain using tropocollagen. Experienced academic educator: 17 years at Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz; 5 years at the Elbl\u0105g University of Humanities and Economics; also taught at the University of Health Sciences in Bydgoszcz and the University of Physical Education (AWF) in Warsaw (6 years), covering medical rehabilitation (for medical students), physiotherapy, and rehabilitation nursing. Participated in developing the physiotherapy curriculum at Collegium Medicum (Nicolaus Copernicus University) in Bydgoszcz and in revising the 5-year physiotherapy curriculum at the University of Physical Education in Warsaw. Served as a member of the Scientific Council of the National Institute of Geriatrics, Rheumatology and Rehabilitation in Warsaw (2022\u20132025).\nAuthor of over 60 conference abstracts and 33 book chapters and monograph sections; editor of the textbooks *Physiotherapy: Clinical and Biophysical Aspects* and *Manual Muscle Testing*; translator of medical textbooks from English.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/watsu.pl\/conference2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Fezia-Tyebally.jpeg\")
<\/figure>\nFezia Tyebally (MAL) online<\/summary>\nTopics: 1) Halliwick Across the Lifespan: Honoring Our Roots, Embracing Our Reach, <\/strong>2)A Gaze, A Breath, A Ripple: The Unseen Foundations of Mouvement in Water.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nBiography: Fezia is a trained Cranio sacral practitioner who specialises in working with adults and children with special needs. She\u2019s is equally adept at meeting the muscle, cranial and spinal needs of ordinary or athletic patients. What sets her apart from other practitioners is how she weaves her various specialisations for a comprehensive treatment of each of her clients, by customising the blend of treatments required to ensure maximum impact on each client. Each specialisation was earned through her attendance of many courses, workshops, certification and programmes in Australia, Singapore, Hong Kong, United Kingdom and USA.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Generous in sharing her knowledge, she\u2019s a certified lecturer for Aquatic University Seminars, ATU, USA for Paediatric and Geriatric courses, and a lecturer for the Halliwick Foundation course with the International Halliwick Association (IHA). She sits on the research and education committees of both IHA and the UK Association of Swimming Therapy (AST).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
She is also a regular speaker at seminars and conferences on Aquatic Therapy.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/watsu.pl\/conference2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/radoslaw-skladowski-frsc.png-1024x1024.webp\")
<\/figure>\nDr Rados\u0142aw Sk\u0142adowski (POL) <\/summary>\nTopic: Five Regulatory Systems (FRSc)in speeding up recovery.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nBiography: I am an orthopedist (practicing medicine since 1995, specializing in orthopedics since 1999). I have been professionally engaged in manual medicine since 2000. In 2006, I incorporated clavitherapy and its derivatives into my manual medicine practice. The fundamental principle of my therapy is to reverse musculoskeletal disorders by restoring the functions whose loss or impairment originally caused the conditions. Restoring proper function leads to recovery\u2014sometimes even from diseases considered incurable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n<\/details>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/watsu.pl\/conference2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Pati.jpeg\")
<\/figure>\nDr Patricia Bacova (SVK)<\/summary>\nTopic, bio: Watsu therapy as a work benefit for healthcare workers.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nBiography: physiotherapist, Watsu Assistant and Watsu practitioner on the way to becoming a teacher of basic Watsu techniques. Co-founder of the Watsu Slovakia association and member of the newly established Aquaroots \u010cresko\/Slovakia school. Born in the spa town of Pie\u0161\u0165any, Slovakia.
My dream has always been to help people and work in water. For me, this mission is like finding something I have always been looking for.
I work at the Bulovka Clinic in Prague where I provide Watsu every working day not only for patients who were recommended by our doctors, but also for employees.
We created an online reservation system Am\u00e9lia, through which employees can register for Watsu therapy. They have this therapy as a work benefit from their employer – two therapies a year fully reimbursed to employees.
From my point of view, it is very beneficial for them, even necessary, they use it a lot and are very happy to come back. Many people later purchase the therapy as a discounted package of 5 or 10 therapies for themselves or as a gift for others. <\/p>\n<\/details>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/watsu.pl\/conference2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Svitlana-Vishenska-650x1024.jpg\")
<\/figure>\nSvitlana Vishenska (UKR\/UAE)<\/summary>\nTopics: 1) Held by Water: Healing Trauma through Watsu and WaterDance.<\/strong> 2) The Essence of Waterdance and Why Psycho-Emotional Processes are Crucial to WATA.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nBiography: Svitlana Vishenska, born in 1976. She is a Watsu and WaterDance practitioner, depth psychologist, and founder of Spirit of Freedom and Aqua Balance (UAE). <\/p>\n\n\n\n
A graduate in Physical Education(1995)and Economics,(2000) she went on to train as a depth psychologist and certified Watsu practitioner (2024) and WaterDance practitioner (2026), building on 30 years of experience as a swimming coach. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Svitlana is a creator of her own signature swimming methodology. Through her private practice and wellness retreats, she applies the healing power of water to trauma, PTSD, and anxiety. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
She was a speaker at the Longevity Summit India 2026 with a topic \u201cHealing power of Water Therapy\u201dand served as a WaterDance consultant on a feature film. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Her mission is to advance global awareness of the healing potential of water therapy. She is now working toward a documentary film that brings this message to a wider audience.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\nSee all 26 Speakers <\/strong>\/ Hide<\/summary>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/watsu.pl\/conference2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Francoise-Jadin-.jpg\")
<\/figure>\nFran\u00e7oise Jadin (BEL)<\/summary>\nTopic: Topics: 1) Dealing with birth trauma in water – psychological approach.<\/strong> 2) The Essence of Waterdance and Why Psycho-Emotional Processes are Crucial to WATA.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nBiography: Nurse and midwife <\/p>\n\n\n\n
WATA : Practitioner and instructor of WATA FUNDAMENTAl, WATA 1 and 2, WATA Int\u00e9gr\u00e9tion<\/p>\n\n\n\n
WATSU : Practitioner and instructor of WATSU FUNDAMENTAL <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Psycho-energetic facilitator and teacher.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“After many years working in the medical world (natality and others) and in the social world, as a department manager, teacher and relationship coach, I received the gift of diving into the aquatic world of Arjana and its ability to invite everyone to move forward with gentleness and subtlety. I work with individuals (coaching, mind-body therapies, sophrology, archaic reflexes, etc.) and groups (trainer – supervisor) on a daily basis. At the same time, I have the pleasure of training psychotherapists in the techniques of neuro- and child psychiatrist Jean Lerminiaux: “La Lib\u00e9ration du Ressenti” (sfp-formation.be).”<\/p>\n<\/details>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/watsu.pl\/conference2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/dkwiatwkowska-724x1024.jpg\")
<\/figure>\nDobros\u0142awa Kwiatkowska (POL)<\/summary>\nTopic: Do microcurrent frequencies create a fourth state of water in living organisms?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nBiography: She holds degrees in Psychosomatics and Somatopsychology, German Philology, and Public Relations, and completed the two-year “Healing Medicine” training program for physicians and therapists at the Institute of Integrative Medicine (Germany). She is a certified therapist specializing in information medicine and broad-spectrum microcurrent therapy (using TimeWaver Pro, Frequency, McMakin, and Healy systems) and serves as an instructor for the international TimeWaver Academy. She runs the “Healing Fields” holistic therapy practice in Pozna\u0144. She is a Member of the Advisory Board of the World Water Comunity, and the founder and president of the Polish Society for Information and Energy Medicine (PTMIE). She is the author of the book “Information and Energy Medicine: An Invitation to a Multidimensional View of the Human Being. A deep appreciation for the beauty and profound respect for Mother Nature have accompanied her since childhood. Water, as an inseparable part of nature and the source of life, fascinates her in particular. The role of water in microcurrent therapy is a subject she explores with great curiosity. Since 2018, she has participated in annual international conferences on water (Conference on the Physics, Chemistry & Biology of Water). In 2024, Dobros\u0142awa Kwiatkowska was honored to accept the invitation from Prof. Gerald H. Pollack to join the speakers of the 16th edition of this conference, where she delivered a lecture in Lisbon about the connection of microcurrent treatment and the EZ-water. Since we are largely composed of water, exploring the nature of this fascinating substance brings her closer to answering the question: who are we as human beings? <\/p>\n<\/details>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/watsu.pl\/conference2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/tejnska.webp\")
<\/figure>\nRenata Tjenska (CZE)<\/summary>\nTopic:Watsu from a perspective of Practitioner and academic teacher.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nBiography: In 1999, I successfully completed my university studies in Physiotherapy and Algotherapy at Palack\u00fd University in Olomouc. During my studies, I participated in research on 3D motion capture and kinesio-analysis, where I mastered techniques for analyzing movement and optimizing motor functions. In the years that followed, I was actively involved in clinical research regarding the use of laser therapy to treat tinnitus. Working alongside Assoc. Prof. Hahn (ENT Clinic at the University Hospital Kr\u00e1lovsk\u00e9 Vinohrady) and Dr. Proch\u00e1zka, I evaluated the efficacy of mid-power lasers. This collaboration provided me with extensive practical experience regarding cervical spine issues\u2014specifically pain, joint blockages, and their potential links to inner ear disorders.\nFrom 2001, I worked for Rehaland s.r.o., where, as the head physiotherapist, I managed the operations of the physiotherapy clinic and its associated recovery unit (which included a sauna and whirlpool). In subsequent years, I focused on further developing my expertise in musculoskeletal medicine. I obtained certifications in methodologies such as the Bobath concept, PNF (Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation), and, notably, the Vojta concept. These techniques enable me to address systemic movement disorders that cause back and joint pain as well as neurological issues\u2014such as acute lumbago, spinal blockages, central coordination disorders, and the aftereffects of strokes.\nMy additional training includes comprehensive courses by Clara-Maria Hermmach, which helped me understand the harmonization of movement in relation to breathing. I am currently a student at the Darja Healing School, where I am learning techniques to harmonize energy within the body’s energy centers. These alternative methods include various types of relaxation massage.\nI currently practice at the 3RE private rehabilitation facility and also work part-time at the Vodafone Center in Prague, where we address issues such as the strain caused by repetitive office movements. I would like to use my experience to help maintain the health and well-being of Baxter employees. Our motto is “a healthy mind in a healthy body.”<\/p>\n<\/details>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/watsu.pl\/conference2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Wendy.jpg\")
<\/figure>\nWendy Wang (CHN) online<\/summary>\nTopic: Baby swimming and Watsu in China.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nBiography: Wendy is a baby swimming instructor, first Watsu Practitioner in China. She started he teaching path and currently is certified as a Watsu Assistant,<\/p>\n<\/details>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/watsu.pl\/conference2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Instructor-picture.jpg\")
<\/figure>\nNatalia Zag\u00f3rska (POL)<\/summary>\nTopic: Cervical instability – general health context and implications in aquatic therapy.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nBiography: Natalia bio 2026<\/a><\/p>\n<\/details>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/watsu.pl\/conference2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Prashant-1024x1024.jpg\")
<\/figure>\nGC Prashanth (IND)<\/summary>\nTopic: Research in Watsu – Addressing the Gap.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nBiography: Master in Neurological & Psychosomatic Disorders. Asst. Professor SDM college of Physiotherapy. Currently addicted to Water works. Working with pediatric and adult neuro clients. Also giving Watsu sessions<\/p>\n<\/details>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/watsu.pl\/conference2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/libold-iza.jpg\")
<\/figure>\nIzabela Libold (POL)<\/summary>\nTopic: Sensory Integration in Water.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nBiography: Graduate of the Medical University of Wroc\u0142aw
Creator of an aquatic rehabilitation program for children in Wroc\u0142aw, developed as part of the government pilot program titled: “Early, Multidisciplinary, Comprehensive, Coordinated, and Continuous Support for Children at Risk of Disability or with Disabilities and Their Families (2005\u20132007)”
WATSU\u00ae (Water Shiatsu) Therapist
Water Dance Therapist
Instructor in aquatic rehabilitation and swimming instruction for people with disabilities (Halliwick Concept)
Swimming Sports Instructor
Sensory Integration Therapist
Additional specialized training:
“Rehabilitation of Children at Risk” (specialization course in medical rehabilitation organized by the Medical University of Wroc\u0142aw)
“Selected Issues in the Diagnosis and Therapy of Children at Risk” (advanced training course organized by the Medical University of Wroc\u0142aw)
Veronica Sherborne\u2019s Developmental Movement
Munich Functional Developmental Diagnostics (ages 0\u20136)<\/p>\n<\/details>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/watsu.pl\/conference2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Monika-Borowy.jpg\")
<\/figure>\nMonika Borowy (IRL\/POL)<\/summary>\nTopic: Turning point 2030.<\/strong> Effect, affect, ethics.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nBiography: Monika Borowy | Educator, Therapist, Watsu Provider, Creator of the SHAPE™ Method\nMy passion for psychology began long before I started my studies at the Jagiellonian University in Krak\u00f3w in 2004. Today, as the founder of a company specializing in educational and therapeutic engineering, I combine my background in education (MA) and medicine (occupational therapy) with the therapeutic potential of art. My experience from art school in Dublin and a deep love for music enable me to design multidimensional processes in which sound and art become integral elements of emotional regulation. I continuously develop my skills in both Dublin and Poland; I completed psychology studies at Trinity College, which inspired me to pursue further education in psychology and Natalie Rogers\u2019 humanistic-expressive psychotherapy. I regularly deepen my knowledge of the neurobiology of trauma through international seminars, drawing inspiration from the work of experts such as Dr. Gabor Mat\u00e9 and Bessel van der Kolk. I am the creator of the NAR™ and NHC™ methods, as well as the comprehensive SHAPE™ multimodal therapy protocol, which I am further developing as part of an upcoming implementation-focused PhD program. In my practice, I integrate body, mind, and emotional affect within a safe framework.\nOn a personal note: I am the mother of two athletic boys. I love being close to nature, traveling by camper van, good cinema, and finding quiet moments with a book and sunsets by the water. My life and heart are permanently divided between Ireland and Poland.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/watsu.pl\/conference2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Stacey-Aires-Lewis-.jpg\")
<\/figure>\nStacey Aires Lewis (RSA) online<\/summary>\nTopic: Research on Geron Hydrotherapy in Frozen Shoulder.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/details>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/watsu.pl\/conference2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/IMG-20260225-WA0000.jpg\")
<\/figure>\nLenka Lenka Holot\u0148\u00e1kov\u00e1 (SVK)<\/summary>\nTopic: Watsu\u00ae and its use in the therapy of the lumbosacral region in women in the late phases of pregnancy.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nBiography: Lenka Holot\u0148\u00e1kov\u00e1 is a qualified therapeutic educator, physiotherapist, and midwife who has been dedicated for 18 years to providing holistic care to pregnant women during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period. She is a co-founder of a school for postpartum doulas. As a Watsu Practitioner, she works primarily with pregnant women<\/p>\n<\/details>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/watsu.pl\/conference2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Mirek-880x1024.jpg\")
<\/figure>\nMiros\u0142aw M\u0142y\u0144ski (POL)<\/summary>\nTopic: To Independence Through the Water.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nBiography: Physiotherapist since 1999 (Medical Vocational School No. 2 in Gda\u0144sk \u2013 physiotherapy technician). Has had family ties to the GCR (Rehabilitation Centre) in Dzier\u017c\u0105\u017cno since the late 1970s.\nHolds a Bachelor\u2019s degree from the WSZ in Gda\u0144sk and a Master\u2019s degree in Physiotherapy from the OSW in Olsztyn. Completed postgraduate studies in medical law at the Faculty of Law and Administration, University of Gda\u0144sk. Employee of the Specialist Hospital in Ko\u015bcierzyna since 1999. Lecturer at the Higher School of Health (Wy\u017csza Szko\u0142a Zdrowia) in Gda\u0144sk and participant in training projects (including those funded by the European Union). Member of the National Team of Auditors for the National Chamber of Physiotherapists (KIF). Delegate representing the Pomeranian Voivodeship at the 1st and 2nd National Congresses of Physiotherapists. Instructor with the Active Rehabilitation Foundation (Fundacja Aktywnej Rehabilitacji) for 25 years.\nI have always believed that being a delegate is a role that extends beyond the Congress itself. Earning the trust of one\u2019s professional community is the greatest reward for daily work and engagement. My greatest success to date? Co-authoring the guidelines that enabled physiotherapists to work in Poland during the COVID-19 pandemic.\nInterests? History (especially the history of physiotherapy), old photographs (particularly from the Kashubia region), and a passion for photography.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/watsu.pl\/conference2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Dominika-Kolenda.png\")
<\/figure>\nDominika Kolenda (POL\/UK)<\/summary>\nTopic: Hydropedagogy and Posthuman Care: Embodied Learning Through Water, Weightlessness, and Relational Becoming<\/strong><\/summary>\nAbstract: This paper proposes hydropedagogy<\/em> as a posthuman mode of learning, care, and embodied knowledge production, grounded in hydrotherapy and informed by new materialist and posthumanist theory. Drawing on Astrida Neimanis\u2019s work within the Blue Humanities and on hydropedagogical frameworks articulated by Maria Mendel, the presentation conceptualises water as an epistemic and pedagogical agent rather than a neutral therapeutic medium.
Through immersion, the body enters a state of unified movement in which gravity is partially omitted and muscular hierarchies are redistributed. In this suspended condition, bodily boundaries soften, proprioception is reconfigured, and the human subject is temporarily de-centred. The paper argues that this mode of embodied experience echoes intrauterine conditions, not as a metaphor of regression, but as a material reminder of relational ontogenesis, where body, medium, and environment are inseparable. Hydropedagogy is here framed as a form of learning that occurs through co-movement, buoyancy, resistance, and rhythm, enabling knowledge to emerge somatically rather than discursively. The aquatic environment produces what may be described as an enactive pedagogical field, within which cognition is distributed across body, water, temperature, and motion. Healing and learning are thus understood as relational processes, unfolding through more-than-human collaboration.By situating hydrotherapy within posthuman care ethics and Blue Humanities scholarship, the paper advances an argument for water-based practices as sites of re-embodied knowledge, where pedagogy, therapy, and ontology converge. Hydropedagogy is proposed not merely as a method, but as an ethical orientation toward learning with, rather than about, the material world.<\/p>\n\n\n\nBio: Dominika Kolenda
is an interdisciplinary artist, researcher, and educator working at the intersection of art, biology, and philosophy. She holds a Fine Art degree from the University of Oxford, where her work combined conceptual art practice with critical theory, embodied research, and science communication.Her practice is grounded in curating enactivist situations in which knowledge is not transmitted but re-embodied, emerging through sensory engagement, movement, and material interaction. She works across bioart, research-driven art, and participatory methodologies, with sustained interests in posthumanism, new materialism, embodiment, care, and Blue Humanities. Alongside her artistic and pedagogical work, she has professional experience working with individuals living with chronic illness and pain. Her work seeks to develop ethically attuned, more-than-human approaches to learning and care that foreground relationally, material agency, and embodied knowing. <\/p>\n<\/details>\n<\/details>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/watsu.pl\/conference2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Joanna-Apolinarska-AEA-Pro-681x1024.jpg\")
<\/figure>\nJoanna Apolinarska (POL)<\/summary>\nTopic: Vagus Nerve Stimulation in an Aquatic Environment: Integrated Strategies for Modulating Autonomic Tone through Movement, Breathing, and Hydrodynamics.<\/strong> Abstract: In my presentation, I will outline the physiological mechanisms by which the aquatic environment affects the autonomic nervous system\u2014including the impact of hydrostatic pressure on the baroreceptor reflex, circulatory centralization, and HRV indices\u2014as well as specific methods for stimulating the vagus nerve by leveraging the physical properties of water.<\/p>\n\n\n\nTopic: SAF AQUA\u00ae Relaxation: A practical vagus nerve modulation protocol based on water-based sensory input, breathing patterns, and kinetic fluidity.<\/strong> Abstract: A workshop that directly translates theory into practice. We will focus on synchronizing diaphragmatic breathing with water resistance, working in a state of axial unloading, and utilizing fluid movement chains that stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system.<\/p>\n\n\n\nBiography: International Aqua Fitness Trainer (AEA), Academic Lecturer, and Lead Methodologist at SAF AQUA\u00ae\n\nAn international expert, methodologist, and trainer specializing in aquatic physical activity. She is a certified International Aqua Training Specialist with the prestigious Aquatic Exercise Association (AEA). In May 2026, she was honored with the prestigious AEA Global Award\u2014presented in the United States\u2014in recognition of her outstanding contribution to the global development of and education in aquatic fitness.\nShe serves as the Lead Methodologist and a Board Member at SAF AQUA\u00ae, where she is responsible for creating innovative educational and licensing programs, as well as designing specialized aquatic training equipment. She is an academic lecturer at the Prof. K. Milanowska University of Education and Therapy in Pozna\u0144, where she trains physiotherapy students in advanced aquatic exercise methods. She has authored instructor training programs, including those for the Staff Development and Training Center at the University of Physical Education in Pozna\u0144.\n\nA speaker and international presenter at leading global industry conferences (including the International Aquatic Fitness and Therapy Conference \u2013 IAFTC in the USA). Her work combines Evidence-Based Practice standards with practical fluid biomechanics, neurophysiology, and advanced methodology for teaching movement involving unweighted (buoyancy-assisted) exercise and hydrodynamic resistance.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
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<\/figure>\nMarcin \u017bbikowski (POL)<\/summary>\nTopic: A return to silence. Watsu \u2013 a lifeline for people in a culture of constant activity.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nBio: Licensed physiotherapist, educator, swimming instructor, and certified lifeguard.\nAn entrepreneur and founder of the company SPA & Wellness Management, Marcin \u017bbikowski has been collaborating with hotels in the Karkonosze Mountains for 23 years, managing their SPA & Wellness zones.\nAn active swimming instructor since 1997…\nPassionate about massage, he has participated in numerous courses, training sessions, and congresses covering bodywork techniques\u2014including aquatic therapies, manual therapy, myofascial therapy, Oriental massage, and holistic therapies.\nMassage instructor and creator of original bodywork techniques.\nIn his professional life, he seeks inspiration for further development by attending clinical training courses (such as the German School of Manual Therapy, Cyriax, Myofascial Therapy, etc.) while simultaneously exploring and understanding natural therapies (Ayahuasca, Wachuma, Kambo).\nHe intertwines the world of clinical therapies with journeys to regions where therapies and ceremonies\u2014passed down primarily through oral tradition among local populations\u2014have been practiced for 2,000 years to foster spiritual cleansing and reinforce the symbiosis with the land they have inhabited for generations.\nIn his private life, he is a father of four and an avid mountain runner and cold-water swimmer in the Karkonosze Mountains.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
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<\/figure>\nMagdalena D\u0105browska (POL)<\/summary>\nTopic: Infant swimming \u2013 does an infant really “learn to swim”?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nBiography: Founder and President of the “Akademia Ruchu” (Academy of Movement) swimming school for infants and children\u2014established in 1999\u2014and a co-founder and Vice-President of the PSPN (Polish Infant Swimming Association) since 2007. She holds a master\u2019s degree in rehabilitation and is a psychotherapist, swimming instructor, and WOPR lifeguard. She is a speaker and participant at numerous international conferences and training courses focused on teaching swimming to infants and young children, as well as their proper development. She also organizes training sessions, conferences, workshops, and lectures for swimming instructors.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/watsu.pl\/conference2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Steve.jpg\")
<\/figure>\nSteve Fernandez (ISL)<\/summary>\nTopic: The student path – Planning and Organizing your journey for success. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nBiography: In the last 5 years Steve has completed around 2000 hours of trainings in Water with WABA and outside of WABA. 500 hours of trainings on land. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Many lessons were learnt as a student and as someone who has worked his way up to the teaching path. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Steve would like to share his insight with the next generation. Learn from his sucess and many failures in a time when everything is changing and moving so fast. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Steve has 20 years of experience working with Five star luxury hotels around the world. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Teaches WATA – WaterDance and on the path of teaching WATSU. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Founded Water Therapy Iceland training institute.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He shares his work on https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/watertherapy.is<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/a>Steve@watertherapy.is<\/a><\/p>\n<\/details>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/watsu.pl\/conference2026\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Nahid-461x1024.jpg\")
<\/figure>\nNahid Madadi (IRA)online<\/summary>\nTopic: The Power and Miracle of Water.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/span>The water is the life<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Watsu\u00ae Therapy, a unique bodywork that uses water to heal the body& mind, which have multiple applications in rehabilitation, SPA, sport and beyond – is the core for presenting science and practice during the conference. The topics are much wider…<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Honorary Patronage<\/h1>\n\n\n\n\n- Prof. Andrzej Klimek, MD, PhD<\/strong> \u2013 Rector of the University of Physical Education in Krak\u00f3w<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- \u0141ukasz Sm\u00f3\u0142ka <\/strong>– Marshal of the Ma\u0142opolska Region<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
Honorary Committee <\/h1>\n\n\n\n\n\n- Prof. Dr. Robert Schleip<\/strong> – University of Ulm, Fascia Research Group.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Dr hab. Agnieszka Jankowicz-Szyma\u0144ska<\/strong> – Vice-Rector for Research and Development at the Tarn\u00f3w Academy.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Anita W\u0142odarczyk<\/strong> – Olympic & World Champion, World Record Holder.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Anna Szotek-Bassa<\/strong> – President of Aquatic Therapy Development Association Watsu Polska.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
Organizing Committee <\/h1>\n\n\n\n\n- Tomasz Zag\u00f3rski <\/strong>– Senior Watsu Instructor & Coach Advisor, Watsu Polska & WABA co-founder.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Natalia Zag\u00f3rska<\/strong> – President of Fundacja Europejskie Centrum Watsu im. Harolda Dulla.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Steve Fernandez <\/strong>– Water Therapy Iceland.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
Speakers<\/h1>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\nProf Robert Schleip (GER)<\/summary>\nTopic: How fascia behaves in water?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nBiography: Robert Schleip is a human biologist and psychologist with expertise in fascia research.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Schleip is one of the leading fascia researchers worldwide and is the Director of the Fascia Research Group at the University of Ulm. He has had a long clinical and teaching career as a body therapist with Rolfing and other modalities. He has also given presentations and lectures on the subject of fascia and its role in movement, somatic dysfunction, and pain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Robert Schleip is the author of several books on fascia, including \u201cFascia, The Tensional Network of the Human Body\u201d, “Fascial Fitness: How to Be Vital, Elastic and Dynamic in Everyday Life and Sport” and “Fascia in Sport and Movement”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Schleip has contributed significantly to our understanding of the human body’s structure and function, particularly in the area of fascia research. See more here.<\/a><\/p>\n<\/details>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\nDr Julia Andrejeva (LTV)<\/summary>\nTopic: WATSU and Multiple Sclerosis<\/strong>, practical and scientific thoughts about WATSU from Physiotherapy prospective.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nBiography: see ful biography<\/a><\/p>\n<\/details>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\nDr Duran Arslan (TUR)<\/summary>\nTopic: Application of Aquatic Therapy in training of Paralympic athletes.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nBiography: the national team coach in T\u00fcrkiye’s paraswimming and paratriathlon sports branches, Watsu Practitioner, Watsu 1 Instructor, have been providing professional swimming training to people with special needs for 15 years. He has 2 doctorates on aquatic exercises.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\nMaria Gerondoudis (RSA)<\/summary>\nTopic: Treating Frozen Shoulder with Geron Hydrotherapy.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nAbstract: see here<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\nBiography: Maria \u2013 Hydrotherapist, Educator, and Innovator
Maria is a passionate and experienced hydrotherapist who has spent over 20 years helping people heal and move better through water. Born in South Africa to Greek parents, she\u2019s a pioneer in the field of aquatic therapy and the founder of Geron Hydrotherapy<\/em>\u2014a unique approach that\u2019s changing how we treat pain and movement challenges.<\/p>\n\n\n\nHer techniques, developed for both pain conditions and sports injuries, combine active and passive methods that are now used by healthcare professionals. Maria\u2019s work has been recognised by medical and rehabilitation professionals for its effectiveness and innovation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For 10 years, Maria led the Hydrotherapy Program at the Sports Medicine Centre<\/a> of the Morningside Medi Clinic in Sandton, a premier multi-disciplinary sports medicine facility serving both professional athletes and the general public. Under the leadership of Prof Jon Patricios<\/a>, the centre provided rehabilitation and recovery for many of South Africa\u2019s national and professional sports teams.<\/p>\n\n\n\nIn 2018, Maria opened a state-of-the-art hydrotherapy facility in Sandton, offering patients access to both a cutting-edge therapeutic environment and world-class techniques to ensure optimal outcomes. At the heart of everything she does is one priority: exceptional patient care.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Maria now teaches for Wits University and the Geron Institute. She has presented at leading global conferences and institutions including the University of Johannesburg<\/a>, Wits University<\/a>, the Geron Institute, the Chevrah Kadisha,<\/a>and the Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics at the University of Oxford<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\nMa\u0142gorzata \u0141ukowicz, MD, PhD, DSc (POL)<\/summary>\nTopic: Balneotherapy in Poland.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nBiography: Deputy Director for Medical Affairs at the 23rd Military Rehabilitation Hospital (23 WSzUR SP ZOZ) in L\u0105dek-Zdr\u00f3j.
I graduated from the Faculty of Medicine at the Medical Academy in Bydgoszcz in 1996, and on November 1, 1996, I began working at the Department and Clinic of Rehabilitation at the same institution. I conducted teaching and research activities at the Faculty of Medicine in Bydgoszcz and subsequently at the Faculty of Health Sciences at Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, teaching students in medicine, physiotherapy, nursing, and cosmetology. I have supervised over 100 master’s theses and four doctoral dissertations, and have served as a reviewer for numerous doctoral and habilitation theses. I subsequently worked at the Faculty of Rehabilitation at the University of Physical Education in Warsaw. I served as Head of the Department of Rehabilitation and am currently Head of the Rehabilitation Clinic at the Centre of Postgraduate Medical Education (CMKP) in Warsaw, where I have been involved in the postgraduate training of physicians for many years. For many years, I have served as a director of specialization courses for physicians and have also participated in conducting specialization courses in the field of physiotherapy. My research activities have focused on evaluating the efficacy of neurological rehabilitation and physical medicine. Concurrently, I have developed my professional skills through numerous courses, including training in PNF, Vojta, and McKenzie methods, manual therapy, kinesiology taping, and the performance of densitometric and neurophysiological examinations. For over 20 years, I have performed neurophysiological tests (EMG, ENG) and administered botulinum toxin therapy for spasticity, dystonia, and migraines; furthermore, having undergone training myself, I now conduct training sessions on treating musculoskeletal disorders with tropocollagen. My career includes work in inpatient rehabilitation wards and outpatient rehabilitation clinics; since 2013, I have worked in day-rehabilitation units. I participated in organizing a new rehabilitation clinic in Bydgoszcz, subsequently reorganized the Rehabilitation Department at the MSWiA facility in Bydgoszcz, restructured operations at the Rehabilitation Clinic of the Children’s Memorial Health Institute (IP CZD) starting in 2014, and\u2014since 2020\u2014have been involved in establishing the new Rehabilitation Clinic at the Centre of Postgraduate Medical Education (CMKP). I possess extensive organizational experience and have held leadership positions in rehabilitation facilities for over two decades. I was appointed to an AOTMiT expert panel tasked with working on changes to medical rehabilitation, serving on teams focused on neurological and pediatric rehabilitation. I worked on an EU-funded project at CIOP developing the ICF framework for vocational rehabilitation. I participated in the “From Science to Business” EU project at Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toru\u0144 and completed entrepreneurship training in 2012. I was a member of a team appointed by the CMKP in 2021 to revise the medical rehabilitation specialization curriculum.
From 2022 to 2024, I served as the National Consultant in Medical Rehabilitation, promoting rehabilitation in Poland and performing advisory, consultative, and oversight functions for government administration bodies, healthcare providers, the National Health Fund (NFZ), and the Patient Ombudsman; I also participated in the work of committees and teams established to implement health policy. Primary areas of research and clinical work: neurological rehabilitation, spinal cord and traumatic brain injuries, neurophysiology, EMG and EP studies, developmental and neurodevelopmental disorders, treatment of spasticity, dystonia, and migraines with botulinum toxin, medical cannabis therapy, and treatment of musculoskeletal pain using tropocollagen. Experienced academic educator: 17 years at Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz; 5 years at the Elbl\u0105g University of Humanities and Economics; also taught at the University of Health Sciences in Bydgoszcz and the University of Physical Education (AWF) in Warsaw (6 years), covering medical rehabilitation (for medical students), physiotherapy, and rehabilitation nursing. Participated in developing the physiotherapy curriculum at Collegium Medicum (Nicolaus Copernicus University) in Bydgoszcz and in revising the 5-year physiotherapy curriculum at the University of Physical Education in Warsaw. Served as a member of the Scientific Council of the National Institute of Geriatrics, Rheumatology and Rehabilitation in Warsaw (2022\u20132025).\nAuthor of over 60 conference abstracts and 33 book chapters and monograph sections; editor of the textbooks *Physiotherapy: Clinical and Biophysical Aspects* and *Manual Muscle Testing*; translator of medical textbooks from English.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\nFezia Tyebally (MAL) online<\/summary>\nTopics: 1) Halliwick Across the Lifespan: Honoring Our Roots, Embracing Our Reach, <\/strong>2)A Gaze, A Breath, A Ripple: The Unseen Foundations of Mouvement in Water.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nBiography: Fezia is a trained Cranio sacral practitioner who specialises in working with adults and children with special needs. She\u2019s is equally adept at meeting the muscle, cranial and spinal needs of ordinary or athletic patients. What sets her apart from other practitioners is how she weaves her various specialisations for a comprehensive treatment of each of her clients, by customising the blend of treatments required to ensure maximum impact on each client. Each specialisation was earned through her attendance of many courses, workshops, certification and programmes in Australia, Singapore, Hong Kong, United Kingdom and USA.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Generous in sharing her knowledge, she\u2019s a certified lecturer for Aquatic University Seminars, ATU, USA for Paediatric and Geriatric courses, and a lecturer for the Halliwick Foundation course with the International Halliwick Association (IHA). She sits on the research and education committees of both IHA and the UK Association of Swimming Therapy (AST).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
She is also a regular speaker at seminars and conferences on Aquatic Therapy.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\nDr Rados\u0142aw Sk\u0142adowski (POL) <\/summary>\nTopic: Five Regulatory Systems (FRSc)in speeding up recovery.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nBiography: I am an orthopedist (practicing medicine since 1995, specializing in orthopedics since 1999). I have been professionally engaged in manual medicine since 2000. In 2006, I incorporated clavitherapy and its derivatives into my manual medicine practice. The fundamental principle of my therapy is to reverse musculoskeletal disorders by restoring the functions whose loss or impairment originally caused the conditions. Restoring proper function leads to recovery\u2014sometimes even from diseases considered incurable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n<\/details>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\nDr Patricia Bacova (SVK)<\/summary>\nTopic, bio: Watsu therapy as a work benefit for healthcare workers.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nBiography: physiotherapist, Watsu Assistant and Watsu practitioner on the way to becoming a teacher of basic Watsu techniques. Co-founder of the Watsu Slovakia association and member of the newly established Aquaroots \u010cresko\/Slovakia school. Born in the spa town of Pie\u0161\u0165any, Slovakia.
My dream has always been to help people and work in water. For me, this mission is like finding something I have always been looking for.
I work at the Bulovka Clinic in Prague where I provide Watsu every working day not only for patients who were recommended by our doctors, but also for employees.
We created an online reservation system Am\u00e9lia, through which employees can register for Watsu therapy. They have this therapy as a work benefit from their employer – two therapies a year fully reimbursed to employees.
From my point of view, it is very beneficial for them, even necessary, they use it a lot and are very happy to come back. Many people later purchase the therapy as a discounted package of 5 or 10 therapies for themselves or as a gift for others. <\/p>\n<\/details>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\nSvitlana Vishenska (UKR\/UAE)<\/summary>\nTopics: 1) Held by Water: Healing Trauma through Watsu and WaterDance.<\/strong> 2) The Essence of Waterdance and Why Psycho-Emotional Processes are Crucial to WATA.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nBiography: Svitlana Vishenska, born in 1976. She is a Watsu and WaterDance practitioner, depth psychologist, and founder of Spirit of Freedom and Aqua Balance (UAE). <\/p>\n\n\n\n
A graduate in Physical Education(1995)and Economics,(2000) she went on to train as a depth psychologist and certified Watsu practitioner (2024) and WaterDance practitioner (2026), building on 30 years of experience as a swimming coach. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Svitlana is a creator of her own signature swimming methodology. Through her private practice and wellness retreats, she applies the healing power of water to trauma, PTSD, and anxiety. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
She was a speaker at the Longevity Summit India 2026 with a topic \u201cHealing power of Water Therapy\u201dand served as a WaterDance consultant on a feature film. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Her mission is to advance global awareness of the healing potential of water therapy. She is now working toward a documentary film that brings this message to a wider audience.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\nSee all 26 Speakers <\/strong>\/ Hide<\/summary>\n<\/figure>\nFran\u00e7oise Jadin (BEL)<\/summary>\nTopic: Topics: 1) Dealing with birth trauma in water – psychological approach.<\/strong> 2) The Essence of Waterdance and Why Psycho-Emotional Processes are Crucial to WATA.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nBiography: Nurse and midwife <\/p>\n\n\n\n
WATA : Practitioner and instructor of WATA FUNDAMENTAl, WATA 1 and 2, WATA Int\u00e9gr\u00e9tion<\/p>\n\n\n\n
WATSU : Practitioner and instructor of WATSU FUNDAMENTAL <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Psycho-energetic facilitator and teacher.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“After many years working in the medical world (natality and others) and in the social world, as a department manager, teacher and relationship coach, I received the gift of diving into the aquatic world of Arjana and its ability to invite everyone to move forward with gentleness and subtlety. I work with individuals (coaching, mind-body therapies, sophrology, archaic reflexes, etc.) and groups (trainer – supervisor) on a daily basis. At the same time, I have the pleasure of training psychotherapists in the techniques of neuro- and child psychiatrist Jean Lerminiaux: “La Lib\u00e9ration du Ressenti” (sfp-formation.be).”<\/p>\n<\/details>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\nDobros\u0142awa Kwiatkowska (POL)<\/summary>\nTopic: Do microcurrent frequencies create a fourth state of water in living organisms?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nBiography: She holds degrees in Psychosomatics and Somatopsychology, German Philology, and Public Relations, and completed the two-year “Healing Medicine” training program for physicians and therapists at the Institute of Integrative Medicine (Germany). She is a certified therapist specializing in information medicine and broad-spectrum microcurrent therapy (using TimeWaver Pro, Frequency, McMakin, and Healy systems) and serves as an instructor for the international TimeWaver Academy. She runs the “Healing Fields” holistic therapy practice in Pozna\u0144. She is a Member of the Advisory Board of the World Water Comunity, and the founder and president of the Polish Society for Information and Energy Medicine (PTMIE). She is the author of the book “Information and Energy Medicine: An Invitation to a Multidimensional View of the Human Being. A deep appreciation for the beauty and profound respect for Mother Nature have accompanied her since childhood. Water, as an inseparable part of nature and the source of life, fascinates her in particular. The role of water in microcurrent therapy is a subject she explores with great curiosity. Since 2018, she has participated in annual international conferences on water (Conference on the Physics, Chemistry & Biology of Water). In 2024, Dobros\u0142awa Kwiatkowska was honored to accept the invitation from Prof. Gerald H. Pollack to join the speakers of the 16th edition of this conference, where she delivered a lecture in Lisbon about the connection of microcurrent treatment and the EZ-water. Since we are largely composed of water, exploring the nature of this fascinating substance brings her closer to answering the question: who are we as human beings? <\/p>\n<\/details>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\nRenata Tjenska (CZE)<\/summary>\nTopic:Watsu from a perspective of Practitioner and academic teacher.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nBiography: In 1999, I successfully completed my university studies in Physiotherapy and Algotherapy at Palack\u00fd University in Olomouc. During my studies, I participated in research on 3D motion capture and kinesio-analysis, where I mastered techniques for analyzing movement and optimizing motor functions. In the years that followed, I was actively involved in clinical research regarding the use of laser therapy to treat tinnitus. Working alongside Assoc. Prof. Hahn (ENT Clinic at the University Hospital Kr\u00e1lovsk\u00e9 Vinohrady) and Dr. Proch\u00e1zka, I evaluated the efficacy of mid-power lasers. This collaboration provided me with extensive practical experience regarding cervical spine issues\u2014specifically pain, joint blockages, and their potential links to inner ear disorders.\nFrom 2001, I worked for Rehaland s.r.o., where, as the head physiotherapist, I managed the operations of the physiotherapy clinic and its associated recovery unit (which included a sauna and whirlpool). In subsequent years, I focused on further developing my expertise in musculoskeletal medicine. I obtained certifications in methodologies such as the Bobath concept, PNF (Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation), and, notably, the Vojta concept. These techniques enable me to address systemic movement disorders that cause back and joint pain as well as neurological issues\u2014such as acute lumbago, spinal blockages, central coordination disorders, and the aftereffects of strokes.\nMy additional training includes comprehensive courses by Clara-Maria Hermmach, which helped me understand the harmonization of movement in relation to breathing. I am currently a student at the Darja Healing School, where I am learning techniques to harmonize energy within the body’s energy centers. These alternative methods include various types of relaxation massage.\nI currently practice at the 3RE private rehabilitation facility and also work part-time at the Vodafone Center in Prague, where we address issues such as the strain caused by repetitive office movements. I would like to use my experience to help maintain the health and well-being of Baxter employees. Our motto is “a healthy mind in a healthy body.”<\/p>\n<\/details>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\nWendy Wang (CHN) online<\/summary>\nTopic: Baby swimming and Watsu in China.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nBiography: Wendy is a baby swimming instructor, first Watsu Practitioner in China. She started he teaching path and currently is certified as a Watsu Assistant,<\/p>\n<\/details>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\nNatalia Zag\u00f3rska (POL)<\/summary>\nTopic: Cervical instability – general health context and implications in aquatic therapy.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nBiography: Natalia bio 2026<\/a><\/p>\n<\/details>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\nGC Prashanth (IND)<\/summary>\nTopic: Research in Watsu – Addressing the Gap.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nBiography: Master in Neurological & Psychosomatic Disorders. Asst. Professor SDM college of Physiotherapy. Currently addicted to Water works. Working with pediatric and adult neuro clients. Also giving Watsu sessions<\/p>\n<\/details>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\nIzabela Libold (POL)<\/summary>\nTopic: Sensory Integration in Water.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nBiography: Graduate of the Medical University of Wroc\u0142aw
Creator of an aquatic rehabilitation program for children in Wroc\u0142aw, developed as part of the government pilot program titled: “Early, Multidisciplinary, Comprehensive, Coordinated, and Continuous Support for Children at Risk of Disability or with Disabilities and Their Families (2005\u20132007)”
WATSU\u00ae (Water Shiatsu) Therapist
Water Dance Therapist
Instructor in aquatic rehabilitation and swimming instruction for people with disabilities (Halliwick Concept)
Swimming Sports Instructor
Sensory Integration Therapist
Additional specialized training:
“Rehabilitation of Children at Risk” (specialization course in medical rehabilitation organized by the Medical University of Wroc\u0142aw)
“Selected Issues in the Diagnosis and Therapy of Children at Risk” (advanced training course organized by the Medical University of Wroc\u0142aw)
Veronica Sherborne\u2019s Developmental Movement
Munich Functional Developmental Diagnostics (ages 0\u20136)<\/p>\n<\/details>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\nMonika Borowy (IRL\/POL)<\/summary>\nTopic: Turning point 2030.<\/strong> Effect, affect, ethics.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nBiography: Monika Borowy | Educator, Therapist, Watsu Provider, Creator of the SHAPE™ Method\nMy passion for psychology began long before I started my studies at the Jagiellonian University in Krak\u00f3w in 2004. Today, as the founder of a company specializing in educational and therapeutic engineering, I combine my background in education (MA) and medicine (occupational therapy) with the therapeutic potential of art. My experience from art school in Dublin and a deep love for music enable me to design multidimensional processes in which sound and art become integral elements of emotional regulation. I continuously develop my skills in both Dublin and Poland; I completed psychology studies at Trinity College, which inspired me to pursue further education in psychology and Natalie Rogers\u2019 humanistic-expressive psychotherapy. I regularly deepen my knowledge of the neurobiology of trauma through international seminars, drawing inspiration from the work of experts such as Dr. Gabor Mat\u00e9 and Bessel van der Kolk. I am the creator of the NAR™ and NHC™ methods, as well as the comprehensive SHAPE™ multimodal therapy protocol, which I am further developing as part of an upcoming implementation-focused PhD program. In my practice, I integrate body, mind, and emotional affect within a safe framework.\nOn a personal note: I am the mother of two athletic boys. I love being close to nature, traveling by camper van, good cinema, and finding quiet moments with a book and sunsets by the water. My life and heart are permanently divided between Ireland and Poland.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\nStacey Aires Lewis (RSA) online<\/summary>\nTopic: Research on Geron Hydrotherapy in Frozen Shoulder.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/details>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\nLenka Lenka Holot\u0148\u00e1kov\u00e1 (SVK)<\/summary>\nTopic: Watsu\u00ae and its use in the therapy of the lumbosacral region in women in the late phases of pregnancy.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nBiography: Lenka Holot\u0148\u00e1kov\u00e1 is a qualified therapeutic educator, physiotherapist, and midwife who has been dedicated for 18 years to providing holistic care to pregnant women during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period. She is a co-founder of a school for postpartum doulas. As a Watsu Practitioner, she works primarily with pregnant women<\/p>\n<\/details>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\nMiros\u0142aw M\u0142y\u0144ski (POL)<\/summary>\nTopic: To Independence Through the Water.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nBiography: Physiotherapist since 1999 (Medical Vocational School No. 2 in Gda\u0144sk \u2013 physiotherapy technician). Has had family ties to the GCR (Rehabilitation Centre) in Dzier\u017c\u0105\u017cno since the late 1970s.\nHolds a Bachelor\u2019s degree from the WSZ in Gda\u0144sk and a Master\u2019s degree in Physiotherapy from the OSW in Olsztyn. Completed postgraduate studies in medical law at the Faculty of Law and Administration, University of Gda\u0144sk. Employee of the Specialist Hospital in Ko\u015bcierzyna since 1999. Lecturer at the Higher School of Health (Wy\u017csza Szko\u0142a Zdrowia) in Gda\u0144sk and participant in training projects (including those funded by the European Union). Member of the National Team of Auditors for the National Chamber of Physiotherapists (KIF). Delegate representing the Pomeranian Voivodeship at the 1st and 2nd National Congresses of Physiotherapists. Instructor with the Active Rehabilitation Foundation (Fundacja Aktywnej Rehabilitacji) for 25 years.\nI have always believed that being a delegate is a role that extends beyond the Congress itself. Earning the trust of one\u2019s professional community is the greatest reward for daily work and engagement. My greatest success to date? Co-authoring the guidelines that enabled physiotherapists to work in Poland during the COVID-19 pandemic.\nInterests? History (especially the history of physiotherapy), old photographs (particularly from the Kashubia region), and a passion for photography.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\nDominika Kolenda (POL\/UK)<\/summary>\nTopic: Hydropedagogy and Posthuman Care: Embodied Learning Through Water, Weightlessness, and Relational Becoming<\/strong><\/summary>\nAbstract: This paper proposes hydropedagogy<\/em> as a posthuman mode of learning, care, and embodied knowledge production, grounded in hydrotherapy and informed by new materialist and posthumanist theory. Drawing on Astrida Neimanis\u2019s work within the Blue Humanities and on hydropedagogical frameworks articulated by Maria Mendel, the presentation conceptualises water as an epistemic and pedagogical agent rather than a neutral therapeutic medium.
Through immersion, the body enters a state of unified movement in which gravity is partially omitted and muscular hierarchies are redistributed. In this suspended condition, bodily boundaries soften, proprioception is reconfigured, and the human subject is temporarily de-centred. The paper argues that this mode of embodied experience echoes intrauterine conditions, not as a metaphor of regression, but as a material reminder of relational ontogenesis, where body, medium, and environment are inseparable. Hydropedagogy is here framed as a form of learning that occurs through co-movement, buoyancy, resistance, and rhythm, enabling knowledge to emerge somatically rather than discursively. The aquatic environment produces what may be described as an enactive pedagogical field, within which cognition is distributed across body, water, temperature, and motion. Healing and learning are thus understood as relational processes, unfolding through more-than-human collaboration.By situating hydrotherapy within posthuman care ethics and Blue Humanities scholarship, the paper advances an argument for water-based practices as sites of re-embodied knowledge, where pedagogy, therapy, and ontology converge. Hydropedagogy is proposed not merely as a method, but as an ethical orientation toward learning with, rather than about, the material world.<\/p>\n\n\n\nBio: Dominika Kolenda
is an interdisciplinary artist, researcher, and educator working at the intersection of art, biology, and philosophy. She holds a Fine Art degree from the University of Oxford, where her work combined conceptual art practice with critical theory, embodied research, and science communication.Her practice is grounded in curating enactivist situations in which knowledge is not transmitted but re-embodied, emerging through sensory engagement, movement, and material interaction. She works across bioart, research-driven art, and participatory methodologies, with sustained interests in posthumanism, new materialism, embodiment, care, and Blue Humanities. Alongside her artistic and pedagogical work, she has professional experience working with individuals living with chronic illness and pain. Her work seeks to develop ethically attuned, more-than-human approaches to learning and care that foreground relationally, material agency, and embodied knowing. <\/p>\n<\/details>\n<\/details>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\nJoanna Apolinarska (POL)<\/summary>\nTopic: Vagus Nerve Stimulation in an Aquatic Environment: Integrated Strategies for Modulating Autonomic Tone through Movement, Breathing, and Hydrodynamics.<\/strong> Abstract: In my presentation, I will outline the physiological mechanisms by which the aquatic environment affects the autonomic nervous system\u2014including the impact of hydrostatic pressure on the baroreceptor reflex, circulatory centralization, and HRV indices\u2014as well as specific methods for stimulating the vagus nerve by leveraging the physical properties of water.<\/p>\n\n\n\nTopic: SAF AQUA\u00ae Relaxation: A practical vagus nerve modulation protocol based on water-based sensory input, breathing patterns, and kinetic fluidity.<\/strong> Abstract: A workshop that directly translates theory into practice. We will focus on synchronizing diaphragmatic breathing with water resistance, working in a state of axial unloading, and utilizing fluid movement chains that stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system.<\/p>\n\n\n\nBiography: International Aqua Fitness Trainer (AEA), Academic Lecturer, and Lead Methodologist at SAF AQUA\u00ae\n\nAn international expert, methodologist, and trainer specializing in aquatic physical activity. She is a certified International Aqua Training Specialist with the prestigious Aquatic Exercise Association (AEA). In May 2026, she was honored with the prestigious AEA Global Award\u2014presented in the United States\u2014in recognition of her outstanding contribution to the global development of and education in aquatic fitness.\nShe serves as the Lead Methodologist and a Board Member at SAF AQUA\u00ae, where she is responsible for creating innovative educational and licensing programs, as well as designing specialized aquatic training equipment. She is an academic lecturer at the Prof. K. Milanowska University of Education and Therapy in Pozna\u0144, where she trains physiotherapy students in advanced aquatic exercise methods. She has authored instructor training programs, including those for the Staff Development and Training Center at the University of Physical Education in Pozna\u0144.\n\nA speaker and international presenter at leading global industry conferences (including the International Aquatic Fitness and Therapy Conference \u2013 IAFTC in the USA). Her work combines Evidence-Based Practice standards with practical fluid biomechanics, neurophysiology, and advanced methodology for teaching movement involving unweighted (buoyancy-assisted) exercise and hydrodynamic resistance.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\nMarcin \u017bbikowski (POL)<\/summary>\nTopic: A return to silence. Watsu \u2013 a lifeline for people in a culture of constant activity.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nBio: Licensed physiotherapist, educator, swimming instructor, and certified lifeguard.\nAn entrepreneur and founder of the company SPA & Wellness Management, Marcin \u017bbikowski has been collaborating with hotels in the Karkonosze Mountains for 23 years, managing their SPA & Wellness zones.\nAn active swimming instructor since 1997…\nPassionate about massage, he has participated in numerous courses, training sessions, and congresses covering bodywork techniques\u2014including aquatic therapies, manual therapy, myofascial therapy, Oriental massage, and holistic therapies.\nMassage instructor and creator of original bodywork techniques.\nIn his professional life, he seeks inspiration for further development by attending clinical training courses (such as the German School of Manual Therapy, Cyriax, Myofascial Therapy, etc.) while simultaneously exploring and understanding natural therapies (Ayahuasca, Wachuma, Kambo).\nHe intertwines the world of clinical therapies with journeys to regions where therapies and ceremonies\u2014passed down primarily through oral tradition among local populations\u2014have been practiced for 2,000 years to foster spiritual cleansing and reinforce the symbiosis with the land they have inhabited for generations.\nIn his private life, he is a father of four and an avid mountain runner and cold-water swimmer in the Karkonosze Mountains.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\nMagdalena D\u0105browska (POL)<\/summary>\nTopic: Infant swimming \u2013 does an infant really “learn to swim”?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nBiography: Founder and President of the “Akademia Ruchu” (Academy of Movement) swimming school for infants and children\u2014established in 1999\u2014and a co-founder and Vice-President of the PSPN (Polish Infant Swimming Association) since 2007. She holds a master\u2019s degree in rehabilitation and is a psychotherapist, swimming instructor, and WOPR lifeguard. She is a speaker and participant at numerous international conferences and training courses focused on teaching swimming to infants and young children, as well as their proper development. She also organizes training sessions, conferences, workshops, and lectures for swimming instructors.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\nSteve Fernandez (ISL)<\/summary>\nTopic: The student path – Planning and Organizing your journey for success. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nBiography: In the last 5 years Steve has completed around 2000 hours of trainings in Water with WABA and outside of WABA. 500 hours of trainings on land. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Many lessons were learnt as a student and as someone who has worked his way up to the teaching path. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Steve would like to share his insight with the next generation. Learn from his sucess and many failures in a time when everything is changing and moving so fast. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Steve has 20 years of experience working with Five star luxury hotels around the world. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Teaches WATA – WaterDance and on the path of teaching WATSU. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Founded Water Therapy Iceland training institute.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He shares his work on https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/watertherapy.is<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/a>Steve@watertherapy.is<\/a><\/p>\n<\/details>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\nNahid Madadi (IRA)online<\/summary>\nTopic: The Power and Miracle of Water.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Honorary Committee <\/h1>\n\n\n\n\n\n- Prof. Dr. Robert Schleip<\/strong> – University of Ulm, Fascia Research Group.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Dr hab. Agnieszka Jankowicz-Szyma\u0144ska<\/strong> – Vice-Rector for Research and Development at the Tarn\u00f3w Academy.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Anita W\u0142odarczyk<\/strong> – Olympic & World Champion, World Record Holder.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Anna Szotek-Bassa<\/strong> – President of Aquatic Therapy Development Association Watsu Polska.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
Organizing Committee <\/h1>\n\n\n\n\n- Tomasz Zag\u00f3rski <\/strong>– Senior Watsu Instructor & Coach Advisor, Watsu Polska & WABA co-founder.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Natalia Zag\u00f3rska<\/strong> – President of Fundacja Europejskie Centrum Watsu im. Harolda Dulla.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Steve Fernandez <\/strong>– Water Therapy Iceland.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
Speakers<\/h1>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\nProf Robert Schleip (GER)<\/summary>\nTopic: How fascia behaves in water?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nBiography: Robert Schleip is a human biologist and psychologist with expertise in fascia research.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Schleip is one of the leading fascia researchers worldwide and is the Director of the Fascia Research Group at the University of Ulm. He has had a long clinical and teaching career as a body therapist with Rolfing and other modalities. He has also given presentations and lectures on the subject of fascia and its role in movement, somatic dysfunction, and pain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Robert Schleip is the author of several books on fascia, including \u201cFascia, The Tensional Network of the Human Body\u201d, “Fascial Fitness: How to Be Vital, Elastic and Dynamic in Everyday Life and Sport” and “Fascia in Sport and Movement”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Schleip has contributed significantly to our understanding of the human body’s structure and function, particularly in the area of fascia research. See more here.<\/a><\/p>\n<\/details>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\nDr Julia Andrejeva (LTV)<\/summary>\nTopic: WATSU and Multiple Sclerosis<\/strong>, practical and scientific thoughts about WATSU from Physiotherapy prospective.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nBiography: see ful biography<\/a><\/p>\n<\/details>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\nDr Duran Arslan (TUR)<\/summary>\nTopic: Application of Aquatic Therapy in training of Paralympic athletes.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nBiography: the national team coach in T\u00fcrkiye’s paraswimming and paratriathlon sports branches, Watsu Practitioner, Watsu 1 Instructor, have been providing professional swimming training to people with special needs for 15 years. He has 2 doctorates on aquatic exercises.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\nMaria Gerondoudis (RSA)<\/summary>\nTopic: Treating Frozen Shoulder with Geron Hydrotherapy.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nAbstract: see here<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\nBiography: Maria \u2013 Hydrotherapist, Educator, and Innovator
Maria is a passionate and experienced hydrotherapist who has spent over 20 years helping people heal and move better through water. Born in South Africa to Greek parents, she\u2019s a pioneer in the field of aquatic therapy and the founder of Geron Hydrotherapy<\/em>\u2014a unique approach that\u2019s changing how we treat pain and movement challenges.<\/p>\n\n\n\nHer techniques, developed for both pain conditions and sports injuries, combine active and passive methods that are now used by healthcare professionals. Maria\u2019s work has been recognised by medical and rehabilitation professionals for its effectiveness and innovation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For 10 years, Maria led the Hydrotherapy Program at the Sports Medicine Centre<\/a> of the Morningside Medi Clinic in Sandton, a premier multi-disciplinary sports medicine facility serving both professional athletes and the general public. Under the leadership of Prof Jon Patricios<\/a>, the centre provided rehabilitation and recovery for many of South Africa\u2019s national and professional sports teams.<\/p>\n\n\n\nIn 2018, Maria opened a state-of-the-art hydrotherapy facility in Sandton, offering patients access to both a cutting-edge therapeutic environment and world-class techniques to ensure optimal outcomes. At the heart of everything she does is one priority: exceptional patient care.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Maria now teaches for Wits University and the Geron Institute. She has presented at leading global conferences and institutions including the University of Johannesburg<\/a>, Wits University<\/a>, the Geron Institute, the Chevrah Kadisha,<\/a>and the Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics at the University of Oxford<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\nMa\u0142gorzata \u0141ukowicz, MD, PhD, DSc (POL)<\/summary>\nTopic: Balneotherapy in Poland.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nBiography: Deputy Director for Medical Affairs at the 23rd Military Rehabilitation Hospital (23 WSzUR SP ZOZ) in L\u0105dek-Zdr\u00f3j.
I graduated from the Faculty of Medicine at the Medical Academy in Bydgoszcz in 1996, and on November 1, 1996, I began working at the Department and Clinic of Rehabilitation at the same institution. I conducted teaching and research activities at the Faculty of Medicine in Bydgoszcz and subsequently at the Faculty of Health Sciences at Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, teaching students in medicine, physiotherapy, nursing, and cosmetology. I have supervised over 100 master’s theses and four doctoral dissertations, and have served as a reviewer for numerous doctoral and habilitation theses. I subsequently worked at the Faculty of Rehabilitation at the University of Physical Education in Warsaw. I served as Head of the Department of Rehabilitation and am currently Head of the Rehabilitation Clinic at the Centre of Postgraduate Medical Education (CMKP) in Warsaw, where I have been involved in the postgraduate training of physicians for many years. For many years, I have served as a director of specialization courses for physicians and have also participated in conducting specialization courses in the field of physiotherapy. My research activities have focused on evaluating the efficacy of neurological rehabilitation and physical medicine. Concurrently, I have developed my professional skills through numerous courses, including training in PNF, Vojta, and McKenzie methods, manual therapy, kinesiology taping, and the performance of densitometric and neurophysiological examinations. For over 20 years, I have performed neurophysiological tests (EMG, ENG) and administered botulinum toxin therapy for spasticity, dystonia, and migraines; furthermore, having undergone training myself, I now conduct training sessions on treating musculoskeletal disorders with tropocollagen. My career includes work in inpatient rehabilitation wards and outpatient rehabilitation clinics; since 2013, I have worked in day-rehabilitation units. I participated in organizing a new rehabilitation clinic in Bydgoszcz, subsequently reorganized the Rehabilitation Department at the MSWiA facility in Bydgoszcz, restructured operations at the Rehabilitation Clinic of the Children’s Memorial Health Institute (IP CZD) starting in 2014, and\u2014since 2020\u2014have been involved in establishing the new Rehabilitation Clinic at the Centre of Postgraduate Medical Education (CMKP). I possess extensive organizational experience and have held leadership positions in rehabilitation facilities for over two decades. I was appointed to an AOTMiT expert panel tasked with working on changes to medical rehabilitation, serving on teams focused on neurological and pediatric rehabilitation. I worked on an EU-funded project at CIOP developing the ICF framework for vocational rehabilitation. I participated in the “From Science to Business” EU project at Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toru\u0144 and completed entrepreneurship training in 2012. I was a member of a team appointed by the CMKP in 2021 to revise the medical rehabilitation specialization curriculum.
From 2022 to 2024, I served as the National Consultant in Medical Rehabilitation, promoting rehabilitation in Poland and performing advisory, consultative, and oversight functions for government administration bodies, healthcare providers, the National Health Fund (NFZ), and the Patient Ombudsman; I also participated in the work of committees and teams established to implement health policy. Primary areas of research and clinical work: neurological rehabilitation, spinal cord and traumatic brain injuries, neurophysiology, EMG and EP studies, developmental and neurodevelopmental disorders, treatment of spasticity, dystonia, and migraines with botulinum toxin, medical cannabis therapy, and treatment of musculoskeletal pain using tropocollagen. Experienced academic educator: 17 years at Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz; 5 years at the Elbl\u0105g University of Humanities and Economics; also taught at the University of Health Sciences in Bydgoszcz and the University of Physical Education (AWF) in Warsaw (6 years), covering medical rehabilitation (for medical students), physiotherapy, and rehabilitation nursing. Participated in developing the physiotherapy curriculum at Collegium Medicum (Nicolaus Copernicus University) in Bydgoszcz and in revising the 5-year physiotherapy curriculum at the University of Physical Education in Warsaw. Served as a member of the Scientific Council of the National Institute of Geriatrics, Rheumatology and Rehabilitation in Warsaw (2022\u20132025).\nAuthor of over 60 conference abstracts and 33 book chapters and monograph sections; editor of the textbooks *Physiotherapy: Clinical and Biophysical Aspects* and *Manual Muscle Testing*; translator of medical textbooks from English.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\nFezia Tyebally (MAL) online<\/summary>\nTopics: 1) Halliwick Across the Lifespan: Honoring Our Roots, Embracing Our Reach, <\/strong>2)A Gaze, A Breath, A Ripple: The Unseen Foundations of Mouvement in Water.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nBiography: Fezia is a trained Cranio sacral practitioner who specialises in working with adults and children with special needs. She\u2019s is equally adept at meeting the muscle, cranial and spinal needs of ordinary or athletic patients. What sets her apart from other practitioners is how she weaves her various specialisations for a comprehensive treatment of each of her clients, by customising the blend of treatments required to ensure maximum impact on each client. Each specialisation was earned through her attendance of many courses, workshops, certification and programmes in Australia, Singapore, Hong Kong, United Kingdom and USA.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Generous in sharing her knowledge, she\u2019s a certified lecturer for Aquatic University Seminars, ATU, USA for Paediatric and Geriatric courses, and a lecturer for the Halliwick Foundation course with the International Halliwick Association (IHA). She sits on the research and education committees of both IHA and the UK Association of Swimming Therapy (AST).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
She is also a regular speaker at seminars and conferences on Aquatic Therapy.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\nDr Rados\u0142aw Sk\u0142adowski (POL) <\/summary>\nTopic: Five Regulatory Systems (FRSc)in speeding up recovery.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nBiography: I am an orthopedist (practicing medicine since 1995, specializing in orthopedics since 1999). I have been professionally engaged in manual medicine since 2000. In 2006, I incorporated clavitherapy and its derivatives into my manual medicine practice. The fundamental principle of my therapy is to reverse musculoskeletal disorders by restoring the functions whose loss or impairment originally caused the conditions. Restoring proper function leads to recovery\u2014sometimes even from diseases considered incurable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n<\/details>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\nDr Patricia Bacova (SVK)<\/summary>\nTopic, bio: Watsu therapy as a work benefit for healthcare workers.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nBiography: physiotherapist, Watsu Assistant and Watsu practitioner on the way to becoming a teacher of basic Watsu techniques. Co-founder of the Watsu Slovakia association and member of the newly established Aquaroots \u010cresko\/Slovakia school. Born in the spa town of Pie\u0161\u0165any, Slovakia.
My dream has always been to help people and work in water. For me, this mission is like finding something I have always been looking for.
I work at the Bulovka Clinic in Prague where I provide Watsu every working day not only for patients who were recommended by our doctors, but also for employees.
We created an online reservation system Am\u00e9lia, through which employees can register for Watsu therapy. They have this therapy as a work benefit from their employer – two therapies a year fully reimbursed to employees.
From my point of view, it is very beneficial for them, even necessary, they use it a lot and are very happy to come back. Many people later purchase the therapy as a discounted package of 5 or 10 therapies for themselves or as a gift for others. <\/p>\n<\/details>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\nSvitlana Vishenska (UKR\/UAE)<\/summary>\nTopics: 1) Held by Water: Healing Trauma through Watsu and WaterDance.<\/strong> 2) The Essence of Waterdance and Why Psycho-Emotional Processes are Crucial to WATA.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nBiography: Svitlana Vishenska, born in 1976. She is a Watsu and WaterDance practitioner, depth psychologist, and founder of Spirit of Freedom and Aqua Balance (UAE). <\/p>\n\n\n\n
A graduate in Physical Education(1995)and Economics,(2000) she went on to train as a depth psychologist and certified Watsu practitioner (2024) and WaterDance practitioner (2026), building on 30 years of experience as a swimming coach. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Svitlana is a creator of her own signature swimming methodology. Through her private practice and wellness retreats, she applies the healing power of water to trauma, PTSD, and anxiety. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
She was a speaker at the Longevity Summit India 2026 with a topic \u201cHealing power of Water Therapy\u201dand served as a WaterDance consultant on a feature film. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Her mission is to advance global awareness of the healing potential of water therapy. She is now working toward a documentary film that brings this message to a wider audience.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\nSee all 26 Speakers <\/strong>\/ Hide<\/summary>\n<\/figure>\nFran\u00e7oise Jadin (BEL)<\/summary>\nTopic: Topics: 1) Dealing with birth trauma in water – psychological approach.<\/strong> 2) The Essence of Waterdance and Why Psycho-Emotional Processes are Crucial to WATA.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nBiography: Nurse and midwife <\/p>\n\n\n\n
WATA : Practitioner and instructor of WATA FUNDAMENTAl, WATA 1 and 2, WATA Int\u00e9gr\u00e9tion<\/p>\n\n\n\n
WATSU : Practitioner and instructor of WATSU FUNDAMENTAL <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Psycho-energetic facilitator and teacher.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“After many years working in the medical world (natality and others) and in the social world, as a department manager, teacher and relationship coach, I received the gift of diving into the aquatic world of Arjana and its ability to invite everyone to move forward with gentleness and subtlety. I work with individuals (coaching, mind-body therapies, sophrology, archaic reflexes, etc.) and groups (trainer – supervisor) on a daily basis. At the same time, I have the pleasure of training psychotherapists in the techniques of neuro- and child psychiatrist Jean Lerminiaux: “La Lib\u00e9ration du Ressenti” (sfp-formation.be).”<\/p>\n<\/details>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\nDobros\u0142awa Kwiatkowska (POL)<\/summary>\nTopic: Do microcurrent frequencies create a fourth state of water in living organisms?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nBiography: She holds degrees in Psychosomatics and Somatopsychology, German Philology, and Public Relations, and completed the two-year “Healing Medicine” training program for physicians and therapists at the Institute of Integrative Medicine (Germany). She is a certified therapist specializing in information medicine and broad-spectrum microcurrent therapy (using TimeWaver Pro, Frequency, McMakin, and Healy systems) and serves as an instructor for the international TimeWaver Academy. She runs the “Healing Fields” holistic therapy practice in Pozna\u0144. She is a Member of the Advisory Board of the World Water Comunity, and the founder and president of the Polish Society for Information and Energy Medicine (PTMIE). She is the author of the book “Information and Energy Medicine: An Invitation to a Multidimensional View of the Human Being. A deep appreciation for the beauty and profound respect for Mother Nature have accompanied her since childhood. Water, as an inseparable part of nature and the source of life, fascinates her in particular. The role of water in microcurrent therapy is a subject she explores with great curiosity. Since 2018, she has participated in annual international conferences on water (Conference on the Physics, Chemistry & Biology of Water). In 2024, Dobros\u0142awa Kwiatkowska was honored to accept the invitation from Prof. Gerald H. Pollack to join the speakers of the 16th edition of this conference, where she delivered a lecture in Lisbon about the connection of microcurrent treatment and the EZ-water. Since we are largely composed of water, exploring the nature of this fascinating substance brings her closer to answering the question: who are we as human beings? <\/p>\n<\/details>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\nRenata Tjenska (CZE)<\/summary>\nTopic:Watsu from a perspective of Practitioner and academic teacher.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nBiography: In 1999, I successfully completed my university studies in Physiotherapy and Algotherapy at Palack\u00fd University in Olomouc. During my studies, I participated in research on 3D motion capture and kinesio-analysis, where I mastered techniques for analyzing movement and optimizing motor functions. In the years that followed, I was actively involved in clinical research regarding the use of laser therapy to treat tinnitus. Working alongside Assoc. Prof. Hahn (ENT Clinic at the University Hospital Kr\u00e1lovsk\u00e9 Vinohrady) and Dr. Proch\u00e1zka, I evaluated the efficacy of mid-power lasers. This collaboration provided me with extensive practical experience regarding cervical spine issues\u2014specifically pain, joint blockages, and their potential links to inner ear disorders.\nFrom 2001, I worked for Rehaland s.r.o., where, as the head physiotherapist, I managed the operations of the physiotherapy clinic and its associated recovery unit (which included a sauna and whirlpool). In subsequent years, I focused on further developing my expertise in musculoskeletal medicine. I obtained certifications in methodologies such as the Bobath concept, PNF (Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation), and, notably, the Vojta concept. These techniques enable me to address systemic movement disorders that cause back and joint pain as well as neurological issues\u2014such as acute lumbago, spinal blockages, central coordination disorders, and the aftereffects of strokes.\nMy additional training includes comprehensive courses by Clara-Maria Hermmach, which helped me understand the harmonization of movement in relation to breathing. I am currently a student at the Darja Healing School, where I am learning techniques to harmonize energy within the body’s energy centers. These alternative methods include various types of relaxation massage.\nI currently practice at the 3RE private rehabilitation facility and also work part-time at the Vodafone Center in Prague, where we address issues such as the strain caused by repetitive office movements. I would like to use my experience to help maintain the health and well-being of Baxter employees. Our motto is “a healthy mind in a healthy body.”<\/p>\n<\/details>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\nWendy Wang (CHN) online<\/summary>\nTopic: Baby swimming and Watsu in China.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nBiography: Wendy is a baby swimming instructor, first Watsu Practitioner in China. She started he teaching path and currently is certified as a Watsu Assistant,<\/p>\n<\/details>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\nNatalia Zag\u00f3rska (POL)<\/summary>\nTopic: Cervical instability – general health context and implications in aquatic therapy.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nBiography: Natalia bio 2026<\/a><\/p>\n<\/details>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\nGC Prashanth (IND)<\/summary>\nTopic: Research in Watsu – Addressing the Gap.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nBiography: Master in Neurological & Psychosomatic Disorders. Asst. Professor SDM college of Physiotherapy. Currently addicted to Water works. Working with pediatric and adult neuro clients. Also giving Watsu sessions<\/p>\n<\/details>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\nIzabela Libold (POL)<\/summary>\nTopic: Sensory Integration in Water.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nBiography: Graduate of the Medical University of Wroc\u0142aw
Creator of an aquatic rehabilitation program for children in Wroc\u0142aw, developed as part of the government pilot program titled: “Early, Multidisciplinary, Comprehensive, Coordinated, and Continuous Support for Children at Risk of Disability or with Disabilities and Their Families (2005\u20132007)”
WATSU\u00ae (Water Shiatsu) Therapist
Water Dance Therapist
Instructor in aquatic rehabilitation and swimming instruction for people with disabilities (Halliwick Concept)
Swimming Sports Instructor
Sensory Integration Therapist
Additional specialized training:
“Rehabilitation of Children at Risk” (specialization course in medical rehabilitation organized by the Medical University of Wroc\u0142aw)
“Selected Issues in the Diagnosis and Therapy of Children at Risk” (advanced training course organized by the Medical University of Wroc\u0142aw)
Veronica Sherborne\u2019s Developmental Movement
Munich Functional Developmental Diagnostics (ages 0\u20136)<\/p>\n<\/details>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\nMonika Borowy (IRL\/POL)<\/summary>\nTopic: Turning point 2030.<\/strong> Effect, affect, ethics.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nBiography: Monika Borowy | Educator, Therapist, Watsu Provider, Creator of the SHAPE™ Method\nMy passion for psychology began long before I started my studies at the Jagiellonian University in Krak\u00f3w in 2004. Today, as the founder of a company specializing in educational and therapeutic engineering, I combine my background in education (MA) and medicine (occupational therapy) with the therapeutic potential of art. My experience from art school in Dublin and a deep love for music enable me to design multidimensional processes in which sound and art become integral elements of emotional regulation. I continuously develop my skills in both Dublin and Poland; I completed psychology studies at Trinity College, which inspired me to pursue further education in psychology and Natalie Rogers\u2019 humanistic-expressive psychotherapy. I regularly deepen my knowledge of the neurobiology of trauma through international seminars, drawing inspiration from the work of experts such as Dr. Gabor Mat\u00e9 and Bessel van der Kolk. I am the creator of the NAR™ and NHC™ methods, as well as the comprehensive SHAPE™ multimodal therapy protocol, which I am further developing as part of an upcoming implementation-focused PhD program. In my practice, I integrate body, mind, and emotional affect within a safe framework.\nOn a personal note: I am the mother of two athletic boys. I love being close to nature, traveling by camper van, good cinema, and finding quiet moments with a book and sunsets by the water. My life and heart are permanently divided between Ireland and Poland.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\nStacey Aires Lewis (RSA) online<\/summary>\nTopic: Research on Geron Hydrotherapy in Frozen Shoulder.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/details>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\nLenka Lenka Holot\u0148\u00e1kov\u00e1 (SVK)<\/summary>\nTopic: Watsu\u00ae and its use in the therapy of the lumbosacral region in women in the late phases of pregnancy.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nBiography: Lenka Holot\u0148\u00e1kov\u00e1 is a qualified therapeutic educator, physiotherapist, and midwife who has been dedicated for 18 years to providing holistic care to pregnant women during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period. She is a co-founder of a school for postpartum doulas. As a Watsu Practitioner, she works primarily with pregnant women<\/p>\n<\/details>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\nMiros\u0142aw M\u0142y\u0144ski (POL)<\/summary>\nTopic: To Independence Through the Water.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nBiography: Physiotherapist since 1999 (Medical Vocational School No. 2 in Gda\u0144sk \u2013 physiotherapy technician). Has had family ties to the GCR (Rehabilitation Centre) in Dzier\u017c\u0105\u017cno since the late 1970s.\nHolds a Bachelor\u2019s degree from the WSZ in Gda\u0144sk and a Master\u2019s degree in Physiotherapy from the OSW in Olsztyn. Completed postgraduate studies in medical law at the Faculty of Law and Administration, University of Gda\u0144sk. Employee of the Specialist Hospital in Ko\u015bcierzyna since 1999. Lecturer at the Higher School of Health (Wy\u017csza Szko\u0142a Zdrowia) in Gda\u0144sk and participant in training projects (including those funded by the European Union). Member of the National Team of Auditors for the National Chamber of Physiotherapists (KIF). Delegate representing the Pomeranian Voivodeship at the 1st and 2nd National Congresses of Physiotherapists. Instructor with the Active Rehabilitation Foundation (Fundacja Aktywnej Rehabilitacji) for 25 years.\nI have always believed that being a delegate is a role that extends beyond the Congress itself. Earning the trust of one\u2019s professional community is the greatest reward for daily work and engagement. My greatest success to date? Co-authoring the guidelines that enabled physiotherapists to work in Poland during the COVID-19 pandemic.\nInterests? History (especially the history of physiotherapy), old photographs (particularly from the Kashubia region), and a passion for photography.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\nDominika Kolenda (POL\/UK)<\/summary>\nTopic: Hydropedagogy and Posthuman Care: Embodied Learning Through Water, Weightlessness, and Relational Becoming<\/strong><\/summary>\nAbstract: This paper proposes hydropedagogy<\/em> as a posthuman mode of learning, care, and embodied knowledge production, grounded in hydrotherapy and informed by new materialist and posthumanist theory. Drawing on Astrida Neimanis\u2019s work within the Blue Humanities and on hydropedagogical frameworks articulated by Maria Mendel, the presentation conceptualises water as an epistemic and pedagogical agent rather than a neutral therapeutic medium.
Through immersion, the body enters a state of unified movement in which gravity is partially omitted and muscular hierarchies are redistributed. In this suspended condition, bodily boundaries soften, proprioception is reconfigured, and the human subject is temporarily de-centred. The paper argues that this mode of embodied experience echoes intrauterine conditions, not as a metaphor of regression, but as a material reminder of relational ontogenesis, where body, medium, and environment are inseparable. Hydropedagogy is here framed as a form of learning that occurs through co-movement, buoyancy, resistance, and rhythm, enabling knowledge to emerge somatically rather than discursively. The aquatic environment produces what may be described as an enactive pedagogical field, within which cognition is distributed across body, water, temperature, and motion. Healing and learning are thus understood as relational processes, unfolding through more-than-human collaboration.By situating hydrotherapy within posthuman care ethics and Blue Humanities scholarship, the paper advances an argument for water-based practices as sites of re-embodied knowledge, where pedagogy, therapy, and ontology converge. Hydropedagogy is proposed not merely as a method, but as an ethical orientation toward learning with, rather than about, the material world.<\/p>\n\n\n\nBio: Dominika Kolenda
is an interdisciplinary artist, researcher, and educator working at the intersection of art, biology, and philosophy. She holds a Fine Art degree from the University of Oxford, where her work combined conceptual art practice with critical theory, embodied research, and science communication.Her practice is grounded in curating enactivist situations in which knowledge is not transmitted but re-embodied, emerging through sensory engagement, movement, and material interaction. She works across bioart, research-driven art, and participatory methodologies, with sustained interests in posthumanism, new materialism, embodiment, care, and Blue Humanities. Alongside her artistic and pedagogical work, she has professional experience working with individuals living with chronic illness and pain. Her work seeks to develop ethically attuned, more-than-human approaches to learning and care that foreground relationally, material agency, and embodied knowing. <\/p>\n<\/details>\n<\/details>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\nJoanna Apolinarska (POL)<\/summary>\nTopic: Vagus Nerve Stimulation in an Aquatic Environment: Integrated Strategies for Modulating Autonomic Tone through Movement, Breathing, and Hydrodynamics.<\/strong> Abstract: In my presentation, I will outline the physiological mechanisms by which the aquatic environment affects the autonomic nervous system\u2014including the impact of hydrostatic pressure on the baroreceptor reflex, circulatory centralization, and HRV indices\u2014as well as specific methods for stimulating the vagus nerve by leveraging the physical properties of water.<\/p>\n\n\n\nTopic: SAF AQUA\u00ae Relaxation: A practical vagus nerve modulation protocol based on water-based sensory input, breathing patterns, and kinetic fluidity.<\/strong> Abstract: A workshop that directly translates theory into practice. We will focus on synchronizing diaphragmatic breathing with water resistance, working in a state of axial unloading, and utilizing fluid movement chains that stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system.<\/p>\n\n\n\nBiography: International Aqua Fitness Trainer (AEA), Academic Lecturer, and Lead Methodologist at SAF AQUA\u00ae\n\nAn international expert, methodologist, and trainer specializing in aquatic physical activity. She is a certified International Aqua Training Specialist with the prestigious Aquatic Exercise Association (AEA). In May 2026, she was honored with the prestigious AEA Global Award\u2014presented in the United States\u2014in recognition of her outstanding contribution to the global development of and education in aquatic fitness.\nShe serves as the Lead Methodologist and a Board Member at SAF AQUA\u00ae, where she is responsible for creating innovative educational and licensing programs, as well as designing specialized aquatic training equipment. She is an academic lecturer at the Prof. K. Milanowska University of Education and Therapy in Pozna\u0144, where she trains physiotherapy students in advanced aquatic exercise methods. She has authored instructor training programs, including those for the Staff Development and Training Center at the University of Physical Education in Pozna\u0144.\n\nA speaker and international presenter at leading global industry conferences (including the International Aquatic Fitness and Therapy Conference \u2013 IAFTC in the USA). Her work combines Evidence-Based Practice standards with practical fluid biomechanics, neurophysiology, and advanced methodology for teaching movement involving unweighted (buoyancy-assisted) exercise and hydrodynamic resistance.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\nMarcin \u017bbikowski (POL)<\/summary>\nTopic: A return to silence. Watsu \u2013 a lifeline for people in a culture of constant activity.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nBio: Licensed physiotherapist, educator, swimming instructor, and certified lifeguard.\nAn entrepreneur and founder of the company SPA & Wellness Management, Marcin \u017bbikowski has been collaborating with hotels in the Karkonosze Mountains for 23 years, managing their SPA & Wellness zones.\nAn active swimming instructor since 1997…\nPassionate about massage, he has participated in numerous courses, training sessions, and congresses covering bodywork techniques\u2014including aquatic therapies, manual therapy, myofascial therapy, Oriental massage, and holistic therapies.\nMassage instructor and creator of original bodywork techniques.\nIn his professional life, he seeks inspiration for further development by attending clinical training courses (such as the German School of Manual Therapy, Cyriax, Myofascial Therapy, etc.) while simultaneously exploring and understanding natural therapies (Ayahuasca, Wachuma, Kambo).\nHe intertwines the world of clinical therapies with journeys to regions where therapies and ceremonies\u2014passed down primarily through oral tradition among local populations\u2014have been practiced for 2,000 years to foster spiritual cleansing and reinforce the symbiosis with the land they have inhabited for generations.\nIn his private life, he is a father of four and an avid mountain runner and cold-water swimmer in the Karkonosze Mountains.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\nMagdalena D\u0105browska (POL)<\/summary>\nTopic: Infant swimming \u2013 does an infant really “learn to swim”?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nBiography: Founder and President of the “Akademia Ruchu” (Academy of Movement) swimming school for infants and children\u2014established in 1999\u2014and a co-founder and Vice-President of the PSPN (Polish Infant Swimming Association) since 2007. She holds a master\u2019s degree in rehabilitation and is a psychotherapist, swimming instructor, and WOPR lifeguard. She is a speaker and participant at numerous international conferences and training courses focused on teaching swimming to infants and young children, as well as their proper development. She also organizes training sessions, conferences, workshops, and lectures for swimming instructors.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\nSteve Fernandez (ISL)<\/summary>\nTopic: The student path – Planning and Organizing your journey for success. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nBiography: In the last 5 years Steve has completed around 2000 hours of trainings in Water with WABA and outside of WABA. 500 hours of trainings on land. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Many lessons were learnt as a student and as someone who has worked his way up to the teaching path. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Steve would like to share his insight with the next generation. Learn from his sucess and many failures in a time when everything is changing and moving so fast. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Steve has 20 years of experience working with Five star luxury hotels around the world. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Teaches WATA – WaterDance and on the path of teaching WATSU. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Founded Water Therapy Iceland training institute.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He shares his work on https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/watertherapy.is<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/a>Steve@watertherapy.is<\/a><\/p>\n<\/details>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\nNahid Madadi (IRA)online<\/summary>\nTopic: The Power and Miracle of Water.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Prof. Dr. Robert Schleip<\/strong> – University of Ulm, Fascia Research Group.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Dr hab. Agnieszka Jankowicz-Szyma\u0144ska<\/strong> – Vice-Rector for Research and Development at the Tarn\u00f3w Academy.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Anita W\u0142odarczyk<\/strong> – Olympic & World Champion, World Record Holder.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Anna Szotek-Bassa<\/strong> – President of Aquatic Therapy Development Association Watsu Polska.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\nOrganizing Committee <\/h1>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Tomasz Zag\u00f3rski <\/strong>– Senior Watsu Instructor & Coach Advisor, Watsu Polska & WABA co-founder.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Natalia Zag\u00f3rska<\/strong> – President of Fundacja Europejskie Centrum Watsu im. Harolda Dulla.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Steve Fernandez <\/strong>– Water Therapy Iceland.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\nSpeakers<\/h1>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\nProf Robert Schleip (GER)<\/summary>\n
Topic: How fascia behaves in water?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Biography: Robert Schleip is a human biologist and psychologist with expertise in fascia research.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Schleip is one of the leading fascia researchers worldwide and is the Director of the Fascia Research Group at the University of Ulm. He has had a long clinical and teaching career as a body therapist with Rolfing and other modalities. He has also given presentations and lectures on the subject of fascia and its role in movement, somatic dysfunction, and pain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Robert Schleip is the author of several books on fascia, including \u201cFascia, The Tensional Network of the Human Body\u201d, “Fascial Fitness: How to Be Vital, Elastic and Dynamic in Everyday Life and Sport” and “Fascia in Sport and Movement”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Schleip has contributed significantly to our understanding of the human body’s structure and function, particularly in the area of fascia research. See more here.<\/a><\/p>\n<\/details>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\nDr Julia Andrejeva (LTV)<\/summary>\n
Topic: WATSU and Multiple Sclerosis<\/strong>, practical and scientific thoughts about WATSU from Physiotherapy prospective.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Biography: see ful biography<\/a><\/p>\n<\/details>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\nDr Duran Arslan (TUR)<\/summary>\n
Topic: Application of Aquatic Therapy in training of Paralympic athletes.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Biography: the national team coach in T\u00fcrkiye’s paraswimming and paratriathlon sports branches, Watsu Practitioner, Watsu 1 Instructor, have been providing professional swimming training to people with special needs for 15 years. He has 2 doctorates on aquatic exercises.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\nMaria Gerondoudis (RSA)<\/summary>\n
Topic: Treating Frozen Shoulder with Geron Hydrotherapy.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Abstract: see here<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Biography: Maria \u2013 Hydrotherapist, Educator, and Innovator
Maria is a passionate and experienced hydrotherapist who has spent over 20 years helping people heal and move better through water. Born in South Africa to Greek parents, she\u2019s a pioneer in the field of aquatic therapy and the founder of Geron Hydrotherapy<\/em>\u2014a unique approach that\u2019s changing how we treat pain and movement challenges.<\/p>\n\n\n\nHer techniques, developed for both pain conditions and sports injuries, combine active and passive methods that are now used by healthcare professionals. Maria\u2019s work has been recognised by medical and rehabilitation professionals for its effectiveness and innovation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For 10 years, Maria led the Hydrotherapy Program at the Sports Medicine Centre<\/a> of the Morningside Medi Clinic in Sandton, a premier multi-disciplinary sports medicine facility serving both professional athletes and the general public. Under the leadership of Prof Jon Patricios<\/a>, the centre provided rehabilitation and recovery for many of South Africa\u2019s national and professional sports teams.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In 2018, Maria opened a state-of-the-art hydrotherapy facility in Sandton, offering patients access to both a cutting-edge therapeutic environment and world-class techniques to ensure optimal outcomes. At the heart of everything she does is one priority: exceptional patient care.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Maria now teaches for Wits University and the Geron Institute. She has presented at leading global conferences and institutions including the University of Johannesburg<\/a>, Wits University<\/a>, the Geron Institute, the Chevrah Kadisha,<\/a>and the Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics at the University of Oxford<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\nMa\u0142gorzata \u0141ukowicz, MD, PhD, DSc (POL)<\/summary>\n
Topic: Balneotherapy in Poland.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Biography: Deputy Director for Medical Affairs at the 23rd Military Rehabilitation Hospital (23 WSzUR SP ZOZ) in L\u0105dek-Zdr\u00f3j.
I graduated from the Faculty of Medicine at the Medical Academy in Bydgoszcz in 1996, and on November 1, 1996, I began working at the Department and Clinic of Rehabilitation at the same institution. I conducted teaching and research activities at the Faculty of Medicine in Bydgoszcz and subsequently at the Faculty of Health Sciences at Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, teaching students in medicine, physiotherapy, nursing, and cosmetology. I have supervised over 100 master’s theses and four doctoral dissertations, and have served as a reviewer for numerous doctoral and habilitation theses. I subsequently worked at the Faculty of Rehabilitation at the University of Physical Education in Warsaw. I served as Head of the Department of Rehabilitation and am currently Head of the Rehabilitation Clinic at the Centre of Postgraduate Medical Education (CMKP) in Warsaw, where I have been involved in the postgraduate training of physicians for many years. For many years, I have served as a director of specialization courses for physicians and have also participated in conducting specialization courses in the field of physiotherapy. My research activities have focused on evaluating the efficacy of neurological rehabilitation and physical medicine. Concurrently, I have developed my professional skills through numerous courses, including training in PNF, Vojta, and McKenzie methods, manual therapy, kinesiology taping, and the performance of densitometric and neurophysiological examinations. For over 20 years, I have performed neurophysiological tests (EMG, ENG) and administered botulinum toxin therapy for spasticity, dystonia, and migraines; furthermore, having undergone training myself, I now conduct training sessions on treating musculoskeletal disorders with tropocollagen. My career includes work in inpatient rehabilitation wards and outpatient rehabilitation clinics; since 2013, I have worked in day-rehabilitation units. I participated in organizing a new rehabilitation clinic in Bydgoszcz, subsequently reorganized the Rehabilitation Department at the MSWiA facility in Bydgoszcz, restructured operations at the Rehabilitation Clinic of the Children’s Memorial Health Institute (IP CZD) starting in 2014, and\u2014since 2020\u2014have been involved in establishing the new Rehabilitation Clinic at the Centre of Postgraduate Medical Education (CMKP). I possess extensive organizational experience and have held leadership positions in rehabilitation facilities for over two decades. I was appointed to an AOTMiT expert panel tasked with working on changes to medical rehabilitation, serving on teams focused on neurological and pediatric rehabilitation. I worked on an EU-funded project at CIOP developing the ICF framework for vocational rehabilitation. I participated in the “From Science to Business” EU project at Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toru\u0144 and completed entrepreneurship training in 2012. I was a member of a team appointed by the CMKP in 2021 to revise the medical rehabilitation specialization curriculum.
From 2022 to 2024, I served as the National Consultant in Medical Rehabilitation, promoting rehabilitation in Poland and performing advisory, consultative, and oversight functions for government administration bodies, healthcare providers, the National Health Fund (NFZ), and the Patient Ombudsman; I also participated in the work of committees and teams established to implement health policy. Primary areas of research and clinical work: neurological rehabilitation, spinal cord and traumatic brain injuries, neurophysiology, EMG and EP studies, developmental and neurodevelopmental disorders, treatment of spasticity, dystonia, and migraines with botulinum toxin, medical cannabis therapy, and treatment of musculoskeletal pain using tropocollagen. Experienced academic educator: 17 years at Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz; 5 years at the Elbl\u0105g University of Humanities and Economics; also taught at the University of Health Sciences in Bydgoszcz and the University of Physical Education (AWF) in Warsaw (6 years), covering medical rehabilitation (for medical students), physiotherapy, and rehabilitation nursing. Participated in developing the physiotherapy curriculum at Collegium Medicum (Nicolaus Copernicus University) in Bydgoszcz and in revising the 5-year physiotherapy curriculum at the University of Physical Education in Warsaw. Served as a member of the Scientific Council of the National Institute of Geriatrics, Rheumatology and Rehabilitation in Warsaw (2022\u20132025).\nAuthor of over 60 conference abstracts and 33 book chapters and monograph sections; editor of the textbooks *Physiotherapy: Clinical and Biophysical Aspects* and *Manual Muscle Testing*; translator of medical textbooks from English.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\nFezia Tyebally (MAL) online<\/summary>\n
Topics: 1) Halliwick Across the Lifespan: Honoring Our Roots, Embracing Our Reach, <\/strong>2)A Gaze, A Breath, A Ripple: The Unseen Foundations of Mouvement in Water.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Biography: Fezia is a trained Cranio sacral practitioner who specialises in working with adults and children with special needs. She\u2019s is equally adept at meeting the muscle, cranial and spinal needs of ordinary or athletic patients. What sets her apart from other practitioners is how she weaves her various specialisations for a comprehensive treatment of each of her clients, by customising the blend of treatments required to ensure maximum impact on each client. Each specialisation was earned through her attendance of many courses, workshops, certification and programmes in Australia, Singapore, Hong Kong, United Kingdom and USA.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Generous in sharing her knowledge, she\u2019s a certified lecturer for Aquatic University Seminars, ATU, USA for Paediatric and Geriatric courses, and a lecturer for the Halliwick Foundation course with the International Halliwick Association (IHA). She sits on the research and education committees of both IHA and the UK Association of Swimming Therapy (AST).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
She is also a regular speaker at seminars and conferences on Aquatic Therapy.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\nDr Rados\u0142aw Sk\u0142adowski (POL) <\/summary>\n
Topic: Five Regulatory Systems (FRSc)in speeding up recovery.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Biography: I am an orthopedist (practicing medicine since 1995, specializing in orthopedics since 1999). I have been professionally engaged in manual medicine since 2000. In 2006, I incorporated clavitherapy and its derivatives into my manual medicine practice. The fundamental principle of my therapy is to reverse musculoskeletal disorders by restoring the functions whose loss or impairment originally caused the conditions. Restoring proper function leads to recovery\u2014sometimes even from diseases considered incurable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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<\/figure>\nDr Patricia Bacova (SVK)<\/summary>\n
Topic, bio: Watsu therapy as a work benefit for healthcare workers.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Biography: physiotherapist, Watsu Assistant and Watsu practitioner on the way to becoming a teacher of basic Watsu techniques. Co-founder of the Watsu Slovakia association and member of the newly established Aquaroots \u010cresko\/Slovakia school. Born in the spa town of Pie\u0161\u0165any, Slovakia.
My dream has always been to help people and work in water. For me, this mission is like finding something I have always been looking for.
I work at the Bulovka Clinic in Prague where I provide Watsu every working day not only for patients who were recommended by our doctors, but also for employees.
We created an online reservation system Am\u00e9lia, through which employees can register for Watsu therapy. They have this therapy as a work benefit from their employer – two therapies a year fully reimbursed to employees.
From my point of view, it is very beneficial for them, even necessary, they use it a lot and are very happy to come back. Many people later purchase the therapy as a discounted package of 5 or 10 therapies for themselves or as a gift for others. <\/p>\n<\/details>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\nSvitlana Vishenska (UKR\/UAE)<\/summary>\n
Topics: 1) Held by Water: Healing Trauma through Watsu and WaterDance.<\/strong> 2) The Essence of Waterdance and Why Psycho-Emotional Processes are Crucial to WATA.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Biography: Svitlana Vishenska, born in 1976. She is a Watsu and WaterDance practitioner, depth psychologist, and founder of Spirit of Freedom and Aqua Balance (UAE). <\/p>\n\n\n\n
A graduate in Physical Education(1995)and Economics,(2000) she went on to train as a depth psychologist and certified Watsu practitioner (2024) and WaterDance practitioner (2026), building on 30 years of experience as a swimming coach. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Svitlana is a creator of her own signature swimming methodology. Through her private practice and wellness retreats, she applies the healing power of water to trauma, PTSD, and anxiety. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
She was a speaker at the Longevity Summit India 2026 with a topic \u201cHealing power of Water Therapy\u201dand served as a WaterDance consultant on a feature film. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Her mission is to advance global awareness of the healing potential of water therapy. She is now working toward a documentary film that brings this message to a wider audience.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
See all 26 Speakers <\/strong>\/ Hide<\/summary>\n
<\/figure>\nFran\u00e7oise Jadin (BEL)<\/summary>\n
Topic: Topics: 1) Dealing with birth trauma in water – psychological approach.<\/strong> 2) The Essence of Waterdance and Why Psycho-Emotional Processes are Crucial to WATA.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Biography: Nurse and midwife <\/p>\n\n\n\n
WATA : Practitioner and instructor of WATA FUNDAMENTAl, WATA 1 and 2, WATA Int\u00e9gr\u00e9tion<\/p>\n\n\n\n
WATSU : Practitioner and instructor of WATSU FUNDAMENTAL <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Psycho-energetic facilitator and teacher.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“After many years working in the medical world (natality and others) and in the social world, as a department manager, teacher and relationship coach, I received the gift of diving into the aquatic world of Arjana and its ability to invite everyone to move forward with gentleness and subtlety. I work with individuals (coaching, mind-body therapies, sophrology, archaic reflexes, etc.) and groups (trainer – supervisor) on a daily basis. At the same time, I have the pleasure of training psychotherapists in the techniques of neuro- and child psychiatrist Jean Lerminiaux: “La Lib\u00e9ration du Ressenti” (sfp-formation.be).”<\/p>\n<\/details>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\nDobros\u0142awa Kwiatkowska (POL)<\/summary>\n
Topic: Do microcurrent frequencies create a fourth state of water in living organisms?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Biography: She holds degrees in Psychosomatics and Somatopsychology, German Philology, and Public Relations, and completed the two-year “Healing Medicine” training program for physicians and therapists at the Institute of Integrative Medicine (Germany). She is a certified therapist specializing in information medicine and broad-spectrum microcurrent therapy (using TimeWaver Pro, Frequency, McMakin, and Healy systems) and serves as an instructor for the international TimeWaver Academy. She runs the “Healing Fields” holistic therapy practice in Pozna\u0144. She is a Member of the Advisory Board of the World Water Comunity, and the founder and president of the Polish Society for Information and Energy Medicine (PTMIE). She is the author of the book “Information and Energy Medicine: An Invitation to a Multidimensional View of the Human Being. A deep appreciation for the beauty and profound respect for Mother Nature have accompanied her since childhood. Water, as an inseparable part of nature and the source of life, fascinates her in particular. The role of water in microcurrent therapy is a subject she explores with great curiosity. Since 2018, she has participated in annual international conferences on water (Conference on the Physics, Chemistry & Biology of Water). In 2024, Dobros\u0142awa Kwiatkowska was honored to accept the invitation from Prof. Gerald H. Pollack to join the speakers of the 16th edition of this conference, where she delivered a lecture in Lisbon about the connection of microcurrent treatment and the EZ-water. Since we are largely composed of water, exploring the nature of this fascinating substance brings her closer to answering the question: who are we as human beings? <\/p>\n<\/details>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\nRenata Tjenska (CZE)<\/summary>\n
Topic:Watsu from a perspective of Practitioner and academic teacher.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Biography: In 1999, I successfully completed my university studies in Physiotherapy and Algotherapy at Palack\u00fd University in Olomouc. During my studies, I participated in research on 3D motion capture and kinesio-analysis, where I mastered techniques for analyzing movement and optimizing motor functions. In the years that followed, I was actively involved in clinical research regarding the use of laser therapy to treat tinnitus. Working alongside Assoc. Prof. Hahn (ENT Clinic at the University Hospital Kr\u00e1lovsk\u00e9 Vinohrady) and Dr. Proch\u00e1zka, I evaluated the efficacy of mid-power lasers. This collaboration provided me with extensive practical experience regarding cervical spine issues\u2014specifically pain, joint blockages, and their potential links to inner ear disorders.\nFrom 2001, I worked for Rehaland s.r.o., where, as the head physiotherapist, I managed the operations of the physiotherapy clinic and its associated recovery unit (which included a sauna and whirlpool). In subsequent years, I focused on further developing my expertise in musculoskeletal medicine. I obtained certifications in methodologies such as the Bobath concept, PNF (Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation), and, notably, the Vojta concept. These techniques enable me to address systemic movement disorders that cause back and joint pain as well as neurological issues\u2014such as acute lumbago, spinal blockages, central coordination disorders, and the aftereffects of strokes.\nMy additional training includes comprehensive courses by Clara-Maria Hermmach, which helped me understand the harmonization of movement in relation to breathing. I am currently a student at the Darja Healing School, where I am learning techniques to harmonize energy within the body’s energy centers. These alternative methods include various types of relaxation massage.\nI currently practice at the 3RE private rehabilitation facility and also work part-time at the Vodafone Center in Prague, where we address issues such as the strain caused by repetitive office movements. I would like to use my experience to help maintain the health and well-being of Baxter employees. Our motto is “a healthy mind in a healthy body.”<\/p>\n<\/details>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\nWendy Wang (CHN) online<\/summary>\n
Topic: Baby swimming and Watsu in China.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Biography: Wendy is a baby swimming instructor, first Watsu Practitioner in China. She started he teaching path and currently is certified as a Watsu Assistant,<\/p>\n<\/details>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\nNatalia Zag\u00f3rska (POL)<\/summary>\n
Topic: Cervical instability – general health context and implications in aquatic therapy.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Biography: Natalia bio 2026<\/a><\/p>\n<\/details>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\nGC Prashanth (IND)<\/summary>\n
Topic: Research in Watsu – Addressing the Gap.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Biography: Master in Neurological & Psychosomatic Disorders. Asst. Professor SDM college of Physiotherapy. Currently addicted to Water works. Working with pediatric and adult neuro clients. Also giving Watsu sessions<\/p>\n<\/details>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\nIzabela Libold (POL)<\/summary>\n
Topic: Sensory Integration in Water.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Biography: Graduate of the Medical University of Wroc\u0142aw
Creator of an aquatic rehabilitation program for children in Wroc\u0142aw, developed as part of the government pilot program titled: “Early, Multidisciplinary, Comprehensive, Coordinated, and Continuous Support for Children at Risk of Disability or with Disabilities and Their Families (2005\u20132007)”
WATSU\u00ae (Water Shiatsu) Therapist
Water Dance Therapist
Instructor in aquatic rehabilitation and swimming instruction for people with disabilities (Halliwick Concept)
Swimming Sports Instructor
Sensory Integration Therapist
Additional specialized training:
“Rehabilitation of Children at Risk” (specialization course in medical rehabilitation organized by the Medical University of Wroc\u0142aw)
“Selected Issues in the Diagnosis and Therapy of Children at Risk” (advanced training course organized by the Medical University of Wroc\u0142aw)
Veronica Sherborne\u2019s Developmental Movement
Munich Functional Developmental Diagnostics (ages 0\u20136)<\/p>\n<\/details>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\nMonika Borowy (IRL\/POL)<\/summary>\n
Topic: Turning point 2030.<\/strong> Effect, affect, ethics.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Biography: Monika Borowy | Educator, Therapist, Watsu Provider, Creator of the SHAPE™ Method\nMy passion for psychology began long before I started my studies at the Jagiellonian University in Krak\u00f3w in 2004. Today, as the founder of a company specializing in educational and therapeutic engineering, I combine my background in education (MA) and medicine (occupational therapy) with the therapeutic potential of art. My experience from art school in Dublin and a deep love for music enable me to design multidimensional processes in which sound and art become integral elements of emotional regulation. I continuously develop my skills in both Dublin and Poland; I completed psychology studies at Trinity College, which inspired me to pursue further education in psychology and Natalie Rogers\u2019 humanistic-expressive psychotherapy. I regularly deepen my knowledge of the neurobiology of trauma through international seminars, drawing inspiration from the work of experts such as Dr. Gabor Mat\u00e9 and Bessel van der Kolk. I am the creator of the NAR™ and NHC™ methods, as well as the comprehensive SHAPE™ multimodal therapy protocol, which I am further developing as part of an upcoming implementation-focused PhD program. In my practice, I integrate body, mind, and emotional affect within a safe framework.\nOn a personal note: I am the mother of two athletic boys. I love being close to nature, traveling by camper van, good cinema, and finding quiet moments with a book and sunsets by the water. My life and heart are permanently divided between Ireland and Poland.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\nStacey Aires Lewis (RSA) online<\/summary>\n
Topic: Research on Geron Hydrotherapy in Frozen Shoulder.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/details>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\nLenka Lenka Holot\u0148\u00e1kov\u00e1 (SVK)<\/summary>\n
Topic: Watsu\u00ae and its use in the therapy of the lumbosacral region in women in the late phases of pregnancy.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Biography: Lenka Holot\u0148\u00e1kov\u00e1 is a qualified therapeutic educator, physiotherapist, and midwife who has been dedicated for 18 years to providing holistic care to pregnant women during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period. She is a co-founder of a school for postpartum doulas. As a Watsu Practitioner, she works primarily with pregnant women<\/p>\n<\/details>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\nMiros\u0142aw M\u0142y\u0144ski (POL)<\/summary>\n
Topic: To Independence Through the Water.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Biography: Physiotherapist since 1999 (Medical Vocational School No. 2 in Gda\u0144sk \u2013 physiotherapy technician). Has had family ties to the GCR (Rehabilitation Centre) in Dzier\u017c\u0105\u017cno since the late 1970s.\nHolds a Bachelor\u2019s degree from the WSZ in Gda\u0144sk and a Master\u2019s degree in Physiotherapy from the OSW in Olsztyn. Completed postgraduate studies in medical law at the Faculty of Law and Administration, University of Gda\u0144sk. Employee of the Specialist Hospital in Ko\u015bcierzyna since 1999. Lecturer at the Higher School of Health (Wy\u017csza Szko\u0142a Zdrowia) in Gda\u0144sk and participant in training projects (including those funded by the European Union). Member of the National Team of Auditors for the National Chamber of Physiotherapists (KIF). Delegate representing the Pomeranian Voivodeship at the 1st and 2nd National Congresses of Physiotherapists. Instructor with the Active Rehabilitation Foundation (Fundacja Aktywnej Rehabilitacji) for 25 years.\nI have always believed that being a delegate is a role that extends beyond the Congress itself. Earning the trust of one\u2019s professional community is the greatest reward for daily work and engagement. My greatest success to date? Co-authoring the guidelines that enabled physiotherapists to work in Poland during the COVID-19 pandemic.\nInterests? History (especially the history of physiotherapy), old photographs (particularly from the Kashubia region), and a passion for photography.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\nDominika Kolenda (POL\/UK)<\/summary>\n
Topic: Hydropedagogy and Posthuman Care: Embodied Learning Through Water, Weightlessness, and Relational Becoming<\/strong><\/summary>\n
Abstract: This paper proposes hydropedagogy<\/em> as a posthuman mode of learning, care, and embodied knowledge production, grounded in hydrotherapy and informed by new materialist and posthumanist theory. Drawing on Astrida Neimanis\u2019s work within the Blue Humanities and on hydropedagogical frameworks articulated by Maria Mendel, the presentation conceptualises water as an epistemic and pedagogical agent rather than a neutral therapeutic medium.
Through immersion, the body enters a state of unified movement in which gravity is partially omitted and muscular hierarchies are redistributed. In this suspended condition, bodily boundaries soften, proprioception is reconfigured, and the human subject is temporarily de-centred. The paper argues that this mode of embodied experience echoes intrauterine conditions, not as a metaphor of regression, but as a material reminder of relational ontogenesis, where body, medium, and environment are inseparable. Hydropedagogy is here framed as a form of learning that occurs through co-movement, buoyancy, resistance, and rhythm, enabling knowledge to emerge somatically rather than discursively. The aquatic environment produces what may be described as an enactive pedagogical field, within which cognition is distributed across body, water, temperature, and motion. Healing and learning are thus understood as relational processes, unfolding through more-than-human collaboration.By situating hydrotherapy within posthuman care ethics and Blue Humanities scholarship, the paper advances an argument for water-based practices as sites of re-embodied knowledge, where pedagogy, therapy, and ontology converge. Hydropedagogy is proposed not merely as a method, but as an ethical orientation toward learning with, rather than about, the material world.<\/p>\n\n\n\nBio: Dominika Kolenda
is an interdisciplinary artist, researcher, and educator working at the intersection of art, biology, and philosophy. She holds a Fine Art degree from the University of Oxford, where her work combined conceptual art practice with critical theory, embodied research, and science communication.Her practice is grounded in curating enactivist situations in which knowledge is not transmitted but re-embodied, emerging through sensory engagement, movement, and material interaction. She works across bioart, research-driven art, and participatory methodologies, with sustained interests in posthumanism, new materialism, embodiment, care, and Blue Humanities. Alongside her artistic and pedagogical work, she has professional experience working with individuals living with chronic illness and pain. Her work seeks to develop ethically attuned, more-than-human approaches to learning and care that foreground relationally, material agency, and embodied knowing. <\/p>\n<\/details>\n<\/details>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\nJoanna Apolinarska (POL)<\/summary>\n
Topic: Vagus Nerve Stimulation in an Aquatic Environment: Integrated Strategies for Modulating Autonomic Tone through Movement, Breathing, and Hydrodynamics.<\/strong> Abstract: In my presentation, I will outline the physiological mechanisms by which the aquatic environment affects the autonomic nervous system\u2014including the impact of hydrostatic pressure on the baroreceptor reflex, circulatory centralization, and HRV indices\u2014as well as specific methods for stimulating the vagus nerve by leveraging the physical properties of water.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Topic: SAF AQUA\u00ae Relaxation: A practical vagus nerve modulation protocol based on water-based sensory input, breathing patterns, and kinetic fluidity.<\/strong> Abstract: A workshop that directly translates theory into practice. We will focus on synchronizing diaphragmatic breathing with water resistance, working in a state of axial unloading, and utilizing fluid movement chains that stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Biography: International Aqua Fitness Trainer (AEA), Academic Lecturer, and Lead Methodologist at SAF AQUA\u00ae\n\nAn international expert, methodologist, and trainer specializing in aquatic physical activity. She is a certified International Aqua Training Specialist with the prestigious Aquatic Exercise Association (AEA). In May 2026, she was honored with the prestigious AEA Global Award\u2014presented in the United States\u2014in recognition of her outstanding contribution to the global development of and education in aquatic fitness.\nShe serves as the Lead Methodologist and a Board Member at SAF AQUA\u00ae, where she is responsible for creating innovative educational and licensing programs, as well as designing specialized aquatic training equipment. She is an academic lecturer at the Prof. K. Milanowska University of Education and Therapy in Pozna\u0144, where she trains physiotherapy students in advanced aquatic exercise methods. She has authored instructor training programs, including those for the Staff Development and Training Center at the University of Physical Education in Pozna\u0144.\n\nA speaker and international presenter at leading global industry conferences (including the International Aquatic Fitness and Therapy Conference \u2013 IAFTC in the USA). Her work combines Evidence-Based Practice standards with practical fluid biomechanics, neurophysiology, and advanced methodology for teaching movement involving unweighted (buoyancy-assisted) exercise and hydrodynamic resistance.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\nMarcin \u017bbikowski (POL)<\/summary>\n
Topic: A return to silence. Watsu \u2013 a lifeline for people in a culture of constant activity.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Bio: Licensed physiotherapist, educator, swimming instructor, and certified lifeguard.\nAn entrepreneur and founder of the company SPA & Wellness Management, Marcin \u017bbikowski has been collaborating with hotels in the Karkonosze Mountains for 23 years, managing their SPA & Wellness zones.\nAn active swimming instructor since 1997…\nPassionate about massage, he has participated in numerous courses, training sessions, and congresses covering bodywork techniques\u2014including aquatic therapies, manual therapy, myofascial therapy, Oriental massage, and holistic therapies.\nMassage instructor and creator of original bodywork techniques.\nIn his professional life, he seeks inspiration for further development by attending clinical training courses (such as the German School of Manual Therapy, Cyriax, Myofascial Therapy, etc.) while simultaneously exploring and understanding natural therapies (Ayahuasca, Wachuma, Kambo).\nHe intertwines the world of clinical therapies with journeys to regions where therapies and ceremonies\u2014passed down primarily through oral tradition among local populations\u2014have been practiced for 2,000 years to foster spiritual cleansing and reinforce the symbiosis with the land they have inhabited for generations.\nIn his private life, he is a father of four and an avid mountain runner and cold-water swimmer in the Karkonosze Mountains.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\nMagdalena D\u0105browska (POL)<\/summary>\n
Topic: Infant swimming \u2013 does an infant really “learn to swim”?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Biography: Founder and President of the “Akademia Ruchu” (Academy of Movement) swimming school for infants and children\u2014established in 1999\u2014and a co-founder and Vice-President of the PSPN (Polish Infant Swimming Association) since 2007. She holds a master\u2019s degree in rehabilitation and is a psychotherapist, swimming instructor, and WOPR lifeguard. She is a speaker and participant at numerous international conferences and training courses focused on teaching swimming to infants and young children, as well as their proper development. She also organizes training sessions, conferences, workshops, and lectures for swimming instructors.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\nSteve Fernandez (ISL)<\/summary>\n
Topic: The student path – Planning and Organizing your journey for success. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Biography: In the last 5 years Steve has completed around 2000 hours of trainings in Water with WABA and outside of WABA. 500 hours of trainings on land. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Many lessons were learnt as a student and as someone who has worked his way up to the teaching path. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Steve would like to share his insight with the next generation. Learn from his sucess and many failures in a time when everything is changing and moving so fast. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Steve has 20 years of experience working with Five star luxury hotels around the world. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Teaches WATA – WaterDance and on the path of teaching WATSU. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Founded Water Therapy Iceland training institute.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He shares his work on https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/watertherapy.is<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/a>Steve@watertherapy.is<\/a><\/p>\n<\/details>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure>\nNahid Madadi (IRA)online<\/summary>\n
Topic: The Power and Miracle of Water.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Natalia Zag\u00f3rska<\/strong> – President of Fundacja Europejskie Centrum Watsu im. Harolda Dulla.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Dr hab. Agnieszka Jankowicz-Szyma\u0144ska<\/strong> – Vice-Rector for Research and Development at the Tarn\u00f3w Academy.<\/li>\n\n\n\n