The effects of sophrology enhanced by the benefits of water
By Véronique-Sophie Gouet-Riot
English
In response to the challenges of contemporary society, Caycedian Sophrology positions itself as a potentially relevant approach. This dynamic relaxation method, focused on the harmony between body, mind, and emotions, could help improve stress management, cultivate inner calm, and strengthen positive attitudes in everyday life.
When practiced in water, aquatic immersion appears to enhance the effects of “senso-perceptive contemplations” through visualization, promoting deeper relaxation and anchoring positive sensations.
Aguasofro® (AGUA), an emerging method, has found various applications including stress and pain management, mental preparation, sports recovery, and perinatal support. It also benefits individuals undergoing rehabilitation or living with chronic conditions, as a complement to conventional care pathways. Preliminary observations suggest its effectiveness in reducing anxiety, relieving pain, and improving overall quality of life. Supported by the Fédération de la Sophrologie dans l’Eau (FSE) (Federation of Sophrology in Water) and its growing network of specialist sophrologists, this innovative method represents a valuable tool for meeting today’s need for “better living.” By combining the benefits of sophrology with the unique properties of water, AGUA offers a promising therapeutic potential, calling for further research to support its scientific recognition and integration into water-based care practices. The specific characteristics of water—such as weightlessness, buoyancy, and its enveloping quality—appear to amplify these benefits by promoting deeper muscular relaxation, enhanced body awareness, and more serene emotional regulation.