Emma Taylor
27 December 2022
The Balinese are a beautiful people, and Bali is a wonderful destination. Especially for us in Western Australia, where they are our neighbours. Let’s learn more about the Balinese massage technique, and why it deserves its growing popularity throughout Western Australia and beyond.
What is Balinese massage?
The Balinese massage style is a very good way to take advantage of all of your body’s most valuable muscles. The Balinese believe that a great body massage can give you many long lasting benefits. In Bahasa Indonesian, the word massage translates to ‘Pijat’.
Similar to the Lomi Lomi massage of Hawaii, this massage has long history as well. The Balinese form of massaging originated thousands of years ago, in Balinese culture, and can be found being adopted in many parts of Indonesia. The massage technique is a combination of reflexology, acupressure, aromatherapy and gentle yet deep muscle massage, all rolled into the one massage technique.
The Balinese take great pride in their wellness practices and are renowned for their treatment of various ailments. As a result of this, a number of Balinese masseurs will use a traditional Balinese ‘gayung’, which they use to splash seaweed and herb infused water, along with their own special blend of various types of massage oil.
Bali is one of the most populated islands on earth and this makes it a destination for those who are health conscious. The Balinese have a long history of traditional healing, with numerous herbs used to treat the body and mind.
As well as the general massage style for which the island is well known for, they have a few specialised massage techniques under the same name. These include;
- Balinese Boreh
- Sasak massage
- Urat massage
- Lulur ritual (A Javanese tradition performed on brides, prior to marriage)
- Lombok massage.
Why is Balinese massage so good?
The Balinese style of body massage involves a combination of gently applied touch, slow and careful movements and warm oil. These gentle movements, such as the movement of the arm, and back and shoulder movements, are very relaxing.
Often, the essential oils that will be used in your Balinese massage therapy are very rare outside of the island of Bali, or in some cases outside larger Indonesia, such as essential oils made from the Frangipani flower. Frangipani oil is well known for the positive mood boosting properties that it contains. The massage oil also helps massage strokes be frictionless and often times, more warming to the touch, which makes for a beautiful massage experience.
The healing power of Balinese massage
If you’ve ever tried Balinese massage for yourself and found that it’s so relaxing you don’t want to get up for hours afterwards, then you’re not the only one! In Bali, it’s part of the culture to get a massage. Most Balinese men and women will get a massage once every few weeks or even more frequently, if necessary.
Their unique massage style is a great way to revitalise your mind and body. It can help with headaches, menstrual cramps, muscles aches, back pain, stiffness, migraines, aches and pains. Similar to Thai massage and other asian massage techniques, Balinese massage is thought to improve circulation, strengthen the nervous system and release tension, which helps the whole body to relax.
Given that this style uses acupressure, you will find that there is a focus on applying specific pressure to certain parts of your hands, feet, scalp and ears. This is because of the beliefs around these parts corresponding to various important internal organs, therefore addressing your overall health and wellness.
Often you will find that couples will enjoy booking and having a Balinese massage together, in the same room at one of the many day spas there.
Balinese massage is a very relaxing, therapeutic massage. It can help relieve pain and tension, especially in the neck, shoulders, and back.
Balinese massage touches the body, calms the spirit and heals the mind.
Conclusion
Bali isn’t just about the temples, cheap souvenirs and beautiful beaches. Bali is a place where people can go and achieve things that they would never dream of doing anywhere else.
It’s a great place to getaway and have a good time, all within a few hours flight of Perth, which makes us so very lucky to be located so close to Bali.
