A Balinese massage is a full-body, deep-tissue, holistic treatment that combines acupressure, reflexology, stretching, and aromatherapy to stimulate circulation, ease muscular and joint pain, and bring a sense of wellbeing, calm and deep relaxation. It uses a combination of gentle stretches, acupressure, and aromatherapy oils to stimulate the flow of blood, oxygen, and “qi” (energy) around your body, and bring deep relaxation and wellness. An ancient technique, Balinese massage uses a variety of techniques including skin rolling, kneading and stroking, acupressure and reflexology; essential oils will relax and soothe you. Balinese massage is a rigorous and luxurious spa treatment and a great one to choose if you want to experience a variety of massage techniques, relax and feel spiritually renewed at the same time. Balinese massage is related to the Ayurveda, the Indian holistic medical system. A relaxation massage with attitude, this treatment will boost your circulation and give you deep tissue and muscular massage as well.
What is a Balinese massage good for?
A Balinese massage works deeply to soothe damaged tissue, and relieve strained muscles and joint pain. The boost to your circulation will help reduce stress and rebalance your body. Because it works very deeply into the tissue, as well as boosting circulation and harnessing acupressure and reflexology techniques, Balinese massage is a highly effective treatment for sports injuries. Balinese massage aims to help with a wide range of ailments, including migraine, muscle and joint pain, sleep disorder, stress, anxiety or depression, as well as allergies and breathing problems such as asthma. The use of oils is calming and sensual and leaves you feeling relaxed and serene.
Before you go
Prepare to feel smothered in relaxation, as this treatment soothes you from every direction. You really should wallow in this massage – make sure you have enough time to get to the spa or treatment room beforehand, to get settled, and enough time afterward to luxuriate in the feelings you’ll be left with afterward. You should wear loose-fitting clothing or simply judiciously placed towels, as the therapist will need to access your whole body at different stages in the massage. On a practical level, bear in mind that some essential oils stain – you’re probably better off wearing towels or a robe for this treatment.
Precautions
It’s a good idea to tell your therapist if you are pregnant, have joint or limb pain, have recently had surgery or any other injury, have high/low blood pressure or a history of heart problems, or have any other medical conditions or are receiving any form of treatment as this may affect the kind of oils and massage that is appropriate for you.
What to expect from a Balinese massage
Balinese massage is usually performed on a soft mat on the floor, or on a massage couch. It can also be done with you seated in a chair, if, for medical reasons, for example, this is more comfortable for you. Essential oils form an important part of a Balinese massage – the smell is a very powerful stimulant triggering memory and other associations – the use of oils can be very therapeutic and will stimulate your body’s circulation and lymphatic system. Expect the therapist to use quite deep pressure during the massage, as they work on deep, knotted tissue and muscle damage. Your therapist will also use long, gentle strokes and kneading to relieve tension and improve circulation in the muscles closer to the surface of the skin. At the end of a Balinese massage, the therapist is likely to pour some coconut or other scented oils onto your body. Sessions usually last about an hour.
Hot tip
Expect to smell pretty extraordinary after any massage that uses essential oils – you may want to enjoy that aspect and wait a while to shower. Just be aware that you may get some funny looks in the street smelling this luxurious. If you have to go to a meeting or other event after your massage, it may be appropriate to smell less like a botanic garden.
Afterwards
You will feel all kinds of wonderful after a Balinese massage – relaxed, refreshed, re-energized. You will probably smell fantastic after all those essential oils, as well. If you are offered the chance to lie down or have a steam or hot shower afterward, take it. Soak in the wonderful feeling of relaxation and realignment for as long as you can.
Different types of Balinese massage
Bali is just one of the hundreds of islands that make up Indonesia. Many of these islands have evolved their own special kind of Indonesian massage. All of the massages fuse ancient traditions and practices together into treatments that will help your body to heal physically and spiritually and leave you feeling wonderful. Here are a few examples: Sasak massage; Lombok massage; Urat massage; Balinese Boreh – a Balinese massage created by rice farmers to ease pain using a preparation of a paste of ground spices; Javanese Lulur Ritual (traditionally performed on brides in preparation to marriage)
