Inspired by Elizabeth Gilbert's "Eat, Pray, Love," many travellers flock to Bali seeking spiritual rejuvenation and healing that extends far beyond the pages of a bestseller. Bali offers a rich tapestry of traditional and modern healing practices that cater to the needs of body, mind, and spirit. From ancient Balinese healing traditions to contemporary wellness therapies, here’s a guide to some of the most profound healing experiences you can find on this mystical island.
Visit a Balian
Traditional healers, known as Balians, are revered for their wisdom and intuitive understanding of the human condition. Their holistic approach to wellness has been practised for centuries, offering a unique blend of physical treatments, spiritual guidance, and a deep connection to nature.
There are different types of Balian, each with specialized skills:
Balian Tasku: Masters of the unseen world (niskala), they use natural elements and holy spirits to create sacred medicines and conduct cleansing rituals.
Balian Ketakson: Primarily women, they act as mediums, communicating with ancestral spirits to diagnose illnesses and provide guidance.
Balian Usada: These healers focus on physical treatments like massage, acupressure, and herbal remedies.
Here's a glimpse into some of the fascinating techniques you might encounter:
Melukat: This water purification ritual involves bathing in sacred springs to cleanse the body and spirit of negative energy and illness.
Nusantara Energy Healing: This powerful technique uses focused breathing and hand movements to restore balance to the body's energy flow.
Sekaa Gong Purification: Immerse yourself in the sounds of a gamelan orchestra playing sacred gongs, believed to purify and clear negative energy.
Visiting a Balian is a serious matter and should not be treated as a tourist sideshow. Make sure to dress modestly, covering your arms and legs. Be mindful not to point your feet at the healer, and menstruating women should not visit a Balian. Always bring an offering with the fee tucked into it. Do not hand money directly to the Balian. Typical fees are Rp 100,000IDR (10AUD, 5GBP, 6Euro) for a consultation and Rp 200,000IDR (19AUD, 10GBP, 12Euro) for treatment, though extensive treatments may cost more.
Get Diagnosed by an Ayurvedic Doctor
Ayurveda is an ancient Indian system of medicine that focuses on balancing the body, mind, and spirit through diet, herbal treatments, and various therapies. Rooted in Hindu philosophy, Ayurveda has found a natural place in Bali's holistic health and wellness landscape due to shared cultural and religious connections.
Treatments include:
Shirodhara: A relaxing therapy where warm herbal oil is poured continuously over the forehead (third eye) to calm the mind, reduce stress, and promote mental clarity.
Panchakarma: A combination of five purification therapies to eliminate toxins and restore balance. It often includes massages, herbal treatments, dietary guidelines, and lifestyle changes.
Marma Therapy: A treatment that involves gentle massage and pressure on specific energy points (marmas) on the body to release blocked energy and promote healing.
Ayurvedic Yoga and Meditation: Classes and workshops that integrate Ayurvedic principles with yoga and meditation practices to enhance physical, mental, and spiritual well-being.
The price for a consultation with an Ayurvedic doctor starts from 525,000IDR (48AUD, 25GBP, 30Euro).
Some popular Ayurvedic treatment centres in Bali are:
Enrol in a Detox Program
Bali offers various detox programs encompassing global wellness techniques to cleanse the body of toxins, improve digestion, boost energy levels, enhance mental clarity, and promote overall health and well-being. These programs include:
Reiki: A Japanese energy healing technique that involves the transfer of universal life energy through the practitioner's hands to promote physical, emotional, and spiritual healing.
Sound Healing: Uses sound frequencies from instruments like gongs, singing bowls, and tuning forks to promote relaxation and healing by balancing the body's energy.
IV Therapy: Intravenous therapy involves the administration of nutrients and hydration directly into the bloodstream, helping to boost energy levels, enhance immune function, and promote overall wellness by ensuring rapid and effective absorption of essential vitamins and minerals.
Colon Hydrotherapy: Also known as colonic irrigation, it is used to cleanse the colon of toxins and waste.
Floatation Therapy: Involves lying in a sensory deprivation tank filled with saltwater to achieve deep relaxation and stress relief.
Hypnotherapy: Uses guided relaxation and focused attention to achieve a heightened state of awareness and address various psychological issues.
Juice Cleanse: A detoxification diet where a person consumes only fresh fruit and vegetable juices for a set period, typically ranging from one to several days, to detoxify the body, boost energy, and promote overall health.
Popular Detox Programs in Bali include:
Think Outside the Box
Consider a more unique approach to healing with the following practices you may not have heard of:
Rerajahan: A sacred and mystical drawing or symbol used in Balinese Hindu rituals and spiritual practices. These intricate designs are believed to hold spiritual power and are used for various purposes, such as protection, healing, and invoking blessings. They are often drawn on cloth, paper, or other surfaces.
Ratu Bagus Shaking: A unique form of meditation developed by Ratu Bagus, a Balinese spiritual teacher. The practice involves spontaneous and vigorous shaking of the body to release energy blockages, reduce stress, and promote healing. Participants believe that this shaking helps to awaken and balance their inner energy, leading to physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. The sessions often include chanting and guided meditation.
Palm Reading: Also known as palmistry, it’s the practice of analyzing the lines, shapes, and features of the palms to gain insights into a person's character, life events, and potential future. By examining aspects such as the heart line, head line, and lifeline, a palm reader can provide guidance on various aspects of life, including health, relationships, career, and personal strengths and challenges.
Bali's rich tapestry of healing and spiritual practices offers a unique opportunity for travellers to explore and rejuvenate their mind, body, and spirit. Whether you seek traditional Balinese healing or modern holistic therapies, there is something for everyone. However, prices vary greatly so be sure to download Tengah, the only travel app that ensures you always pay a fair price for goods and services based on the average prices other travellers have paid before you. The app includes pictures and descriptions of the exact item/service you’re interested in within your surrounding location—right down to a 1 km radius. It also shows your conversion to your home currency. Download Tengah on Google Play and App Store.
Embrace the journey to find your inner peace and discover the profound healing traditions that make Bali a true sanctuary for the soul.
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