Bali Traditional Medicine

Balinese traditional and complementary medicine, known as Usada Bali, is one of the prominent aspects of Balinese culture. Balinese traditional healing practices use natural herbs and spices, holistic therapies and ancient wisdom to cure physical and mental illness. The course introduces the basic concept, some techniques and practices of Balinese traditional therapies including Usada Bali based herbal remedies, Balinese massage, energy and spiritual healing through yoga and meditation.

Bali is famous for its long history of traditional healing therapies, known as Bali Usada. Balinese traditional healing practices use natural herbs and spices, holistic therapies and ancient wisdom to cure physical and mental illness. Traditional healing modalities are prominent in Balinese culture today, which include natural herbal remedies, massages and energy work.The Balinese live equally in two worlds: the seen or conscious world called sekala and the unseen or psychic world, called niskala. In traditional Balinese healing, both of these elements are addressed in order to truly heal an ill patient. Traditional Balinese healers (Balians) play an important part in Balinese culture and help the patient restore balance in both worlds.

Traditional medicine has been practiced in the world for centuries. Passed along from generations to generations, some of the herbal remedies have over the years been crystallized and led to a number of discoveries and large developments in the modern pharmacological industry. The use of herbal remedies has expanded globally, gaining more popularity and is readily being incorporated into modern day health care, not only in the developing world but also in the developed countries.

Next to the Amazon rain forests, Indonesia has the second biggest biodiversity in the world expressed by a high number of indigenous medicinal plants. Based on this rich source of medicinal plants, most of the Indonesian people especially in rural areas use traditional herbal medicines known as jamu to treat disease. Jamu is a word in Javanese tribal language, meaning the traditional medicine from plants. Minerals, animals and parts thereof have also been used but are not the subject of this review. Today, jamu has been adopted into Bahasa Indonesia with the similar meaning .Jamu gendong is a kind of traditional jamu sold without a label and freshly prepared (not preserved) from plant material in warung, the ubiquitous stalls along the streets in Indonesia. Jamu gendong is instantly served to whom orders this jamu requested preparation. The sellers bring the jamu from door to door. The word gendong itself means to carry something on the back of a body. The fresh jamu is put inside the bottles and stored in bamboo or rattan baskets and they use a long wide shawl called selendang for carrying the baskets on their back . Nowadays the production of jamu is also being developed on an industrial scale. The Indonesian government, industry and academia all recognize that to further the development of jamu, extensive research is required to establish the safety and efficacy of the many traditional jamu preparations.

This paper reviews the use of Indonesian medicinal plants used in jamu medicine including its history, current status, economic potential and scientific development plus possible future developments.

Balinese massage was developed in the Indonesian province of Bali, with influence from the traditional medicine systems of India, China, and Southeast Asia.Balinese massage techniques include acupressure, skin rolling and flicking, firm and gentle stroking, percussion, and application of essential oils. The practitioner may also apply stone massage. The combination of manual therapy and aromatherapy is intended for relaxation, loosening fascial restrictions, and stimulating the lymphatic system and the flow of blood and qi.

If you’re looking for general rejuvenation or an improvement in health, head to one of Bali’s natural springs for a water healing ritual. Known locally as Melukat, a Balinese water purification ritual uses holy water from natural springs, which typically takes place within the grounds of certain temples (like Tirta Empul Temple in Gianyar). It is believed that washing the body with holy water can rid you of negative thoughts, nightmares and even illness. Taking a dip in sacred natural hot springs is also great for any skin concerns, and it’s an experience in itself – one that we highly recommend trying.