What is Balinese Massage?
Balinese massage is one of the traditional Indonesian massages. Originating from the island of Bali, this massage is unique because it utilizes a combination of techniques, including massage, acupressure, reflexology and aromatherapy into one session. Often used for relaxation, this type of massage can also help loosen muscles and ease pain.
As with any massage, one of the main goals of the Balinese massage is a relaxed state of mind. To accomplish this, the masseuse may knead or fold the skin to promote the flow of energy throughout the body.
What sets the Balinese massage apart, aside from the combination of techniques, is the use of essential oils. A variety of essential oils are used, common scents such as jasmine, rose or sandalwood. Along with more exotic scents like cempaka, sandat, and frangipani. The scents are used to represent relaxation, body indulgement, and anti-stress. To cure a specific complaint, Balinese massage will use a warm oil with an infusion of lemon grass, cloves or ginger.
Ideally, the Balinese massage will work almost every muscle in your body, and the masseuse will use a variety techniques to do just that, including acupressure movements such as press point and palm pressure, and standard massage techniques like sliding, long exploration, short exploration and kneading. This massage is not a delicate one, you can definitely feel it deep in your muscles. Since Balinese massage works the muscle tissue at such a deep level, it is often compared to Ayurveda. Ayurveda, is an Indian holistic medical system, that some consider to be very intense.
It is this balance of massage, acupressure and reflexology that allows the Balinese massage to bring a release to deeply tense and knotted muscles. The massage works especially well on achy joints and muscle strains. In fact, sports injuries are often treated with a Balinese massage.
Along with eliminating muscle pain, Balinese massage has been reported to ease migraines, sleep disorders and breathing problems. The massage also greatly reduces stress and anxiety.
Written by Jennifer Flaten
