Expert healer Iluh, from Fivelements Spa in the tranquil green mountains of Bali, shows us a few techniques.
A traditional Balinese Massage is a fusion of deep tissue massage techniques from all over Asia, including acupressure to stimulate circulation and relieve muscle tension, and a combination of longer strokes and gentle stretches to relax the body. Sound complex? It isn’t as difficult as it sounds.
A sacred space
The Fivelements spa is set by a bubbling river with twittering birds and fragrant franjipani trees. Create your own spa ambience with gentle soothing music, and light candles and incense or aromatherapy oils.
The power of touch
Balinese massage is all about sensory healing – which works on the emotions as well as the body. According to the Balinese principle of Sekala-Niskala, we live equally in both the conscious and the spirit worlds. Traditional Balinese healers call upon the higher divine source, Niskala, to help them heal in the conscious world, Sekala.
Don’t be afraid to bring your own unique touch to the massage. The more relaxed you feel, the more relaxed your loved one will be.
Iluh’s Tips
Ask your partner to lie face down with their head supported, and cover them with a sarong. Kneel at their side, with one knee up for support. Lean over and, rather than using muscular pressure, straighten your arms and use your body weight to push down with flat palms.
Walk your palms up and down their body very slowly, like a cat. Stay close to either side of the spine, but do not press on it. You can focus on their back, or begin at the feet and work your way up each leg.
Experiment with different weighted palm techniques. You can use both hands simultaneously, or try stretching the spine with one palm on the hip, one on the shoulder.
Place your hands on their shoulders and pull back towards yourself. Make sure to keep your core firm so as not to strain your own back. For extra pressure on tight muscles, place one palm on top of the other and press down.
Remove the sarong and rub warm virgin coconut oil into your partner’s back, neck and shoulders using long strokes.
To focus on acupressure points, use the thumbs. Walk them up and down the sides of the spine and dig into the shoulders. If you’re not sure where to press, your partner will let you know what feels good.
Experiment using the outside edges of the palms. Work from the base of the spine to the sides of the neck in a sliding motion.
Allow your loved one to take their time getting up as you brew a fresh ginger tea. Run a bath with sea salt, chopped lime, fresh flowers, herbs and oils to soothe your partner into a state of bliss.
Balinese Detox Retreat
At the Fivelements Healing & Beauty Sanctuary, healing is inspired by the Balinese way of life, which encourages us to nurture harmony with spirit, the environment and with one another. Find out more at Fivelements.org.
This article first appeared on ninemsn.com.au