Balinese Massage

Traditional medical practices from India, China and other parts of Asia contributed to the development of massage on the Indonesian island of Bali. This varied background gives the practice a multilayered quality, incorporating unique techniques from fields that may otherwise have not been combined. From a Western perspective, Balinese massage mixes methods that can be tested by scientific means (deep massage) with those falling outside the realm of objective examination (energy- or spirit-based theories like acupressure and reflexology).

Essential oils are also used in Balinese massage, both to enhance the massage and to help provide an additional source of relaxation in the form of aromatherapy. This use of oils, or aromatherapy, is based on the traditional belief that these substances, which are produced from concentrated plant matter, can prevent and/or treat a variety of illnesses through contact or scent. However, essential oils have not been associated with such effects in experimental trials and do not appear to be linked with any specific theories of spirituality or energy. Accordingly, aromatherapy is considered by some to be the most uncertain aspect of Balinese massage, as far as benefits are concerned.