10 Considerations before meeting a Balinese Healer

Bali culture, religion and faith remains strong today and one aspect that has been publicised plenty over the years (thanks to Eat, Pray, Love) is the power of traditional Balinese healers. For centuries, Balinese have rejected western therapies and traditional medicine, instead believing that the best way to cure physical and mental illness is via holistic Balinese healing and ancient rituals.

Many travelers to Bali now are taking interest in alternative medicine and so are wanting to personally experience a Balinese healing experience. Visiting a healer though is not like doing any other tourism activity. Because Bisma Cottages guests often ask for recommendations for healers, we want to share more information for consideration.

Firstly, you need to do a little self searching. Why do you want to see a Balinese Healer ? For Physical, Emotional, Mental, Spiritual or are you curious and open to the listen to the healers findings. Once your have a clearer understanding of what you want then start researching healers that match your requirements.
The Island of Bali is an energy vortex that is also the location of the Earth’s Kundalini energy, formed by its two large Ley Lines which intersect and have great power and energy. This center is thought to purify the blood of the Earth, and therefore in the cleansing and rejuvenation of our own soul and body as well. This means there can be very strong energy and spirits in Bali.
Almost every Balinese healer has come from a long line of traditional healers with talents and intuition passed down generations. Their role is not so much to provide “medicine” as to restore unbalances at the level of the intangible. If there is an illness the real cause is not thought to be an actual disease or accident, but to originate due to an inbalance. A Balinese healer rarely works from a clinic, more likely from their home where there can be a healing area or room. ,
The easiest way to describe treatments is that energy work will be used on your system. For physical ailments this will be hands on, for spiritual a cleansing is more likely. Most Balinese healers specialize in one healing practice but may cross over into others.
Don’t decide to see a healer just for fun, because your bestie did so or because of a video on social media. Healing experience can deeply impact humans for days, weeks, months or longer.
Book in advance but understand appointments may change or cancel. A healer may need to attend ceremonies or just doesn’t have good energy or a clear mind that day.
Females when menstruating should not participate in water purification rituals. We suggest you check with the healer regarding this if there is possibility this may effect you.
Balinese Healers are usually older. A younger person will of course have the healing knowledge but in this modern world they need to earn money. This could become a future concern for the Balinese, as just as rice farmers we need to find a way to ensure this important gift is preserved. Younger healer may offer healing treatments in addition to their full time work.
There are also non Balinese healers in Ubud which more clearly explain their modality, mainly because they have studied rather than inherited their skill. Some are very highly recommended and definitely worth considering if their offering matches your needs.
Paying for a healer can be a controversial topic. Some people believe that true healers work for donation only. This is true but due to the reasons mentioned previously if healers do need to charge they are still genuine.
If you decide seeing a Healer is not best for you there are many other Healing experiences in the peaceful sanctuaries of Bali. Most of these rituals are centralised in Ubud, an area that has for a long time been known for exuding a deep sense of calm and harmony. Through holistic healing in Bali, often tied to ancient traditions and customs, you can find a way to heal yourself naturally at all levels: spiritual, emotional and physical.

In summary, healing is a very personal process often aided by a combination of therapies from natural and holistic to active and energetic. The benefits are numerous – healthy weight loss, improved energy levels, boosted immune system, more radiant complexion and achieve deep calm, much needed in this day and age.

The first step is to actually make the time for treatment, tell yourself you need time to rebalance and realign – there’s no shame in doing so because it is all an investment into a better you of tomorrow.

For more information email hello@bismacottagesubud.com