SPA – in Hotel Uyah Amed

Traditional Lulur

The lulur (Javanese word for coating the skin) is most often associated with the luxurious pre-wedding ritual of Indonesian women. The treatment traditionally lasts for over 40 days, during which the bride to be is kept in confinement.
A truly pampering ritual, the lulur is a treat for everyone. It generally comprises an aromatic massage, exfoliating body scrub and relaxing floral bath. The typical treatment varies slightly between spas, with some opting for added massage to moisturize, soften and hydrate the skin, while others choose en energizing shower before the floral bath.

Mandi (Baths)

Mandi Susu: Javanese princesses were known to use milk bath for a smooth skin. A mandi (bath) susu (milk) is one of the treatments for softer, smoother skin. It is believed that the lactic acid in milk naturally dissolves the “glue” that holds dead skin cells together. So in effect, a mandi susu removes dead skin to reveal the new skin below.

Floral Bath: A long soak amid fragrant blooms brings about a sense of tranquility at any time but especially after body massages, wraps and other treatments. A floral bath also includes the use of fragrant bath salts.

Indonesian Massage

Massage is an integral part of the Indonesian approach to inner and outer health and beauty and is often complemented by herbal brews and other traditional healing therapies.  Indonesian massage can be classified into two main types: urut (the Indonesian word for massage) and pijat (the Javanese word for massage).

Urut massage is based on the meridians and acupoints. Using indigenous oils as lubricants, the skilled therapist uses the fingers, palms, knuckles and sometimes the whole body (which can be quite painful but highly effective) to manipulate muscles and energy pathways thereby improving blood circulation and eliminating toxic build up. This intense massage technique is most frequently used to treat specific medical complaints like bone fractures and chronic backaches. As the pressure applied by the therapist is quite strong some find it uncomfortable, even painful, but the end results make it all worthwhile.

Pijat massage is far gentler and compromises simple repetitive squeezing and kneading movements of the fingers and palms to relax tense muscles and calm the body. Generally the fingers hold the area being worked on while the thumb produces a pressured squeeze. Pijat massage does not require the same depth knowledge as urut and is widely practiced in villages across the Indonesia.

Money massage, called Kerokan, involves a coin being dragged diagonally across the skin of the back, neck shoulders, stomach and sometimes the feet, leaving strong red lines as if the person had been attacked. When it is correctly administered Kerokan is painless and according to local custom this form of massage helps alleviate colds, colic and weak, aching bones by expelling bad wind from the body.

Scrubs

The Indonesian kitchen is a treasure trove of pampering and nourishing goodness for the face and body. From the local herbs and spices, to other kitchen items such as coffee, coconut, honey and avocado, local women don’t have to travel far for their beauty needs. Body scrubs work by removing the dead layers of skin, revealing the soft, supple skin beneath. There are scrubs for all skin types but certain ingredients are not suitable for those suffering from rashes, acne, sunburn or women during their pregnancy.

Bali Coffee Scrub: As its name suggests, this scrub is based on finely ground local coffee beans. This scrub is a real treat for all coffee- lovers, who will undoubtedly savor the rich aroma while their skin is both cleansed and refreshed.

Balinese Boreh Masque: This traditional village remedy was originally used by rice farmers in Bali. It is believed that the Boreh would warm the body and relieve aching muscles and joints especially during the rainy season. Hand crushed spices were applied to the farmers legs after a hard day’s work in the padi fields. Because it promotes warmth, the boreh masque is also used to relieve fevers and headaches, as well as prevent colds. It is not recommended for pregnant or nursing women, or for those with damaged skin.

Reflexology is a traditional Chinese treatment but is also commonly used in Indonesia. As the feet (and to a lesser extent the hands) are regarded as a microcosm of the body in traditional Chinese thinking, reflexology uses pressure applied to reflex points in the feed to relieve stress and tension and improve circulation. Six major energy meridians terminate in the feet: that of the spleen, kidneys, liver, stomach, gallbladder and bladder- as do some of the major nerves. Using thumb pressure to press and deeply massage each of the tiny reflex zones in the feed a skilled reflexologist can stimulate the associated organs and glands thereby, activating the body’s natural healing mechanisms and correcting imbalances. The big toe for instance is connected to the head, and simply stimulating it through massage can help ease headaches. Reflexology is suitable for all ages and has been proven to help circulation, ease pain, relax the body, and treat a wide range of acute and chronic illnesses ranging from post-natal depression to skin conditions