Balinese Spa Experience

Kelly Gonzalez
Busy Bodies Health and Fitness
Date Published: April 1, 2009

The Balinese Spa Experience

What can $25 get you these days? Perhaps, a nice meal, a new shirt, gas in the tank of your car? Well, in Bali, Indonesia $25 can go a long way. I recently took a week long vacation in Bali- a vacation from living on the Gold Coast of Australia; flying 6 hours from one beautiful place to another. When’s the next time I can catch a reasonably priced flight to Indonesia?
Bali is extremely unique and mystical even, it’s an island based on the concept of karma. As my Balinese friend, Dewa told me, life for the Balinese is “all about balance.” The Balinese treat others and themselves with respect. This means they respect their body and try to live a healthy happy life. It’s no surprise that spa treatments are abundant in Bali.
Bali thrives on tourism, many of the resorts have in house spa centers to accommodate guests on holiday, but even walking down the street the women from the market areas offer cheap spa services such as massage, manicures, pedicures, reflexology, and aromatherapy.

The first spa package (yes, I indulged and had 2. I would have done more if I had the chance) I chose was $250.000 rupiah (IDR), which turns out to be about $23 USD. It included a foot bath and foot massage, aromatherapy massage, chocolate body wrap, and flower bath. My second spa experience included a full body massage and facial; costing only 130.000 IDR (approximately $12 USD). A myriad of health benefits accompany each component of the spa experience.

Foot Bath and Massage

A foot bath and massage helps to relieve stress and invigorate the often ignored overworked muscles, tendons, and ligaments of the feet and lower legs. Just placing your feet in a small tub of warm water promotes calming and relaxation. The use of aromatherapy oils such as peppermint helps re-energize the feet, and stimulate the senses.

To make your own foot bath at home fill a small tub with warm water, choose the oil of your choice, add about 5 drops. Adding a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar helps disperse the oil and also aids in detoxification. Soak for about 10-15 minutes. While you’re soaking your tired feet try to get your loved one to perform the massage!


Aromatherapy Massage

Aromatherapy is defined as the “use of volatile plant oils including essential oils for psychological and physical well being. During an aromatherapy massage a therapist mixes oils, and rubs the oils into the skin to promote well-being.
An aromatherapy massage is extremely beneficial not only because of the benefits of massage like increased circulation to promote healing, the release of toxins, stress relief, and reduced muscle tension, but also because the oils promote mental clarity, balance our moods, and assist in the regulation of hormones.

When the oils are inhaled or enter the bloodstream through the skin they affect the limbic system, which controls emotions and the formation of memories. Therefore, the oils can affect your mental state. Oils, such as lavender, chamomile, or geranium aid in relaxation and stress relief. Grapefruit and ginger promote mental clarity and positivity, while peppermint and rosemary are energizing.

Facial

Sun damage, pollution, stress, and the natural aging process can all affect the appearance of your skin, especially on your face. If you want to keep your healthy glow, and look younger than your years then a regular facial may be just what you need.
Facials are often performed by an esthetician. The spa facial usually begins with a consultation regarding your skin type, needs, and daily care. A facial helps exfoliate the skin, clearing away dead skin cells that can clog pores restoring a healthy glow. Facials that include lymphatic drainage can promote a healthy immune system as well by releasing built up toxins and wastes stored in the lymph nodes around the face and neck.

Body Wraps

There are various types of body wraps. In Bali, I chose the chocolate body wrap mainly because I love chocolate and it sounded much more appealing than a volcano mud wrap.

After my massage, my entire body was painted with a smooth paste that consisted of chocolate, milk, and honey. Most spas use a clay-like mineral based substance with cocoa extract. The language barrier between my Balinese masseuse and myself prohibited me from getting a ton of details. Then I was snuggly wrapped in a thermal blanket for approximately 20 minutes. I must admit I smelled delicious!

Body wraps are known to smooth, firm, and tone skin. Reports claim that body wraps can reduce cellulite, fat, and promote weight loss. Chocolate body wraps are as beneficial to your well-being as they are delicious. The caffeine and polyphenols (antioxidant) from the chocolate is absorbed through the skin and helps fight free radicals. The magnesium, potassium, and calcium help soothe skin and cause a calming effect within the body and mind.

Flower Bath

A flower bath is the perfect ending to a spa experience. It is sheer relaxation to submerge oneself into a warm bath of beautiful flowers and sip ginger tea.

In many cultures the flower bath serves as a spiritual ritual. Water is sacred as it cleanses and purifies the body, mind, and soul. The beauty of the flowers enhances the experience as it uplifts your mood, and promotes positive thinking.

Treat Yourself

You don’t have to be on vacation to treat yourself to a spa experience. (Unfortunately you won’t be able to get the works for $25 unless you’re in Bali.) Reward yourself for all of your hard work, take time to relax, treat yourself and your husband/wife to a couple’s spa day to celebrate an anniversary, birthday, or for no reason at all.

You don’t always need a reasonable excuse to do something good for your mind, body, and spirit. Live in the moment and enjoy!