Balinese people have used traditional medicines and remedies before and after the emergence of modern
drugs. Mothers for example would apply boreh medicine to keep their children’s temperature down. Boreh is a composite made of rice and kencur (Kaempforia galanga) chewed by mothers to a mild paste and rubbed on the child feet, back, and forehead in order to warm the youngsters’ bodies.
Mothers also use tree bark of various plants believed to be capable of functioning as medicine. The bark of cermai Phyllanthus acidus, belimbing Averrhoa carambola or Pole tree is frequently useful to maintain health. Similar medicines come out of green leaves for instance of Waru Hisbiscus tiliaceus. For Balinese, economic reasoning has so far gone hand in hand with the traditional drive for many Balinese to choose traditional health treatments.
Ritual bathing in water mixed with flowers or mandi kembang takes place during certain ceremonies or Banyu Pinaruh Day, which immediately precedes the Balinese Hindu New Year holiday of Nyepi (March 26, 2006). It would be of great advantage to the human mind and soul, just because of the fragrance of the flowers. Among the flowers used are Gardenia, Sandat, Jepun, etc., according to the belief of many Balinese mothers.
Nevertheless, the Central Javanese mixture of ingredients related to beauty treatments (in the cities of Solo, Surakarta and Yogyakarta) have become very popular. Beauty salon experts of this region have developed their activities since earlier times, because they have helped “Keraton” Palace family members, mainly women and virgin girls. Keraton girls have taken great pains in caring for their bodies to attain healthiness, freshness, and slowing down the ageing process. The beauty level targeted has not only been physical, but also of an inner charm in relation with the zest to keep our husbands against seeing other girls.
Conforming with trends of the idea of back to nature due to the serious side effects of chemical drugs, many people in the world have turned to natural products. Spa Tourism has emerged to improve physical fitness and to preserve beauty of tourists while vacationing in Bali, a triple advantage enjoyed while touring this Island of the Gods. There is spa tourism and aromatherapy facilities in both star and non-star hotels in various tourist resorts such as Kuta, Sanur, Jimbaran, Nusa Dua, Denpasar and Ubud.
Visitors might also enjoy Balinese, Thai and Chinese massages to assist blood circulation and to restore physical fitness with the application of pure essential oils according to consumers’ demands whether to gain physical or emotional peace of mind. Chamomile oil is to decrease psychological tension and to cure insomnia. Rosemary oil is to gear up blood circulation and to improve digestion, while Sandalwood oil is to establish calm feelings and mind. Spas also provide other facilities such as steam and sauna.
