Welcome to Bali, the Island of the Gods! 🌴✨ As you step onto this magical island, you can already feel its enchanting energy. The warm smiles of the locals, the breathtaking beaches, the rich culture, and, of course, the island’s profound spiritual vibes all contribute to this unique atmosphere.
You’ve probably heard it a million times: Bali is the ultimate destination for healing and spiritual growth. And it’s true! The island’s natural beauty provides the perfect backdrop for self-reflection and inner peace. But there’s more to Bali’s healing magic than just its stunning landscapes.
A significant part of this healing energy comes from the Balinese spirituality and the revered healers known as Balians. Whether you’re just starting your spiritual journey or looking to deepen your understanding, this guide will introduce you to the basics of Balinese healing. Get ready to dive into the world of Balians and discover how they can help you on your path to wellness.
Photo by Krisna Yuda via Unsplash
What is a Balian?
Before we start to dive in deeper, let’s explore the definition of Balian itself. A “Balian” itself is another word for shaman or a village healer–used in many islands of Indonesia. Balians usually practice traditional medicine that use spiritual energy to treat their patients. Usually, in their rituals, they use meditative practices and medicinal plants or herbs. They are subjects that are known to be blessed with divine inspiration by their Gods.
In Bali, they are still widely popular and usually called for religious ritual, meditation, or to bring peace into their people or places. They are also usually called for heart diseases, physical injuries, or even a love spell removal.
Types of Balian You Might Encounter
Photo by Polina Kuzovkova via Unsplash
In Bali, there are different types of Balians you can reach out to. Think of them as specialists, much like how doctors specialize in different health aspects. Here are some of the well-known types of Balians:
Balian Usada
Known for their ability to cure the sick, Balian Usada often have their own unique ways of mixing natural medicines and therapies. Many of them cultivate their own herbs in personal gardens. These medicinal plants are then crafted into various potions or pastes to be applied to the affected areas of their patients.
Balian Usada are also literate in the sacred lontar usada, ancient healing texts they study under the guidance of gurus.
There’s also a Balian Paica, similar to Balian Usada, Balian Paica perform specific offerings to family relics passed down through generations. These rituals are believed to harness the healing power of ancestral spirits.
Balian Taksu
These Balians are often consulted for illnesses but can also cover a wider range of topics, such as family problems and even communication with recently deceased loved ones. They are familiar with spiritual trances and work with niskala, the unseen forces that draw power from nature and holy spirits.
Balian Manak
In Balinese, “Manak” means “to give birth.” Balian Manak are midwives who assist women during childbirth, especially in areas with limited access to clinics and hospitals. Many Balian Manak are trained through government programs to ensure a healthy and professional birthing process. They also provide general women’s health care.
Balian Apun
These healers usually focus on physical ailments. They usually aid their patients through massage and other physical therapies. Mostly consulted to help anyone that has problems in their internal organs–like lumps, blockage, or any other sickness.
There are also other Balians that specialize in physical ailments like the Balian Tulang, specializing in bone (tulang) healing, Balian Tulang help repair damaged bones, offering an alternative to expensive bone surgery.
Other unique Balians also consist of:
- Balian Tenung: These Balians are renowned for their ability to predict the future and provide insights through fortune-telling. They are often sought after to locate missing persons or lost items and even to uncover hidden or illegal activities.
- Balian Kebal: Specializing in protective magic, Balian Kebal offer spells and charms to shield individuals from hexes, curses, and various other forms of spiritual attacks.
- Balian Terang: Commonly called upon for significant events like weddings, forums, and festivals, Balian Terang are believed to have the power to influence the weather. Through meditation and prayer, they can supposedly clear dark clouds from specific areas. Known as pawang hujan in other parts of Indonesia, they are literally the “guardians of the rain.”
How Can Balians Help My Healing Journey?
As you’ve read above, Balians possess a range of specialties that often go beyond the capabilities of modern medicine. From a spiritual perspective, Balians can significantly enhance your healing journey in Bali.
The popularity of Balians surged after the release of the book and film Eat Pray Love, where Julia Roberts’ character embarks on a transformative journey that includes seeking the wisdom of a Balinese healer. This portrayal brought global attention to the profound impact of Balinese healing practices.
Balians can be at the heart of your holistic approach to better health, addressing not just the body but also the mind and spirit. Here’s how they can help:
- Stress Relief: Through rituals, meditation, and massages, Balinese healing can help reduce stress and promote relaxation.
- Physical Healing: If you have specific pains that modern medicine hasn’t resolved, you can visit a Balian Tulang, Balian Taksu, or Balian Apun, depending on your needs.
- Emotional Balance: One of the most sought-after benefits of visiting Balians is their ability to help achieve emotional stability and clarity through spiritual practices and counseling.
- Spiritual Growth: Engaging with Balinese healers can provide insights into your spiritual path and personal growth, helping you discover aspects of yourself you never knew existed.
While Balians are popular and highly respected, it’s important to remember that they are not tourist attractions or mere curiosities. They are revered members of the community with crucial roles in maintaining the spiritual and physical well-being of those they serve.
Need Help? Let Floating Leaf Introduce You to Bali’s Authentic Balians
Photo by Bali Floating Leaf
Feel like you’re ready to go? That’s fantastic! Now, you just need two more things before you take off: finding an authentic Balian and planning a holistic approach to your overall health.
If you book a retreat at Bali Floating Leaf Eco-Luxury Resort, we’ll take care of everything—hassle-free! All you need to do is book your ticket to Bali, and we’ll handle the rest.
Recognized as one of the best award-winning resorts by Forbes, Vogue, TripAdvisor, and more, Bali Floating Leaf is dedicated to advancing your healing journey in Bali.
Nestled amidst lush paddy fields and under clear blue skies, our beautiful accommodation provide the perfect setting for your retreat. With options filled with meditation and yoga sessions, a stay at Floating Leaf is your one-stop solution for Balinese healing. We even offer specific Balian sessions and traditional Balinese water purification rituals to complete your healing journey.
In addition to mental and spiritual rejuvenation, Floating Leaf offers exclusive spa treatments to pamper your body. Indulge in our luxurious spa services and let us take care of your every need.
Book your session today and start your path to holistic wellness at Floating Leaf Eco-Retreat. Contact us to begin your journey or to get a FREE consultation about your next retreat with us. You can also visit our group retreat page to check out upcoming retreats you can join in. Good luck, and Namaste🙏🏼
