Bali is often called the Island of the Gods, and part of this divine reputation comes from its deep connection to healing traditions. For centuries, the Balinese have combined spirituality, herbal medicine, and sacred rituals to create a holistic approach to health and wellbeing. These practices are not only remedies for physical ailments but also pathways to restoring harmony between body, mind, and spirit. Here are ten Balinese healing rituals you should know if you wish to experience the authentic soul of Ubud.
1. Melukat (Purification Ritual)
Water temples such as Tirta Empul are central to cleansing the body and spirit. Locals and visitors immerse themselves in holy water to wash away negative energy and invite blessings.
2. Usada Bali (Traditional Healing Knowledge)
Usada Bali refers to the ancient wisdom of healing written on lontar (palm-leaf manuscripts). These texts detail natural remedies, spiritual practices, and diagnostic techniques still used by healers today. Usada emphasizes balance between human beings and the natural world, prescribing herbal tonics, meditation, and rituals for different conditions. For example, turmeric may be recommended for digestion, while chanting mantras might be suggested for anxiety. Usada is a reminder that healing in Bali has always been an integration of mind, body, and spirit.
3. Balian (Balinese Healer Sessions)
The Balian are traditional healers who act as mediators between the physical and spiritual worlds. Their role is highly respected, and many Balinese seek their guidance for both health and life challenges. A session with a balian may include prayers, energy clearing, herbal remedies, and even trance states. While some tourists approach balian out of curiosity, the experience should not be treated as entertainment—it is a sacred tradition. Always approach a healer through a trusted local introduction and be mindful of the cultural significance.
4. Balinese Massage with Herbal Oils
Balinese massage is one of the island’s most famous wellness traditions, combining acupressure, stretching, and long rhythmic strokes. What makes it unique is the use of locally produced herbal oils infused with ginger, lemongrass, or frangipani. This type of massage does more than relieve muscle tension—it is believed to restore the flow of life energy, or prana, throughout the body. In Bali, a massage is often considered part of preventative care, helping maintain balance rather than only treating illness.
5. Boreh (Herbal Body Mask)
The boreh treatment dates back to centuries-old village traditions. It is made from a paste of warming spices such as cloves, ginger, rice, and cinnamon, applied directly to the skin. Originally used by rice farmers to relieve sore muscles and keep the body warm during the rainy season, boreh is now offered in many spas across Ubud. Beyond physical relief, the ritual of applying boreh is a way to honor the healing power of nature, reminding us that the kitchen and the garden are often the best pharmacies.
6. Sound & Mantra Healing
In Balinese culture, sound is considered a channel of divine energy. Healing ceremonies often include the chanting of mantras, the rhythmic beating of drums, or the resonance of the gamelan. These vibrations are said to harmonize the inner energy of participants, calming the mind and lifting the spirit. In some healing practices, the tingklik (bamboo instrument) is used to guide meditations. Joining a sound healing session in Ubud is not just relaxing—it is a glimpse into the way sound is woven into spiritual and community life.
7. Canang Sari Offerings for Balance
Every morning across Bali, you’ll see small woven baskets filled with flowers, rice, and incense placed at temples, shrines, doorsteps, and even on the ground. These are canang sari, daily offerings made to maintain balance between good and evil forces. While simple in appearance, the ritual of creating and placing offerings is a powerful act of mindfulness and gratitude. For the Balinese, healing is not only about the self but about keeping harmony within the cosmos, and canang sari embodies that philosophy.
8. Ritual Dance for Healing Energy
Dance in Bali is far more than performance art—it is a living form of prayer and healing. Sacred dances such as the Barong depict the eternal struggle between good and evil, channeling protective energy to the community. The Legong dance, performed with graceful precision, is believed to be an offering to the gods. When you watch these performances in Ubud, you are not just attending a cultural show; you are witnessing a spiritual ritual intended to bring balance and protection.
9. Meditation & Breathwork (Pranayama Bali Style)
Balinese healers often encourage meditation and controlled breathing as part of healing practices. Known locally as tapa brata, these exercises help quiet the mind and restore clarity. Many retreats in Ubud now combine Balinese meditation with yoga practices, allowing participants to align body, mind, and spirit. Unlike purely physical exercise, Balinese breathwork is deeply tied to the idea of connecting with the universe, inviting calmness, awareness, and inner healing.
10. Full Moon & New Moon Ceremonies
Balinese life revolves around the lunar calendar, and ceremonies held during the full moon (Purnama) and new moon (Tilem) are considered especially powerful. These rituals involve prayers, offerings, dance, and music, with entire villages gathering at temples. Full moon ceremonies are often dedicated to gratitude and blessings, while new moon ceremonies are for cleansing and renewal. For visitors, attending one of these ceremonies respectfully offers a rare opportunity to feel the rhythm of Balinese spiritual life.
Balinese healing is not a single ritual but a way of life—a constant practice of maintaining balance between people, nature, and the divine. Whether through a water purification at a holy spring, a soothing herbal massage, or the chanting of mantras under a full moon, each ritual carries the wisdom of generations. To experience these traditions is to witness the island’s heart and soul.
