Balinese Massage
About Balinese Massage
Balinese massage is a full body oil massage from the Indonesian island of Bali that combines long flowing strokes, kneading, skin rolling, gentle stretches and acupressure on specific points. It grew from Bali's own healing traditions, cared for by village healers known as balian, and over the centuries it absorbed influences from Indian, Chinese and wider Southeast Asian practice. From the 1970s and 1980s, resort spas on the island began offering it to visitors, and today it is loved in spas around the world. Warm aromatic oils such as coconut, jasmine or frangipani are typical, and some therapists pair the massage with boreh, a traditional Balinese spice paste once used by rice farmers to warm up after long days in the fields. It suits anyone wanting a relaxing yet substantial treatment, with pressure that usually sits between a gentle relaxation massage and a firm deep tissue session, and it can be adjusted to suit you. People mainly book it to unwind, ease muscle tension and feel refreshed. As with most massage, the evidence points to relaxation and short term relief of stress and muscle discomfort rather than lasting medical change. A session usually lasts 60 to 90 minutes, there is no downtime, and most people leave feeling calm and loose.
On the day, and after
During the treatment
Most spas offer 60 or 90 minute sessions, and some extend the experience with a foot ritual, scrub or boreh wrap. After a short consultation, you lie on a massage couch under towels, and the therapist uncovers only the area they are working on.
Warm oil is applied with long, flowing strokes to ease you in and warm the muscles. The therapist then blends several techniques: kneading, skin rolling, where the skin is gently lifted and rolled between fingers and thumbs, firm thumb pressure on points along the back, legs and feet, and gentle stretches of the arms and legs. Pressure moves between soothing and firm in a steady rhythm, and soft music and fragrant oils help create a calm setting. The massage usually covers the back, legs, arms and feet, and may include the scalp, face and abdomen depending on what you agree. Tell your therapist straight away if you would like lighter or firmer pressure, or if you would rather skip an area.
How it feels
Balinese massage feels warm, rhythmic and enveloping. The long gliding strokes are soothing, and the kneading and thumb pressure can feel satisfyingly firm on tight shoulders, backs and calves. Skin rolling has an unusual lifting sensation that some people love and others find a little ticklish or tender, so mention it if you would rather skip that part.
Most clients describe the pressure as medium to firm, and it should never be painful. Expect a strong, pleasant ache on knotted areas rather than sharp discomfort. Gentle stretches often feel freeing after long days at a desk. Scented oils and soft music add to the calm, and many people doze off. If a spice paste is included, it can create a tingling warmth on the skin that gradually settles. Say straight away if anything feels too hot, too firm or uncomfortable, and your therapist will adjust.
Results and maintenance
The relaxation and looser feeling in your muscles usually last for a day or two after a session. Massage tends to give its best results as a regular habit rather than a once a year treat, as your body learns to let go more quickly.
Many people book Balinese massage monthly, or every two to four weeks during busy or stressful periods. There is no fixed rule, so choose a rhythm that suits your life. To help the benefits last between sessions:
- Stretch your shoulders, back and hips each day.
- Take regular breaks from sitting and screens.
- Drink enough water and keep moving.
- Moisturise to keep your skin soft.
- Notice where you hold tension and mention it at your next visit.
Seeing the same therapist each time helps them learn exactly what pressure and focus suit you.
Before and after your appointment
Before your appointment
Have a light meal an hour or two before rather than arriving hungry or very full, and skip alcohol on the day, as massage is more comfortable and safer when you are clear headed and well hydrated. If you plan to shave or wax, do it the day before, since freshly treated skin can sting under oils and spice pastes.
Expect to fill in a health form. Mention any injuries, medication, pregnancy and allergies, particularly to nuts, fragrance or essential oils, plus any areas you would like the therapist to avoid or focus on. Ask what oil will be used if you have sensitive skin. Arrive ten minutes early so you can relax and use the bathroom. You will undress to your comfort level, usually to your underwear, and stay covered with towels throughout. Remove jewellery before the treatment, bring a hair tie, and pack loose clothes to change into afterwards in case a little oil stays on your skin.
Aftercare
Get up slowly when the massage ends, as you may feel a little light headed after lying still. Drink a glass of water and give yourself a few quiet minutes before heading out.
You can leave the oil on your skin to soak in for a few hours, which many people enjoy, or shower when you get home. If a boreh or spice paste was used, follow your therapist's guidance on when to rinse, and use lukewarm water. Give saunas, hot baths and strong sun a miss straight after a spice treatment, as skin can feel warm and sensitive for a while. For the rest of the day, keep things gentle: light movement, a good meal and an early night help you hold on to the relaxed feeling. Mild muscle tenderness the next day is normal after firmer work and should fade within a day or two. If you notice redness, itching or a rash, rinse the area with cool water and ask a pharmacist or doctor for advice.
There is no downtime after Balinese massage. You can drive, return to work or carry on with your plans straight away, though many people like to keep the rest of the day slow.
Some people feel sleepy or deeply relaxed for a few hours. After firmer work, mild tenderness in the muscles the next day is common, similar to the feeling after a good workout, and it usually settles within 24 to 48 hours. Drinking water, gentle stretching and a warm bath can help, as long as no spice paste was used. Oil left on the skin may mark clothing, so travel home in something loose. If you notice bruising, sharp pain or soreness that lasts more than two days, contact your therapist, and speak to your doctor if you are worried. Booking your massage in the late afternoon or before a day off lets you make the most of the relaxed feeling.
Safety and medical considerations
Safety essentials
Look for a therapist with a recognised massage qualification and specific training in Balinese techniques. Rules on who may give massage differ around the world. Most US states and several Canadian provinces license massage therapists. In the UK, Ireland and Australia there is no single legal licence, so membership of a professional association and valid insurance are good signs of a trained therapist. Wherever you are, it is fine to ask about training.
A good spa keeps rooms clean and warm, uses fresh towels and linen for every client, and stores oils in clean, labelled containers. Your therapist washes their hands before treatment, reads your health form and checks for allergies, keeps you covered with towels and explains what they will do. They adjust pressure whenever you ask and avoid strong pressure on the spine, varicose veins, bruises and injured areas. Stretches are always gentle and within your comfortable range, never forced, and you should feel free to speak up at any point.
Medical considerations
Balinese massage suits most healthy adults, but some situations need extra care or a chat with your doctor first.
- Pregnancy: check with your midwife or doctor and book a pregnancy massage with a therapist trained in it instead.
- Blood clots, bleeding disorders or blood thinning medication: firm pressure should be avoided, so ask your doctor before booking.
- Recent surgery, fractures or osteoporosis: the area needs to be avoided or treated very lightly.
- Skin: broken skin, burns, sunburn, rashes or infection should not be massaged.
- Illness: postpone if you have a fever, cold, flu or stomach bug.
- Cancer: speak to your care team before any firm massage.
- Heart conditions or blood pressure concerns: check with your doctor and note it on your health form.
Always share your medication and any recent changes in your health, even if they seem minor.
Patch testing
A full patch test is not usually needed for Balinese massage, but a quick skin check is sensible if you have allergies or sensitive skin. The oils are usually plant based, such as coconut, often blended with essential oils like jasmine, frangipani or lemongrass, and traditional spice pastes contain warming ingredients that can irritate some people.
If you have reacted to skincare, fragrance or essential oils before, ask the spa what their blend contains and request an unscented oil instead. Many therapists are happy to apply a little to your inner arm at the start of the appointment so you can check for itching or redness before they continue. If you have a nut allergy, mention it, as some massage oils are made with sweet almond or other nut oils. Anyone with eczema, psoriasis or very reactive skin should ask their pharmacist or dermatologist which ingredients to avoid, and say no to spice pastes if unsure.
Knowing a good practitioner
Green flags
Good Balinese massage feels unhurried and thoughtful. Signs of a skilled therapist and a well run spa include:
- A short, friendly consultation covering health, allergies and your preferences.
- A clear outline of the techniques and how long each part will take.
- Fresh linen, a warm room and oils kept in clean, labelled bottles.
- Careful draping, so only the area being worked on is uncovered.
- Regular, quiet check ins about pressure and warmth.
- A choice of oils, including an unscented option for sensitive skin.
- Respectful references to Balinese tradition, without exaggerated health promises.
- Time to rest and a glass of water at the end.
Most of all, you should feel comfortable to speak up, and your therapist should respond kindly whenever you do.
Red flags
A Balinese massage should feel caring and comfortable. Take care if you notice:
- No health form or questions about allergies before you start.
- Pressure that stays painful after you have asked for it to ease.
- Forceful stretches, cracking of joints or strong pressure directly on the spine.
- Towels not used to keep you covered, or touch outside the areas agreed.
- Used towels, a sticky couch or oil bottles with no labels.
- Claims that the massage will detox your body, cure illness or replace medical treatment.
- A therapist who cannot tell you where they trained.
- Pressure to buy extra products or upgrades during your treatment.
You are always in control. You can ask to pause or stop at any time, and you can raise concerns with the spa manager or the professional body the therapist belongs to.
Questions to ask
Ask a few questions when booking so the treatment suits you.
- Where did your therapists train in Balinese massage?
- What oils do you use, and do you have an unscented option?
- Can I choose the pressure, and can it change during the session?
- Does the treatment include a spice paste or boreh, and what is in it?
- Which areas of the body are included?
- Is it suitable with my health condition, medication or pregnancy?
- How long is the massage itself, apart from consultation and rest time?
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between Balinese and Thai massage?
Thai massage is usually given on a floor mat with you fully clothed, using stretches and compressions without oil. Balinese massage uses warm oil on a couch and combines long strokes, kneading, skin rolling and acupressure with gentler stretches. Balinese tends to feel flowing and soothing, while Thai massage involves more active stretching and movement.
Is Balinese massage deep tissue?
Not exactly. Balinese massage often uses medium to firm pressure and can work deeply into tight areas, but it mixes this with long, relaxing strokes, so it is less focused and intense than a deep tissue session. You can ask your therapist for lighter or firmer pressure at any point during the treatment.
How long does a Balinese massage last?
Most Balinese massages last 60 or 90 minutes. Some spas offer longer rituals that add a foot ceremony, body scrub, spice wrap or flower bath. Allow extra time for a short consultation before you start and a few minutes of rest and water at the end, so you are not rushing out.
What should I wear for a Balinese massage?
You usually undress to your underwear, or as far as you feel comfortable, and you stay covered with towels throughout. Only the area being massaged is uncovered at any time. Some spas provide disposable underwear. Wear loose clothes to travel home in, as a little oil may stay on your skin.
Can I have a Balinese massage when pregnant?
Check with your midwife or doctor first. A standard Balinese massage involves positions, pressure and essential oils that may not suit pregnancy, so most spas suggest a dedicated pregnancy massage with a therapist trained in that work. They will support you with cushions and adapt the oils and pressure for comfort.
What are the benefits of Balinese massage?
Most people book Balinese massage to relax, ease muscle tension and feel refreshed. Research on massage in general links it with short term relief from stress and muscle discomfort. Claims that it detoxifies the body or treats illness are not supported by evidence, so enjoy it as a restorative treatment alongside your usual healthcare.
This guide is general information, not medical advice. Speak to a qualified practitioner, and to your GP if you have a medical condition, before booking.