Page 109 - EBOOK_Jamu: The Ancient Indonesian Art of Herbal Healing

fingers. Using the palm and five fingers in a circular, squeezing motion on the

calf, buttocks and shoulder is yet another approach known as ramas, as is desar
telapak, a technique of holding the arm at 60 to 75 degrees and working only
with the palm. Each set of movements is highly specialized.

Sorting Out Problems
The masseur works with different points and varies her routine to suit each
patient. For example, urut restores muscle tone, helps to heal broken bones and
removes toxins by stimulating the lymphatic system. The massage also improves
sexual vitality and encourages the growth of new cells, which keeps the body
looking firmer and younger. Impotence is treated with short thumb presses on
the sole of a foot near the heel; cases of acute insomnia are helped by pressing
three points on the head. Massage for high blood pressure starts at the head; if
low, on the back. Manipulation in urut can be painful, but if done skillfully may
sort out minor problems, like a stiff neck, in one swift movement. Acupuncture
points are useful targets during this massage as pressure on such points may
benefit ailments in another part of the body.

Choosing the appropriate massage for the patient is all-important. The
gentler style of pijat is unlikely to help severely twisted muscles. Such injuries
need time and tougher measures. Western studies have already proved back
massage heightens activity of the sympathetic nervous system, thereby
increasing blood pressure, pulse, respiration and skin temperature without