Page 157 - EBOOK_Jamu: The Ancient Indonesian Art of Herbal Healing

treatments or more substantial three-to five-day retreats. The Begawan Giri

Estate spa is unusual because it is set in the open, alongside a cascading holy
stream that runs through the grounds. Another day spa of particular note is the
Body-works Centre in Ubud. Run by well-known healer Ketut Arsana, it
specializes in healing massage with Balinese traditional oils, and also offers
reflexology, deep tissue massage, acupressure, Swedish techniques and skin
exfoliation treatments for removal of toxins.

THE KEN DEDES TREATMENT

One of Jakarta’s Salon Puri Ayu’s most popular indulgences is a Ken Dedes bath. This treatment
originated in 13th-century East Java at the court of King Ken Arok, whose wife was renowned for
her beauty. It was created exclusively for women and is specially recommended for brides who wish
to add extra zing to their sex lives.
The treatment begins with a kenanga oil massage. Next comes the aromatic body steam,

followed by a bath with mangir herbal soap to lighten the skin. This is followed by a leisurely soak
in secret, aromatic spices and when this is finished, there is yet another bath in exotic flowers. The
final touch is a ratus body perfuming using fragrant smoke. This minimizes perspiration, eliminates
discharge and give the body a fragrance that smells heavenly for hours.

A popular choice in many spas is the Dewi Sri Spa range of body scrubs,
lotions and oils created by Martha Tilaar. Based on traditional ingredients used
by princesses in the palaces of Central Java (Dewi Sri is the Indonesian Goddess
of Rice), this specialist range is also retailed internationaly. Esens, another range
of products used extensively in Bali, is concocted by Cary and Kim Collier, spa
consultants who have spent years researching the natural health remedies of

Indonesia. Their success led the Colliers to introduce their products to the
American market in 1999. Called JAMU Inc., Asian Spa Rituals, response has
been very positive. “The reverence for nature, the cultivating of the apotik hidup,
the indigenous knowledge that lives in each Indonesian family, is supported here
in the USA,” notes Kim Collier. “We focus on both the external (lulurs, borehs,
clay and salts) and the internal (jamu elixirs to complement each jamu ritual).”
The list of spas is endless. But what all of these companies have in common
is the ambition to provide a serene atmosphere and stress-busting treatments for

weary minds, bodies and souls. One thing is certain: whatever the treatment
selected, it will certainly be offered in the spirit of ancient health and beauty
practices.