Photo by Jill Goecher

Bali has long been regarded as the spa capital of Asia and for many good reasons. The Balinese have inherited their good fortune from their ancestors, a long line of massaged and physically nurtured people naturally attuned to the inner workings of the body without use of ultra sound. Today, while they still practice these arts, young Balinese are being trained in the ways of Shiatsu, Thai Herbal and Deep Tissue massage. More are learning to apply the delicate unguents and pastes required for exquisite facials, and to caress the body into relaxation and rejuvenation, and all with the delicate, strong hands, so particular to the Balinese.

Balinese spa therapists are sought after world over. From Egypt to Shanghai you will find the gentle touch of a Balinese hand either in the training, therapy or spa management sections of the hotel industry. The reason for this is clear to anyone who has observed a Balinese dance and seen the elegant combination of strength and grace that permeates the body of the Balinese dancer right down to his or her fingertips - just one of the elements the Balinese bring to massage.

Massage is a performance, the ritual of stroking, pummelling and stretching using ten dancing fingers and the body's weight to ease away tensions, to undo knotted muscles.

This is the Balinese gift to the world of Spa.

Balians with inherited knowledge, weave their magic through intuitive touch, and can repair the surfers shoulder or the overactive mind, the gnarled hands of old women dig into the knots and release the tension accumulated by juggling too many responsibilities. The gentle gaze of non judgement holds you in a meditation of life as it should be; balanced and in harmony with moons and tides, rains and rice. As traditional as temples, as wonderful as the verdant terraces and as vital as life. Balinese massage - from the Ubud five star resorts to the bamboo huts of Bingin beach provides a physical connection to the healing spirit of this island.