{"id":11578,"date":"2025-06-01T08:10:18","date_gmt":"2025-06-01T00:10:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/magazine-proxy.elitehavens.com\/?p=11578"},"modified":"2026-03-30T13:09:27","modified_gmt":"2026-03-30T05:09:27","slug":"the-mystic-healers-of-bali","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/magazine-proxy.elitehavens.com\/the-mystic-healers-of-bali\/","title":{"rendered":"The Mystic Healers of Bali"},"content":{"rendered":"

Bali <\/a>is unlike any other beach destination<\/a>. It is not only the food<\/a> or the warmth of the people that set it apart, but the mysticism that envelopes this region. Traditional healers of Bali are one of the island’s biggest attractions.<\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n

Bali & Mysticism<\/h2>\n

Nothing seems too <\/span>outworldish<\/span> here. Locals believe in spirits, healers, chants and symbolism, often incorporating these into their everyday lives. It is believed that spirits, both good and bad, abound on this island of the gods, and they can wreak havoc on one\u2019s physical, emotional and spiritual wellbeing. Everything from a broken bone to a broken heart can invoke a visit to one of more than 8,000 healers <\/span>practising<\/span> in Bali<\/a>.<\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n

You may have read about the inexplicable powers of Bali\u2019s traditional healers, or caught a glimpse of traditional Balinese healing when it shot to fame with the Hollywood film<\/a>, Eat Pray Love. In fact, the late <\/span>Ubud<\/span> Balian and priest, Pak <\/span>Ketut<\/span> <\/span>Liyer<\/span> became an instant rock star of the alternative medicine scene and his home a major tourist destination when the movie was released.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Ketut

Pak Ketut Liyer<\/p><\/div>\n

Local Beliefs<\/h2>\n

But healers are not just a tourist tick mark. They are an integral part of the Balinese way of life and have been since centuries. <\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n

Healers reject being called a Balian as it\u2019s considered to be too conceited for their spiritual calling. One may become a healer as a result of an illness or inherit it through an ancient family line. There is no one-size-fits-all here. Balian healers <\/span>specialise<\/span> in specific areas such as heart problems, migraine headaches, sports injuries or the removal of spells.<\/span><\/p>\n

More like this: Chinese healers in Thailand<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

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The Four Types of Balian Healers <\/h2>\n

Ketakson<\/span><\/b>: Usually female. Will channel between the client and God, calling on the spirit of a dead person for guidance, and passing on the information.<\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n

Pica:<\/span><\/b> A medium and not a formal student of traditional medicine, massage or magic. There are stories of physical objects \u2013 such as the Balinese dagger called a <\/span>kris<\/span> \u2013 appearing out of thin air during a session with a Pica.<\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n

Usada:<\/span><\/b> Receives divine knowledge during a severe illness. This leads them to study the Lontars \u2013 ancient, sacred texts written on bamboo. They are a master\u2019s apprentice while studying anatomy, ethics, traditional herbs, massage, magic, meditation, yoga, and tantra among many subjects. Black and white magic are widely practised in Bali.<\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n

Balian: <\/span><\/b>Combines all of the above. During a session, the healer may appear mildly psychotic, hearing voices and having visions as the wisdom enters their body.<\/span><\/p>\n