Healers and Healing Traditions:
a journey into the culture and healing arts  of Bali in a two-week workshop setting.

Aug. 2-15, 2011

This trip offers an in-depth excursion into the culture of Bali through the eyes of the Balinese, for those who wish to observe, appreciate, and experience traditional healing methods, at the same time enhancing their own health with traditional massage and Yoga.

There has been a strong, dynamic and extended movement in western culture to explore traditional medicine from many ancient cultures which received momentum in the early 1970’s. The study of Asian medicine has been in the forefront of this movement, particularly Chinese acupuncture, herbal medicine and the practice of Feng Shui. This trip is conceived as an introduction to the philosophy and use of traditional medicine in Bali---why Balinese use it, its causes--both internal and external, material and spiritual .

In Southeast Asia local people have long held their traditional healers (Balian or Dukun) in high regard. With the advent of western medicine, Healers have not been discarded, but seen as adjunct and complementary to what western medicine offers. Besides visiting a western-style doctor when ill, the Balinese consult a Balian, a traditional healer. These men and women work in different ways: some mix herbal remedies; some create drawings of magical inscriptions and symbols to protect the wearer; and some, while in trance, communicate messages from the Bali Hindu deities that dictate the creation of certain offerings and ceremonies.  Paramount to the work is the study of the actual practitioners: who they are, the types and varieties, what they do, why they do it, who they work with, etiquette and behavior.

We will also explore the history of traditional medicine (Usada), the source of information, and where people learn about it. Tantamount to understanding Balinese medicine is to understand the magic of the Left versus the Right. Love potions, black magic and their relationship to illness.

Medicinal plants & herbal medicines play an important, daily role in the indigenous population and we will spend time investigating the forms and applications of these.  Every Balinese knows how to make the simplest medicines for common colds, flu, headaches and wounds. Made from basic ingredients found on the island, these remedies have proven over the centuries to be effective in any country in the world. Most Balinese grow their own herbs, but they can also be found in the local markets. We will go on a herb walk, learn about mixing herbal medicines, and observe the use of these medicines during visits to Balinese healers. We will also learn the art of making a temple offering.

Massage is regarded as an important healing art on the island of Bali. Almost every family includes one member who practices this art, and there are many professionals on the island. These Balian Tulang are similar to doctors, and are called upon in emergencies to set broken bones or dislocations. Many of the Balian's have received their knowledge from a parent or grandparent, while others have acquired their skills directly from the Hindu deities. During the trip each participant will receive three massages from three respected practitioners, with enough time to schedule repeat sessions. For your well being we are also including Yoga classes with a respected local teacher.

Tentative Itinerary
Sept. 11-24 2010

Sat. Sept. 11: Depart USA

Sun. Sept. 12:  Candi Dasa Arrive Bali Arrive in Bali where you are met by our drivers and transported to your oceanfront rooms in the fishing village of Candi Dasa.

Mon. Sept. 13: Candi Dasa. Early morning gentle yoga class to work out the kinks. Return to hotel for breakfast. Then we venture off by minibus to our waiting boat and a snorkeling excursion to a nearby coral reef preserve with dozens of tropical fish. Back to our hotel to wash up, have lunch and have our 1st orientation session focusing on basic Indonesian manners & customs. Afternoon downtime. Late afternoon walk to the center of the village to see the temple for which Candi Dasa is named and tour Bali's only Gandhian Ashram. We have yoga session with Jennifer followed by dinner prepared by the ashram members.

Tues. Sept. 14: Candi Dasa. Morning yoga class followed by breakfast. Then take off for a walk in Tenganan aboriginal village to observe the making of traditional baskets, palm-leaf books, and double ikat weaving--practiced only 3 places in the world!  Afternoon attend the second orientation/language session focusing on the Bali/Hindu religion and caste system. Late afternoon yoga and meditation.

Wed. Sept. 15: Candi Dasa. Morning yoga. After breakfast optional snorkeling excursion to the coral reefs of Tulamben in East Bali. Return for our third orientation and language session, focusing on Bali/Hindu Rites of Passage. Afternoon meditation & yoga.

Thur. Sept. 16: Candi Dasa. 8:00 AM depart for an excursion to East Bali for an optional climb up Gunung Lempuyang, a sacred, yet accessible (there are steps) volcano. After our descent, we move on to Tirtagangga, a fabulous “water palace” created by the region's last Raja. You can swim in the crystal clear, Olympic-sized pool, and have lunch at the gourmet cafe overlooking the pools and statuary. Our final stop is the Raja's old palace in the capitol city. Late afternoon yoga followed by final language review and talk on Balinese history and contemporary politics.

Fri. Sept. 17: Ubud. 7:00 AM Yoga and breakfast before checking out and departing for our new home in Ubud, Bali's cultural center.  We travel to the center of the island, stopping along the way at Kerta Gosa Hall of Justice to view the ceiling paintings--visions of hell from the Mahabharata story.  Arrive in Ubud in time for lunch. Downtime to relax before afternoon yoga in our yoga and meditation room.

Sat. Sept. 18: Ubud. Morning yoga session, followed by breakfast, leisure time to explore Ubud, the beautiful hotel swimming pool, and also luxuriate in a traditional massage and herbal body treatment (included). At 4:00 we venture to nearby Petulu village, a preserve for Bali's herons (called kokokan) and then enjoy a sunset walk back to the town on a quiet road, past small villages and rice fields.

Sun. Sept. 19:  Ubud. Morning and afternoon yoga.  Visit to the homes and studios of the area's basket makers, wood carvers, mask makers, painters, and weavers, to photograph and watch them work, as well as make purchases at considerable savings with your guide. We also outfit you in your sarongs and temple scarves to wear at the Healer, temple festival, and at the purification.

Mon. Sept. 20: Ubud. Morning and late afternoon yoga class. Tour to south Bali, and the capitol city of Denpasar.  We visit the anthropological museum for a guided tour before embarking at the traditional family home of your guide, where we tour the compound, meet the family, and have a delicious local lunch, before returning to Ubud.

Tues. Sept. 21: Ubud. Early morning departure to visit and receive purification at the elegant temple and Sacred Springs of Tampaksiring, believed to have healing properties. After lunch, a seminar on The Balian, traditional healer, and then a visit with a local esteemed Balian to watch him work and have a treatment if you wish.

Wed. Sept. 22: Ubud.  Morning Yoga. Tour to North Bali. We leave at 9:00 am for the state temple of Mengwi, surrounded by a beautiful moat. Following this, we wind our way through the volcanoes to Bedugul where we visit the fruit and flower market and Ulu Danu, Bali's most beautiful temple dedicated to the Goddess of Lakes and Streams. Return to Ubud for late afternoon yoga. Evening performance of the Kecak and fire trance dance.

Thur. Sept. 23: Ubud Full Moon. Early yoga as usual. Otherwise day free to shop, get additional body treatments, relax by the pool, go shopping, or have additional healing work. Late afternoon yoga. In the evening attend an authentic temple festival with music.

Fri. Sept. 24: Ubud Travel Day. Last morning Yoga session, followed by an optional swim at the pool or rest and relax before beginning your journey back to the real world, or stay on and enjoy more of Bali's magic!  You arrive back the same calendar day. Itinerary may change slightly subject to unplanned opportunities.

Although no one is required to attend any activities, there will be no refunds for missed activities. Anyone who leaves the tour at any time, for any reason, is on their own.

Yoga Instructor: Jennifer Isaacson found yoga in 1997. Under Kim King-Zamoff’s guidance, she was awarded her first teaching certificate in 2002 and continued her studies at Kathleen Hunt’s Samadhi Yoga Center in 2005. Immersing annually with Shiva Rea since 2004 has also been a great source of inspiration.  Jennifer weaves ancient philosophy, anatomy, ayurveda, and intelligently evolving vinyasa into her hatha yoga classes.  Exploring the world, hosting retreats, and learning about other cultures are Jennifer’s true passions.   www.jenniferisaacson.com

Tour Organizers: Bringing us deeply into an experience and appreciation of Balinese culture is Balinese-born Madé Surya B.S. - professional tour organizer who has been leading study tours in Bali for 25 years. He has translated and worked with scholars and educational film and video crews, including National Geographic, and lives in Bali half the year. Surya was Senior Researchers for the Society for the Study of the After Death's Bali research project and is working on a book on Balinese Healing.

Not Included:
Meals except where noted in itinerary, laundry, airport taxes, overweight fees, additional sightseeing, and snorkeling equipment rental.

Tour cost: $3300 through 6/30/10, $3400 after based on two persons sharing a twin-bed room with bathroom. Ground transportation only deduct $1,200.00 (does not include transfers). Group size limited to 20 participants maximum. Roommates: Single people may sign up for accommodations desired on a shared basis; roommates can be chosen from other tour members. If a roommate is unavailable, the participant will be notified of the adjusted price for a single supplement: $188.00 extra.

Ubud Upgrade: There are a limited number of upgraded rooms in our Ubud Hotel that include a/c, mini fridge, and TV for an additional $140.00 twin or single, on a first come, first serve basis.

Deposit: A deposit of $350.00 per person is due at the time of booking. Final payment is due on July 30, 2010. Deposit minus a $75.00 cancellation fee is refundable until 30 days prior to departure.

Passport, Visa and Health: A passport, valid six months from date of entry with proof of onward transportation. Indonesian visa is not required for tourists staying less than 60 days. No inoculations are required.

Call toll free 888-476-0543 or email for further information.
Contact Danu Enterprises today and escape the ordinary!

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