What is a Balian?

In Bali, a Balian is a traditional healer who works with both physical and spiritual health. There are different types of Balian, each connected to a particular healing gift. Most Balians receive one gift and specialise in that tradition.

What makes JRO’s practice unique is that he works within five at once, rather than specialising in one. Together, they allow him to read, understand and support each person physically, energetically and spiritually, as well as through the herbal medicine he prepares.

The five traditions are:

• Balian Apun / Balian Urat: working through the body with muscle and nerve acupressure, releasing tension and blockages in the muscles, nerves and internal organs and supporting circulation.
• Balian Usada: using herbal medicine, prepared from local organic plants.
• Balian Taksu: healing through an intuitive spiritual gift, energy work and guidance received from the unseen world.
• Balian Paica: working with sacred objects, alongside teachings and spiritual guidance received through dreams and pilgrimages rather than through formal medical study.
• Balian Tenung: reading a person’s aura and energy to perceive influences from the past and present, as well as what may lie ahead if nothing changes.

JRO’s healing gifts come through both sides of his family. His mother and father each carried these gifts but did not follow their calling; in JRO, these two family lineages came together.

His role as a Balian is recognised by his community, and his practice is officially registered with the Indonesian health authorities.