Usadha Bali: The Philosophy, History, and Practices of Traditional Balinese Medicine
Introduction
Usadha, widely known as traditional Balinese medicine, is a holistic healing system that has been practiced for centuries by the Balinese people. Rooted deeply in local wisdom, spiritual beliefs, and ancestral knowledge, Usadha represents an important cultural heritage of Bali. It integrates herbal medicine, ritual practices, and philosophical concepts derived from Hindu teachings, particularly the Atharva Veda, which discusses healing, medicine, and spiritual balance.
The Governor of Bali, Wayan Koster, has officially acknowledged Usadha as an essential form of Balinese local wisdom. Through Governor Regulation (Pergub) Number 55 of 2019 concerning Traditional Balinese Health Services and Regional Regulation (Perda) Number 6 of 2020 regarding the Health System, the Balinese government recognizes the role of traditional medicine not only in preserving cultural heritage but also in supporting public health and strengthening the regional economy.
In the modern era, where global interest in alternative and traditional medicine is increasing, Usadha Bali stands as a unique system that combines medical knowledge, spirituality, and ecological awareness. This article explores the origins, principles, treatment methods, and contemporary relevance of Usadha Bali.
The Origins and Philosophical Foundations of Usadha
According to the National Library of Indonesia, Usadha is a traditional medical science developed from the customs and experiences of the Balinese people. In Hindu tradition, medical knowledge is part of the Atharva Veda, the fourth of the Vedas, which discusses healing practices, medicinal plants, and rituals for restoring physical and spiritual harmony.
Etymologically, the word Usadha originates from Old Javanese, meaning “medicine” or “treatment.” It is also associated with Sanskrit terminology referring to medicinal plants and herbal remedies. This reflects the close relationship between Usadha and nature, as many of its treatments rely on locally sourced plants, roots, leaves, flowers, and spices.
Usadha is based on the belief that illness is not merely a physical condition but a disturbance of balance between the body, mind, spirit, and environment. Therefore, healing involves not only administering medicine but also restoring harmony through rituals, prayers, and ethical living.
Usadha Manuscripts and Knowledge Transmission
The knowledge of Usadha has been preserved through generations in two main forms: oral tradition and written manuscripts. Many Usadha practices were passed down verbally from healers (pangusada or balian) to their successors. At the same time, important medical knowledge was recorded in lontar manuscripts known as Usadha Lontar.
These manuscripts contain detailed explanations of diseases, diagnostic methods, medicinal ingredients, dosage, preparation techniques, and ritual procedures. Some also include mantras and symbolic drawings believed to enhance the healing process.
Academic research conducted by the Faculty of Humanities at Udayana University (Unud) has played a significant role in translating and interpreting these ancient manuscripts. One notable publication, Lontar Usada Bali (2007), documents various types of Usadha treatments and provides valuable insights into the traditional Balinese medical system.
Types of Usadha Treatments
Based on the Lontar Usada Bali and other trusted sources, Usadha treatments are categorized according to the type of illness, patient group, and treatment method. Below are several prominent types of Usadha practices:
1. Usadha Buduh: Treatment for Mental Disorders
Usadha Buduh is a traditional treatment system designed to address mental and psychological disorders. According to Usadha texts, there are approximately eleven types of mental illness, each requiring specific treatment approaches.
These conditions include individuals who exhibit excessive singing, crying, laughing, playing in dirt, epileptic behavior, incoherent speech, excessive sleeping accompanied by loss of appetite, aggressive or violent tendencies, abdominal swelling, general insanity, and individuals who frequently curse or insult shamans.
Treatment methods vary depending on the condition and may include herbal remedies, massage, spiritual cleansing rituals, prayer, and the recitation of mantras. The goal is to restore mental clarity, emotional stability, and spiritual balance.
2. Usadha Rare: Pediatric Treatments
Usadha Rare focuses on treating illnesses affecting children. Symptoms commonly addressed include weakness, lack of energy, seizures, red or irritated eyes, and unexplained discomfort.
Children undergoing Usadha Rare treatment are given specially prepared herbal medicines that are safe and adjusted to their physical condition. In some cases, protective rituals are performed to ward off negative spiritual influences believed to affect children’s health.
3. Usadha Kucacar: Treatment for Smallpox
Usadha Kucacar is specifically intended for treating smallpox, a highly contagious and potentially fatal disease. The treatment process is considered complex and requires careful adherence to ritual procedures.
In addition to herbal remedies, healing ceremonies play a crucial role in the treatment. The manuscripts mention that offerings (banten) may be required, particularly if the patient’s condition is severe or life-threatening. These offerings are believed to appease spiritual forces associated with the illness and accelerate recovery.
4. Usadha Paneseh: Care for Pregnant Women
Usadha Paneseh focuses on maternal health, particularly the care of pregnant women and childbirth-related conditions. According to the Ministry of Culture (2015), if the placenta does not emerge naturally after childbirth, traditional treatment must be performed.
This treatment involves fresh water placed in a black coconut shell. Ritual symbols are drawn, and prayers are recited before the water is consumed. This process is believed to stimulate the body and restore balance, allowing the placenta to be expelled safely.
Usadha Paneseh highlights the importance of women’s health within traditional Balinese medicine and demonstrates how spiritual and physical care are intertwined.
5. Usadha Dalem: Internal Medicine
Usadha Dalem addresses internal diseases, which are considered diverse and complex. These illnesses include poisoning, stomach pain, frequent urination, abdominal swelling, signs of impending death, and disorders related to male and female reproductive organs.
Treatments typically involve a mixture of traditional Indonesian spices and herbs, prepared according to specific formulas. The selection of ingredients is based on the nature of the illness, the patient’s condition, and spiritual considerations.
6. Usadha Ila: Disease Classification by Color
Usadha Ila categorizes diseases based on their color, which is believed to reflect their nature and severity. White-colored diseases are referred to as ila lung, red-colored diseases as ila brahma. White diseases with spots are known as ila kangka, thick red diseases as ila dedek, and red circular diseases with white edges as ila kakarangan. Clustered red diseases are called ila buta.
Each category has its own treatment method, combining herbal medicine and ritual practices tailored to the specific characteristics of the disease.
The Role of Pangusada and Ethical Practice
Traditional healers, known as pangusada or balian, play a central role in Usadha practice. They are respected figures within Balinese communities and are believed to possess spiritual insight, medical knowledge, and healing abilities.
However, in modern times, not all pangusada hold official licenses to practice medicine. This has raised concerns about safety, standardization, and accountability. As a result, the government has begun efforts to regulate traditional medicine while respecting cultural values.
Digital Innovation and Government Support
To support the preservation and development of traditional medicine, the Bali Provincial Government plans to launch a digital application known as Bali Site. This platform will provide information about traditional Balinese medicine, licensed clinics, and legally approved herbal remedies.
The application aims to educate the public, promote safe practices, and support the integration of traditional medicine into Bali’s health system. It also serves as a tool for cultural preservation and economic development, particularly for local herbal producers and practitioners.
Contemporary Relevance of Usadha Bali
Despite the availability of modern medical services, many Balinese people continue to rely on Usadha for health care. This preference is influenced by cultural beliefs, accessibility, affordability, and trust in traditional healing practices.
Globally, there is increasing interest in holistic and alternative medicine, making Usadha Bali a valuable contribution to international discussions on traditional health systems. Its emphasis on balance, spirituality, and environmental harmony offers lessons that remain relevant in contemporary society.
Conclusion
Usadha Bali is more than a medical system; it is a reflection of Balinese philosophy, spirituality, and cultural identity. Recognized officially by the Balinese government, Usadha continues to play an important role in public health, cultural preservation, and economic development.
Rooted in ancient manuscripts and ancestral wisdom, Usadha combines herbal medicine, ritual practices, and ethical living to promote holistic well-being. While challenges remain in regulation and modernization, ongoing government support and digital innovation offer promising opportunities for the future of traditional Balinese medicine.