As an American chiropractor practicing in Singapore in 2019, I had the tremendous misfortune of getting “stuck” in Bali when the borders closed in March 2020. Let’s just say it wasn’t awful. Determined to make the most of my hiatus (you can’t go to the beach and drink Bintang EVERY day), I spent some time with some Balinese bone-setters. Although primitive in some regards, I found that it also had a few similarities.
Bone-Setting: Not as Scary as it Sounds
Despite the perception that bone-setting may sound primitive or even intimidating to some, it is important to recognize that this traditional healing practice is far from barbaric. While Balinese bone setting may lack the sophisticated diagnostic tools and scientific understanding of modern chiropractic care, it is rooted in centuries of observation, experience, and cultural wisdom. The techniques employed by Balinese bone setters are often gentle and non-invasive, focusing on restoring balance and harmony to the body rather than forcefully manipulating the spine.
Moreover, the spiritual and holistic approach of Balinese bone-setting acknowledges the interconnectedness of physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being, reflecting a deep respect for the body’s innate healing abilities, which is a founding principle in chiropractic. Thus, while the methods of Balinese bone-setting may seem unconventional to some, they represent a rich and valuable tradition that continues to provide relief and healing to many in Bali and all of the Indonesian Islands.
Chiropractic in Bali Vs Bone-Setting: Same Same, but Quite Different
Although similar, Western Chiropractic and Balinese bone-setting represent two distinct approaches to addressing musculoskeletal issues, each with its unique history, techniques, and cultural context. I’ll do my best to compare and contrast what I know about chiropractic to what I learned about Balinese bone setting, highlighting how chiropractic incorporates Western diagnostic tools and anatomical knowledge to enhance the traditional practice of bone setting. Furthermore, I’ll adjust your mind by connecting the beauty of Bali with the importance of posture by aligning the aesthetic values of Balinese culture and the beautifying effect that chiropractic care can have on your posture.
Defining Chiropractic Care
As I mentioned above, I have been practicing in Singapore since 2019, with a brief hiatus during Covid. Before I define chiropractic, let me make an analogy that I use with my Singaporean patients. I like to compare chiropractic to Singapore. I feel that Singapore sits right in between Traditional Chinese Medicine and Western Allopathic Medicine. Chiropractic fits in the same position. We took the art of TCM and combined it with contemporary diagnostic tools to create the science of chiropractic.
Chiropractic is a healthcare profession focused on the diagnosis and treatment of musculoskeletal disorders, primarily through spinal manipulation and manual therapy techniques. It originated in the United States in the late 19th century and has since evolved into a regulated healthcare discipline practiced worldwide – we have five clinics in Singapore called Total Health Chiropractic.
Chiropractors undergo extensive education and training, including coursework in anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, and diagnostic imaging. In fact, chiropractors take more coursework in X-ray than American MDs.
The Rich History of Balinese Bone-Setting
On the other hand, Balinese bone setting is a traditional healing practice that has been passed down through generations in Bali, Indonesia. Rooted in ancient Hindu-Balinese culture, bone setters, known as “balian tulang,” use a combination of massage, manipulation, and herbal remedies to treat injuries and musculoskeletal conditions. Balinese bone setting is deeply ingrained in the local culture and is often intertwined with spiritual beliefs and rituals.
One significant difference between chiropractic and Balinese bone-setting lies in the diagnostic approach. Chiropractors utilize advanced Western diagnostic tools such as X-rays, MRI scans, and other imaging techniques to assess spinal alignment, identify structural abnormalities, and rule out underlying pathology. This reliance on objective imaging and precise anatomical knowledge allows chiropractors to tailor their treatments to individual patient’s needs and ensure safe and effective care.
Contrasting Care – Altruistic Intentions
In contrast, Balinese bone setters typically rely on palpation and observation skills honed through years of practical experience – skills that are also possessed by an experienced chiropractor. While chiropractors rely on diagnostics, bone-setters are said to have an intuitive understanding of the body’s anatomy and biomechanics, their diagnostic process is often based on traditional knowledge passed down orally from one generation to the next (I intended to learn more about this). While this approach may lack the ostensible precision of modern diagnostic tools, it is deeply rooted in the cultural and spiritual traditions of Bali, which I find fascinating.
Despite these differences, both chiropractic and Balinese bone-setting share a common goal of restoring musculoskeletal health and promoting overall well-being. Both practices emphasize the importance of spinal alignment and proper posture in maintaining optimal physical function and preventing injuries.
Finding Beauty in Posture and Culture
In Balinese culture, where aesthetics and beauty hold significant cultural importance, good posture is often associated with grace, elegance, and inner harmony. The lush green landscapes and ultra-charming culture of Bali serve as a backdrop for the Balinese people’s dedication to aesthetics and physical well-being. Balinese dance (absolutely mesmerizing) is characterized by intricate movements and graceful postures that require strength, flexibility, and balance. Similarly, in chiropractic care, achieving proper spinal alignment and posture is seen as essential not only for physical health but also for promoting a sense of balance and harmony within the body.
In conclusion, while chiropractic and Balinese bone-setting may differ in their diagnostic approaches and cultural contexts, they both offer valuable insights into the treatment of musculoskeletal disorders. By incorporating Western diagnostic tools and anatomical knowledge, chiropractic enhances the ancient art of bone setting, providing patients with safe, effective, and evidence-based care. Moreover, the emphasis on posture and aesthetics in both Balinese culture and chiropractic underscores the interconnectedness of physical health, cultural values, and overall well-being.
