Of traditional uruts and bad back

I think I’ve done it again. A sharp twinge in the back when I bent down to pick up something yesterday told me I should be back on my back and contemplate the ceiling once again. Instead, I have other things to do.

A massage would be good, so I am told. But the very thought of hands; foreign, alien hands up and down my ample body – oh TIDAAAAAK!!!

I remember times when Mak needed a massage. With a bottle of minyak angin Pak Awang loceng, which soon reeked throughout the whole house, we’d rub it down her soft white skin. Mak worked hard, from morning she’d be preparing kueh to sell and then there’s all of us to look after.

When we were smaller, she’d ask us to step on her back. And we’d do so ever so gingerly lest we break her back. Right now, I wouldn’t dream of asking my children to do that. They’d break my back into half.

Talking about massage, even after each childbirth, I refused to have any massage, raising quite a few eye brows that I should be so bold as to disregard such practice. However, now I see a lot of my younger friends here, who would pay an arm and a leg to get some mak ciks over and do the traditional massage after they gave birth. All they needed to do was pay for the flight of the Mak Cik, give her a room and pay for her services. Once the word gets around that there’s a mak cik urut, she’d be doing the circuit, with more than enough money to take back – in sterling!

Anyway, with my bad back and all, as soon as I publish this entry I’d be ouching my way to Harrods. No, not to shop. But, as chance would have it, Harrods is launching its Malaysian Spa at Urban Retreat at 4pm today. It is a week long festival which brings together the spas from Spa Villa Kuala Lumpur, Tanjung Jara and Pangkur Laut – all in Knightsbridge.

This is what you get at Urban Retreat:

Campur-Campur
The name Campur-Campur means “a blending of varieties” in Malay. Combining the best techniques of Malay and Thai massage, our special creation uses touch, tone and aromatherapy to deliver a memorable and sensory experience. The scent of lemon grass and pandan leaves fills the air as steamed herbs are pressed along the body using a traditional steam pouch.


Traditional Malay Massage
The art of traditional Malay massage is passed on from generation to generation. The technique consists of long kneading strokes that focus on the muscles and specially selected pressure points in the body. This treatment uses oil made with local herbs such as turmeric, cinnamon, garlic, onion and citronella blended to invigorate the circulation. The treatment is concluded with an ancient remedy mixed in an earthen pot filled with scented herbal roots and flower buds. This special tonic is believed to be the secret of Anti-Aging.

Ulik Nyiur (Malay Hair Treatment) 50 minutes £xxxx
This therapeutic traditional Malay hair treatment begins with a head and shoulder massage using specially brewed herbal oil, followed by an application of freshly blended coconut crème. This treatment helps condition the hair and scalp, maintaining its lustre, condition and colour.

Bamboo Tapping Tui-na An Mo
One of the major differences between Chinese massage and other massage techniques is the emphasis on the acu-points and directional flow of the subtle channels in the body. Tui-na massage is more than a system of relaxation and tension release. Although attention is also placed on the tendo-muscular system, the focus on subtle channels allows one to influence the organs on a deeper level and treat complex complaints. Bamboo Tapping is well-known in martial art circles. It is believed that by tapping the body with bamboo bundles, it will bring energy to the surface and improve the immunity of the body.

Chinese Pearl, Rice and Egg Undulation Facial
A perfect complexion is prized by the Chinese and so this traditional and effective treatment was quickly annexed by the Malay people from their neighbours. In keeping with ancient Chinese tradition, warm hard-boiled eggs are rolled on the face simultaneously with focused and specific strokes. This treatment quickly soothes facial breakouts and settles inflammation. The egg massage is followed by a pearl and rice facial for a superior clear and complexion.

During the Malaysian Spa Festival additional exclusive retail items will be available at Urban Retreat, create your own Malay Spa experience at home with Aroma incense cones (£9), Minyak Puteri or Princess Oil (£14), Baros Rapi Herbal Scrub (£24) and Malaysian Scented Soaps (£12).

The Malaysian Spa Festival runs from May 2nd—28th for bookings call 020 7893 8333.

Will certainly update once I am back from there. If I dont break my back further at Harrods, it'll be my already very fragile bank account.