Coming to a spa near you: Urutan Malaysia

Malaysians who have undergone foreign therapeutic treatment such as Thai and Balinese massage now have the option to obtain local therapy known as "Urutan Malaysia".

"Urutan Malaysia" combines traditional Malay, Chinese, Indian, Peranakan as well as Sabah and Sarawak native massage techniques and was introduced by the tourism and culture ministry as one of the country's tourism products.

Accredited spa instructor Orni Yusniza Othman, 45, said "Urutan Malaysia" not only benefited internal and external healthcare but was also unique with massage equipment to suit locals.

"The massage oil used is coconut oil mixed with spices such as ginger, fresh turmeric, lemongrass, galangal, pandan, cinnamon, coriander, redwood and pepper which can promote blood circulation, improve the functioning of the lymphatic system, increases physical fitness and reduce anxiety and stress," she told Bernama recently.

The 20-year veteran of the spa industry said the "Urutan Malaysia" could also reduce joint and muscle pain, help to sleep well and rejuvenate the body.

"Urutan Malaysia" instructor, Halene Hong, 39, from Penang said she was excited about the new product and would promote it to spa industry players in Malaysia and abroad.

"In 'Urutan Malaysia', we incorporate the Chinese 'tui na' which uses the pinch and pull method to reduce muscle tension and pressure on the nervous system and energises the meridian system of the body.

"The Malays massage the veins all over the body, the most important part being the legs especially that of pregnant women while the Indian massage focuses on the head, neck and shoulders," she said.

Trainer, Jowie Soo Li Keng, 48, said the response from spa players had been encouraging with some spa operators sending their members for training.

Malaysian Association of Wellness and Spa president Dr Baskaran Kosthi said the "Urutan Malaysia" was a tourism product that could boost Malaysia's name in the international market with its own identity.

Tourism and Culture Deputy Minister Mas Ermieyati Samsudin earlier said the "Urutan Malaysia" was a Malaysian brand personal care product inspired by the country's spa experts and industry players, built and processed according to the Malaysian model from 2012.

- Bernama