A wide variety of alternative therapies is available in KL. Historically this is a result of the different ethnicities and cultural groups that make up Malaysian society bringing their traditional healing practices with them. More recently, there has been a trend towards popular therapies being adopted by people of many different cultural backgrounds, and this has made them more accessible to expats. Reflexology has proved exceptionally popular and is available in many neighbourhoods , particularly those with a large Chinese population. The reflexology practitioner applies pressure to your foot to relieve symptoms manifesting themselves in a particular part of the body. There is a ‘map’ of the foot showing which areas correspond to which body part. Reflexology isn’t for the fainthearted – traditional therapists operate on the principle that you have to pass your pain threshold to experience any real benefit! An experienced practioner will inform you about the worst excesses of your dissolute lifestyle just by looking at and touching your feet and recommend ways you could treat your body more kindly.

Acupressure treatments such as shiatsu are available at some spas. Energy Day Spa (p.272) has experienced shiatsu therapists, with treatmants available at their Ampang and Mont’Kiara branches. Both acupucture and acupressure treatments are available from Oran Kivity at her clinic in Bangsar. Bill Deng is an experienced Shiatsu therapist practising in KL. Klic offers acupuncture by a qualified Chinese practitioner at its city centre clinic.

Aromatherapy is widely available at many spas in KL. Individual spas blend their own unique oils, often based on local plants and herbs with traditional healing properties. Oils are also widely available for home use. For a spa with a strong emphasis on Malaysian traditions, try Vila Manja, located just off Jalan Ampang. Aromatherapy isn’t commonly seen as a treatment therapy in Malaysia, more as a pampering or de-stressing treat. For a spa listing, see p.272.

Homeopathic treatments are readily available in KL. They are often linked to a particular healing philosophy such as Chinese herbal medicine or ayurveda. Try the Homeopathic Medical Centre in Kampung Baru, or the Homeopathy Holistic Centre in Petaling Jaya. Klic has a Chinese Herbal Medicine practitioner.

This very popular treatment is available at many locations around KL, from neighbourhood shopfronts with just a few chairs to reflexology spas with massage chairs, herbal foot baths and pampering lotions. Try Asianel at Starhill Gallery for a top of the line experience, or Siam Bodyworks’ Thai-trained therapists at their branches at Mid Valley and Jalan Ampang. Alternatively take a stroll around the Jalan Telawi area of Bangsar, down Bukit Bintang or around Chinatown to see a host of small places all offering reflexology.