What is Jamu Paste & Why is it Used in Postnatal Massages?
Few things change a woman’s life as much as becoming a mother and giving birth. Mums are always looking for ways to cope with the growing demands of pregnancy and childbirth and to help their bodies recover. One of the most-trusted Asian traditions for postnatal recovery is jamu paste, used in postnatal massages across Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Hong Kong for generations.
The role of postnatal massage in recovery
One of the best ways to relieve the pain and aches after delivery is by going for a healing massage. A postnatal massage not only helps with neck and shoulder pain, benefits also include restoring the health of the uterus, flushing excess body fluids and reducing water retention and swelling, easing emotional fatigue, and aiding in weight loss as your body returns to its pre-pregnancy state.
So what’s the role of jamu paste in a postnatal massage? Jamu paste is an herbal tonic made from a mixture of tree bark, roots, royal jelly, and honey, used historically to cure ailments including fever and sore throat. It’s also used as a postnatal herbal treatment to bring spiritual, mental, and psychological benefits to mothers after delivery. The tradition is popular especially in Asian countries such as Singapore, Hong Kong, Malaysia, and Indonesia. Since the ingredient list usually changes depending on what it’s brewed for, jamu paste doesn’t have a single specific recipe.
There is no single recipe for jamu paste. It is a tradition, and each batch is mixed to suit the mother and the recovery ahead of her.
Why jamu paste is used in postnatal massage
Like other massages, jamu massages have a number of benefits for the mother’s wellness. The hands-on massage technique and the herbal paste on the skin work together to give a strong healing effect. This helps recovery in several ways at once.
Relaxes the body
Labour involves contraction of the muscles and lactic acid build-up, leaving the body exhausted. Jamu massage helps restore the body, considering all the stresses your body has gone through after hours of labour and several months of pregnancy. It also helps relieve postpartum mood disturbance and supports mental wellness.
Eases breast engorgement
Immediately after giving birth, most mothers have engorged breasts as milk supply ramps up. Jamu paste applied around (not on) the breast tissue, combined with gentle lymphatic-aware massage, helps relieve the discomfort and supports milk flow without interfering with the breastfeeding rhythm.
Restores the uterus
Postnatal jamu massage encourages the uterus to contract back to its pre-pregnancy size, a process called involution. The combined effect of the warming paste and rhythmic massage technique supports the natural timeline (typically six weeks) and reduces postpartum bleeding alongside it.
Reduces water retention
Postpartum mums often retain significant fluid in the legs, ankles, and abdominal area. Jamu paste combined with lymphatic-aware massage strokes encourages the lymphatic system to clear excess fluid and reduces the heavy, swollen sensation of the first postpartum weeks.
Aids weight loss
By stimulating circulation, supporting metabolism, and reducing water retention, jamu massage gently aids the natural postpartum weight-loss process. It’s not a replacement for healthy eating and gentle exercise, but it complements both, particularly in the first two to three months postpartum.
Restores emotional wellness
The deep relaxation of a jamu massage lowers cortisol, soothes the nervous system, and gives new mums a rare, protected time when someone else cares for them. Many of our mums find it is one of the parts of their early postpartum weeks that help them most emotionally.
The BMB approach
At BMB, our signature postnatal massage package combines jamu paste with our therapists’ signature massage technique and an optional bengkung wrap, the traditional Indonesian fabric wrap that supports the abdominal muscles while jamu paste does its work underneath. Sessions usually start in week one postpartum for vaginal-birth mums and from week three to four for C-section mums (with doctor’s clearance and once the incision is fully healed).
The full BMB postnatal recovery package usually runs 21 to 28 daily sessions, and home service is available anywhere in Singapore. Our therapists are trained in pregnancy and postpartum physiology. Each session is adjusted to your recovery stage, your energy level and what your body needs that day. We do not follow the same set routine for everyone. Many mums book these daily sessions while they also have a confinement nanny. If you are thinking about hiring one, our confinement nanny guide covers the costs, permits and hiring checklist.
Frequently asked questions
What is a jamu massage in Singapore?
A jamu massage in Singapore is a postnatal massage that pairs traditional Javanese massage strokes with jamu, a warm herbal paste blended from ingredients such as tree bark, roots, royal jelly, and honey. It is usually booked as a daily package in the first weeks after birth to support uterine recovery, circulation, and water-retention relief.
When can I start jamu massage after giving birth?
After a vaginal birth, most mums can start in week one postpartum. After a C-section, wait three to four weeks and start only with your doctor’s clearance, once the incision has fully healed. Your therapist should adapt pressure and positioning to your recovery stage either way.
How many jamu massage sessions do I need?
The traditional protocol is a daily run across the confinement period. BMB’s full postnatal recovery package typically runs 21 to 28 daily sessions, with home service available anywhere in Singapore.
Does jamu massage help with breast engorgement?
It can ease the discomfort: jamu paste is applied around (never on) the breast tissue, combined with gentle, lymphatic-aware strokes that support milk flow. If you are dealing with painful engorgement or a blocked duct, read our guide on blocked milk ducts and engorgement relief, and see a lactation professional for persistent symptoms.