My Ikat Experience

OK, this is a long delayed post on my Ikat experience 3 weeks ago.

Since Grandma came to Penang, I had the time to call the Malay urut lady to come again for Ikat this time. The objective is to get a 'Coca-cola figure' again :)

The urut lady that I engaged sews Ikat cloths, so I got one from her at RM50. It is actually a corset-like garment which extends from the rib cage down to the mid-thighs.

The urut lady was supposed to come at 9am, so I was busy expressing milk (what else again) from 8.30am. After I finished the lady still had not arrived, so I checked my phone and found 3 missed calls from her. When I called her back, the lady said she was already at another appointment, since I did not pick up her call...! Really, too many people have 'flown aeroplane' on her, so she now calls before leaving to the appointment. Anyway, I made another appointment with her in the afternoon.

Before Ikat, the lady gave me another round of body massage to 'soften' the body and make it more pliable for Ikat. Then she advised me to go to the loo, before making me lie on the Ikat cloth and then binding up the strings.... like lacing up a shoe :) Tied up tight, I couldn't get up after that :p I needed help. I could barely walk too as my thighs were tied together, sitting was also out of question.

After an hour and a half of standing and making 'hula-hoop' movements, I finally undid the bottom half of the corset so that I could at least sit down. I had the Ikat on for total of about 5 hours on the first day, and went to bed all sore that night.

The next day, I enlisted my Mummy's help to Ikat me up :) Urut lady said I was supposed to continue Ikat until I felt satisfied with my figure.

Well, I only Ikat for about 4 times/days, then gave up due to tiredness (after Ikat cannot lie down mah). However, I was convinced of it's effectiveness... I think it helped me :) I will try to Ikat once a while after this for maintenance :)

So for those who may be interested, I would say go for it! It is affordable, RM50 for the cloth and RM45 for the massage session. But keep in mind that there is no gain with no pain! Expect a lot of discomfort, and also time spent.

~Audrey