Ancient Art of Susuk or Charm Needles

Susuk is an ancient Malayan art of inserting foreign objects under the skin for various purposes, such as enhancing youth, charm, charisma, and confidence.

The insertion of “susuk” is a common practice in Southeast Asia, especially in Malaysia. While it is more common with Muslims, some Chinese and Indians are also known to have resorted to this method of enhancement.

Gold needles are the most popular, and their implant is known as “charm needles” or susuk emas. Sometimes, silver or copper needles are also used.

The charm needles are between 0.5 to 1 mm in diameter and 5-10 mm long. The embedded needles are not visible to the naked eye, and the number of needles may vary. As many as 80 needles in the face have been noted in one case.

Susuk implants may also include diamond particles (susuk berlian) and herbal implants (susuk ayat). The herbal implants are plant-based ingredients such as betel leaves, shallots, turmeric, pepper, fruits, etc.

The methods of insertion vary depending on the knowledge and expertise of the ‘bomoh’ (Malay medicine-man) but are usually accompanied by some rituals and incantations.

Examples:

For needle insertion, the needles are gently rubbed into the face by the bomoh while chanting. No marks or traces of blood seen.

For a diamond implant, the bomoh will have the customer undergo a floral bath ritual, in the midst of chanting. After the bath, a red rose will be rubbed clockwise on the customer’s face while she reads a Quranic verse. When all the petals fall off, the bomoh announces that the diamonds have been embedded.

For an herbal implant, a scalpel will be used to make an “incision” on the customer’s face, big enough to insert a mixture of plant-based ingredients. The scar will simply disappear after the bomoh dabs water on the cut.

The susuk talismans are believed to preserve or enhance the wearer’s youth, beauty, charisma, business success, or protection against minor ailments, injuries or harm. Susuk is sometimes used to improve a relationship by casting a spell.

The most common site for insertion of susuk is in the cranio-facial region, such as the jawbone, forehead, cheeks and lips. For others who wanted to increase their sexual appeal, the charms will be implanted in the hips, breasts and even pubic area. For joint pains and other minor ailments, they may be inserted in the abdomen, chest, limbs, knees, shoulders and spine.

Susuk wearers claimed that they become more attractive after the procedure. This is most probably due to the spiritual and psychological aspects involved in the process. The wearer, whose self-esteem is psychologically raised, tends to generate positive energy within himself or herself. Combined with faith in the powerful talisman, the wearer behaves more confidently and thus appears more attractive to others.

The hidden talismans usually have to be kept secret because of religious reasons, as well as to ensure the potency of the charm. In some cases, the wearers might not be aware of the presence of the charm as they could have been inserted at a young age when treated by a bomoh for some illnesses.

The charm needles and diamond implants are usually discovered through incidental radiological findings.

Susuk wearers have to adhere to certain taboos and restrictions, in order for the charm to work perfectly. For several days after the procedure, their face must not be scratched. It is a taboo to pass under clothes lines and stairs, or walk near a wet, muddy road. Consumption of chicken, barbeque on stick, bamboo shoots, golden banana, and pumpkin is also forbidden.

Different practitioners have their own taboos, but most bomohs would agree that breaking the “rules” will render the charm ineffective, or even cause the needles to pop out.

According to Awang Yahya Mohammed, a prominent practitioner in Malaysia, the gold and diamond implants must be removed before the wearer dies, otherwise death will be slow and agonizing. Mas Ayu, another practitioner, however, claims that her susuk will fall out a month before the wearer dies.

The practice of susuk is considered “haram” (prohibited) and expressly forbidden in Islam.

Awang thinks that susuk ayat is all right because its organic ingredients will eventually be absorbed by the body, unlike the susuk emas and susuk berlian that will not be decomposed once implanted.

Mas said that she recites Quranic verses in her practice and does not perform anything that goes against the religion and that her susuk, therefore, can be used by Muslims.

To-date, very little is known about the possible adverse effects of the charm needles.

The safety of susuk is a medical concern. Infections may result if the needles are not properly sterilized, or there is the danger of nerves or arteries being hit, which can have serious consequences.

There is also the possibility of important facial muscles or organs being dislodged if the implant is not done properly.

The radio-opaque, metallic foreign body shown in x-rays might also lead to misdiagnosis in some cases.