Jatuh Sakit and Masuk angin

In our Bahasa Indonesia class, we studied illness (jahut sakit (becoming ill)) and how to describe pain or issues with various parts of our bodies. We also covered how to call a doctor and make an appointment to be treated. This led to a very interesting discussion with Ibu Fitri, our teacher, on some cultural differences between the US and Indonesia. For example, they are very, very open (we would say have no boundaries) when it comes to discussing intimate details of what is going on with them medically.

Our book had a cultural note on MASUK ANGIN. Literally translated it is masuk (enter) angin (wind). The following is the cultural note.

"Indonesians who do not feel good commonly use the expression masuk angin to describe the ailments associated with the common cold. The primary symptoms of masuk angin include a fever, sinus congestion, sore throat, lack of energy, or upset stomach. Literally masuk angin means that the wind has entered the body. It is believed that the wind enters the body when one has been in a draft from a motorcycle, in a car or bus with an open window, or in an air-conditioned room. Some of the recommended remedies for this condition include eating regularly, eating warming foods and drinks (such as ginger tea), drinking plenty of water and getting a massage. "

BRK comment: A massage? I think I feel masuk angin coming on right now.

"Perhaps the most popular remedy is to have someone kerok you. The person giving the kerok (massage) first oils the skin..."  BRK comment : I think I definitely have masuk angin.

"... and then rubs the skin with a coin until the skin is red; this process is thought to draw out the wind that has entered the body: BRK comment: Say what,  I think I am cured!!!

——The above was taken from Ayo berbahasa Indoensia or Let's Speak Indonesian by Rafferty et al, 2014 NUS Press, page 165.