Susuk or charm needles, are needles made of gold or other precious metals, which are inserted into the soft tissues of the body (face, chest, breast, lower back, limbs) to act as talismans in several communities of Southeast Asia.[1] Susuk has various supposed purposes, ranging from the purely aesthetic to the treatment of joint pains and other minor ailments. This practice is also used as protection against injuries and accidents.
With the advent age of modern medical technology i.e. radiography, the presence of susuk must be highlighted, as they may be mistaken for undesired foreign objects.
Some practitioners perform rituals when inserting susuk needles, depending on their beliefs. These can include the susuk wearer memorising various incantations, oil rubbing, and chanting.[2] Some susuk wearers are advised to avoid specific foods, such as lady finger bananas, papayas, and satay sticks.[citation needed] It is also believed by some that the susuk needs to be removed before death or the person will have difficulty dying. As such, susuk can be removed once the person concerned is becoming old or falls ill.[2]
Within Islam the practice of susuk is considered haram, and is forbidden. This due to the belief that susuk is a form of black magic.[3]
The first time a susuk was photographed with radiography was in 1928.[1] Medical professionals usually don't remove susuk, unless the needles are causing medical issues like an infection.[4] Removing the susuk also needs the skill of a knowledgeable person; usually the same person who inserted it in the first place. However, removing the susuk, which was originally for beauty, is believed to cause the person's face to revert to its natural age within six months.[2]
Susuk wearers are often advised to keep their existence secret by their shaman, as it is believed that telling others will prevent the susuk from working. Often, the susuk needles are unable to be seen or felt under the skin.[5] This can cause surprise and concern when medical professionals suddenly find the needles on x-rays.[6] The susuk needles are usually made from a gold alloy, consisting of gold, copper, and trace elements of silver and aluminium.[citation needed]
Feelings of guilt and shame may characterize the practice, as some young people (such as a young wife) may strongly be pushed into following this traditional belief.[1]
Known users
Daisy Fajarina, mother of model Manohara Odelia Pinot, was said to have diamond and gold susuks in her chin. Her ex-husband, George Manz said, "Once when we were together, I took Daisy to a dentist who was then shocked when he saw her X-ray. She had small gold needles and diamond stones embedded inside her chin."[7]
↑ Jurkiewicz, Michael T.; Lim, C. C. Tchoyoson; Mohan, Suyash (2017). "Clandestine charisma of the charm needles: a radiologist's challenge". Emergency Radiology. 24 (4): 427–430. doi:10.1007/s10140-017-1501-y. ISSN1070-3004.
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