Bertungku is one of the traditional Malay healing practices that continues to be observed today, particularly among women during the postnatal period. This tradition has been passed down through generations for centuries. It remains an integral part of traditional health care practices that serve to restore energy, improve blood circulation, and assist in the contraction of the uterus. Within the Malay community, the practice of bertungku is not only regarded as a physical treatment but also symbolises the continuity of ancestral medical knowledge deeply rooted in cultural beliefs and practices. Although it is more commonly associated with postpartum confinement, bertungku is not limited to women alone; it is also practised by men or anyone experiencing certain health conditions such as muscle fatigue, joint pain, or bloating.

In traditional postnatal care, bertungku is usually performed after bertangas (herbal steaming) and cleansing rituals. This demonstrates that bertungku is part of a broader and more systematic sequence of self-care practices within Malay traditional medicine. The process begins with the preparation of the tungku, which is typically a river stone or a medium-sized solid stone that is first heated. Once sufficiently hot, the stone is wrapped in thick cloth or layered with selected herbal leaves before being pressed and rolled on specific parts of the body, particularly the abdomen. Practically, this practice is believed to help prevent the abdominal skin and other parts of the body from sagging or wrinkling, while also reducing pain caused by uterine contractions after childbirth. By applying the heated stone to targeted areas of the body, discomfort and pain can be alleviated, thus accelerating the overall healing process.

The history and philosophy of bertungku are closely tied to the concept of balancing hot and cold elements, which forms the foundation of traditional Malay medicine. This concept aligns with the philosophies of Greek and Ayurvedic medicine, both of which emphasise humoral balance as the basis of health. Within Malay belief systems, heat is perceived as an energy capable of counterbalancing the cold element in the body, which is often associated with weakness, illness, or fatigue. Thus, bertungku is not merely a practical heat-based therapy but also carries symbolic meaning in the effort to restore harmony between the body and the human spirit. It can be considered a form of traditional heat physiotherapy proven to stimulate blood circulation, accelerate healing, and enhance bodily comfort.

As time has progressed, the functions of bertungku have expanded beyond postnatal care. Today, it is practised more broadly for general health purposes, especially to relieve muscle tension, dispel excess wind from the body, improve circulation, and refresh a fatigued body. Some women also practice bertungku as a traditional remedy to alleviate menstrual cramps or discomfort during menstruation. This development demonstrates how bertungku has adapted to meet contemporary health needs while retaining its relevance in modern society.

Furthermore, the tools used in the practice of bertungku have also diversified. The most traditional form is the river stone tungku, regarded as more effective because it retains heat for a longer period and is believed to absorb the medicinal benefits of the herbs wrapped around it. In modern confinement care, the use of an iron tungku has become increasingly common, as it is more practical and easier to manage. Newer innovations have even introduced modern tungkus equipped with additional features, such as aromatherapy, to enhance the therapeutic effect. This evolution illustrates that although bertungku originates from ancient traditions, it has been able to grow and adapt to the needs and lifestyle of contemporary society without compromising its intrinsic value as a heritage of traditional medicine.