Philippine Indigenous Therapies with a Focus on Hilot by yunesa@yahoo.

com 1

A Wee-bit of Philippine Indigenous Therapies

With a Focus on “Hilot”
By Eunice
www.yunesa.blogspot.com

INDIGENOUS (ĭn-dĭj'ə-nəs, adj.) denotes a cultural, social or organizational characteristic that differentiates a
certain region to some degree by surrounding populations and dominant culture. Other terms include: intrinsic
and innate. Something that is unique and specific to that culture. After defining indigenous, do you think our
beloved country, the Philippines has something to offer? A few perhaps? Or a lot? As usual, this article is
presented in a contemporary non-dogmatic style to address mainly the inquiring public, the practitioners and
spa, massage clinic and wellness center owners and anyone who wishes to know more about the uniqueness
of hilot and other Philippine therapies.

The Philippines will definitely not lag behind as with its 7,100 islands cannot be limited to just a few indigenous
therapies. As the islands have specific therapies, so does each country. Specific therapies have been pigeon-
holed to an individual culture. So when we mention a therapy, it will also connote a specific nationality, region
or cultural heritage. As an exercise, let us match the following therapies to their specific country or origin. Let
us see if you can recognize some:
Lomi-Lomi Hawaii
Shiatsu Japan
Reflexology China/Egypt/Old World
Thai massage Thailand
Eh ito? Swedish massage Sweden
Ngek! The last entry about Swedish Massage coming from Sweden is a common misnomer, there is no
Swedish massage in Sweden, because they call it Classic or Classical massage and if it were to be associated
with any country it should be referred to as “Dutch massage”, the non-Swedish origin of Swedish massage
(quoted from Terry Mc Dermott). But we are not here to discuss the origins of these massage therapies. I just
gave you enough examples to show you that a particular country or region can be known for an indigenous
therapy. Ibig sabihin a therapy that is uniquely found in a specific locality, sa atin ba meron? Of course, last but
not the least our very own Hilot from the Pearl of the Orient, the Islands of the Philippines. My beloved country,
the home of unsung heroes and what most expatriates would consider the best place to retire in Asia.

Pagusapan muna natin ang Hilot. Isang indigenous therapy ng Pilipinas. When we say Hilot anong unang-
unang pumapasok sa isip mo? Hmmm……si Mang Kepweng? Ang Banahaw? Masahe? O si JR Siaboc sa
kanta niyang “Hilot”?

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 Philippine Indigenous Therapies with a Focus on Hilot by yunesa@yahoo.com 2

We have to accept that the diversity of each region also adds up to the diversity of hilot. “Hilot” has no one-
word English counterpart. At least, nothing that I have researched for nor can think of. Kung meron man po,
please let me know. What am I arriving at? Sa word pa lang na hilot, wala na itong katumbas sa ibang
lenguahe. Even the Philippine dialects have different translations of Hilot. In Botoc, it is known as “aplos”. In
Pangasinan, it is known as “kemkem”. In Bukidnon, it is known as “hagud”. In Ilocos, Zambales and Pampanga
it is known as “ilut” or “ilot”. Whatever the word is, “Hilot” is a Filipino traditional healing method or the Science
of Filipino healing arts. Hilot was also nominated as the Spa treatment of the year in 2005. Hilot has been in
existence even before the Spaniards came. Needless to say, we have to accept our regional diversity. Anong
pong ibig kong sabihin? We have two schools of thought regarding the use of hilot: one as a traditional healing
therapy and the other for relaxation. For example, a “hilot” practitioner in one locality may practice different
techniques than a hilot practitioner in another locality. We will touch on the methodologies and how some
Hilots practice their craft later. If we were to define hilot, there is no one rigid definition of hilot and how to
perform hilot. Even the word “hilot” means either the verb hilot or a noun that refers to a practitioner of hilot.
Example, Hilot (noun) Ikang (a fictitious name) may start her therapy session on the head while Hilot Ambo
would start on the client’s back. Who would dare say that any of these practices are incorrect? Should Hilot be
rigid? We have to accept that traditionally, hilot is practiced through folk medicine and thus cannot be placed in
a box. Some principles can be explained by Science and some we just have to accept that even in Hilot, some
questions in this world can never be answered by a finite mind. Pero hindi ibig sabihin na hindi effective ang
hilot. Hindi porke hindi natin mai-explain ang hilot ay hindi na tayo maniniwala sa efficacy nito. For example,
hindi ibig sabihin na porke hindi natin maipaliwanag ang pag-ibig, ay hindi na tayo maniniwala na wala ngang
pag-ibig. Ganun din sa hilot. There maybe a few practices that cannot be explained by Science, but it doesn’t
mean it is not effective.

The “Hilot” principle is traditionally validated. Hilot is not based on strokes and techniques but based on strokes
with principles, kaya huwag kang umasa na ang isang hilot sa Ilocos Norte ay kapareho ng isang pag-practice
ng hilot sa Visayas region. Although, they have similarities, they also have differences.

Sino ba itong ating mga Manghihilot? Manghihilots or Hilots are Filipino traditional healers based in
communities who deliver health services. During the Spaniards and American era this was largely ignored and
suppressed. The cost of a consultation is free or voluntary. Bakit nga ba walang mayayaman na Hilot?
Because our old manghihilots before believe that it lessens the “Hilot’s” healing powers. Noong araw, hindi
pumupunta ang isang tao sa isang Manghihilot kung wala siyang nararamdaman. Therefore as doctors have

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 Philippine Indigenous Therapies with a Focus on Hilot by yunesa@yahoo.com 3
specializations, hilots also have their own specialty. Common categories of hilots: arbolarios (folk doctors),
herbalist (manganganga or arbolaryo or herbolaryo), obstetrician (partera, nagpapa anak or comadrona).
Siyempre as we have evolved into modern Science naging less and less ang pag depende natin sa Hilot.

What then is unique about Hilot? If it isn’t the technique? As I quote Engr./Dr. Babiano Fajardo, “the
uniqueness of Hilot embodies the sincerity, respect, understanding, discipline and service to the community
and nature.” So does this mean walang karapatan ang sinuman na maging Hilot kung walang sincerity,
respect, understanding and discipline? Plus service to the community and nature? Wow! This means “Hilot” is
actually a healer’s lifestyle. It embodies the wholeness of a person practicing hilot.

If I were a client, what should I expect during a hilot session? Well marami, to name a few, Hilots may perform
body scanning at the client’s back. Some of hilot’s diagnostic methodologies include: pulse reading, thermal
diagnosis (hot and cold), phrenology/physiognomy, urine, skin and perspiration analysis. Some hilot
practitioners apply warm strips of herbs or banana leaves before and after a massage. Most hilot practitioners
use “coconut lana” or oil from coconut or use virgin coconut oil to lace these herbs which are then applied on
the client’s skin. These leaves are naturally ionized they said and possess astringent and cleansing properties.
Sometimes a client will also be asked to bathe (“banyos”) in a warm or lukewarm solution of guava leaves for
15 to 20 minutes before a hilot session. The guava leaves, especially the shoots, are boiled and while still hot
placed in a container, normally a pail of water and then bathed by the client warm or lukewarm. There is also
the practice of “oslob” or “suob”, this is the steam inhalation of dried aromatic herbs usually” Bayabas (guava),
sambong, lemon grass in a basin for 5 to 10 minutes. Sometimes an arbolaryo will ask you to chew young
guava leaves and swallowed to help in coagulation. If one has a fresh wound like during circumcision, the
guava leaves can be masticated then applied externally to minimize bleeding. Herbs normally used during hilot
are sambong, lagundi and tanglad. The common oils used naman are: lemon grass, ylang- ylang, peppermint
and ginger.

Manghihilots or Hilots (the noun version) believe that everything is labeled hot or cold thus, the term “may
lamig ka”. On a massage point of view, these are called “knots” or “nodules” which needs to be kneaded during
a massage. These accumulate when the body is exposed to too much warmth then and exposure to coldness
in temperature or may result from abrupt changes in temperature. Di ba in Science, any strenuous activity that
makes us tired and sweaty pores open especially during a hot climate then when we expose ourselves in an
air-conditioned room, the result of which is a disruption of the natural internal balance. So “Hilots” would warn
parents to keep infants dry kasi malalamigan especially the bumbunan (or the anterior fontanelles). If you
have sprain, you go to a “hilot” if you need to be kneaded, you also go to a hilot. There are certain

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contraindications sa massage na pwede sa hilot meron din namang contraindicated sa hilot na pwede sa
massage. To differentiate some methodologies of massage and hilot, in massage, generally, hindi pwedeng i-
massage ang may sprain (sprain is contraindicated in massage, not in hilot). Sa hilot naman pwede. Sa
massage (as thought by Western countries, you can take a bath after a massage but never in hilot) pwede
naman maligo after a massage, pero sa authentic Hilot hindi pwede.

There are also several indigenous therapies, not only hilot to name a few: we have “Kolkolis” or “Dagdagay”, a
foot massage originating from Mt. Province, Sagada, Tadian. Sometimes pine sticks are applied like drum
sticks on the feet.

We also have “tapik kawayan” tapping of thin bamboo sticks used to release energy blockage. Thus, we have
spas that offer a variation of this like the bamboo massage.

There are several publications authored by Filipinos and you might want to check these out: They are available
either online, through local bookstores, organizations and associations, etc.

Aklat sa Paghihilot (Book of Remedial Massage)

By Victor Taruc Jauco

Alamin ang Ating Mga Halamang Gamot

By Julio Silverio (at Anvil Publishing in the Philippines)

Cosmetic Uses of Philippines Medicinal Herbs

By Dietmar Rummel

The Healing Hand of Hilot: Filipino Therapeutic Massage

By Cornelio Evangelista (on Amazon.com)

Healing Ourselves, a Guide to Creative Responses and Self-Reliant Medicine

By Julio P. Silverio

Healing Wonders of Water: Guide to effective hydrotherapy (Unknown Binding)

By Herminia de Guzman (on Amazon.com)

Healing Wonders of Herbs: Guide to the effective use of medicinal plants

By Herminia de Guzman (on Amazon.com)

Healing Wonders of Diet

By Blacenda Miranda Varosa, Godoy and David Ursula Varona

Hilot the Filipino Traditional Massage

By Doctor Jaime Galvez Tan

The Filipino Massage

Barrientos Technique Reflexopressure Aromassage
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 Philippine Indigenous Therapies with a Focus on Hilot by yunesa@yahoo.com 5
By Mavic Lao Barrientos

Health and Wellness Tourism

Regulation, Trends and Challenges
By Nancy Joan M. Javier, Ll.M. (on Amazon.com)

Hilot, Ang Aklat

By Engr. Babiano Fajardo
Available at ATHAG or the Association of Traditional Health Aid Givers, Inc.

History of Philippine Medicine and the PMA

Conrado S. Dayrit, Perla Dizon Santos-Ocampo and Eduardo de la Cruz

The Home Spa Recipe

By Melissa Pizana-Cruz

Healing Ourselves
By Jake G. Tan (at Anvil Publishing in the Philippines)

Forever Young
By Cory Quirino (at Anvil Publishing in the Philippines)

Magicians of God: Faith Healers in the Philippines and Around the World
By Jaime Licauco (on Amazon.com) (at Anvil Publishing in the Philippines)

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The first informational blog regarding spa, massage therapy, beauty and wellness with a focus on the
Philippines. Eunice’s blog and updates are found in this link www.yunesa.blogspot.com

Some articles written by Eunice, which you can view, read, download and print for FREE. Just click on the
links:

What term should really be used?

Client, Patient, Customer, At Iba Pa
Masseur, Massagist, Massage Therapist, At Iba Pa
http://yunesa.blogspot.com/2009/03/client-patient-customer-at-iba-pa.html

Is the spa, massage therapy and wellness industry included in the Top Businesses to start in these times of
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Top Businesses to Start in Uncertain Times/Sluggish Economy
http://yunesa.blogspot.com/2009/02/top-businesses-to-start-in-uncertain.html

If you are an employer these are the things you should ask, or if you are a prospective applicant, job seeker or
someone who interviews people, this article can help you answer and ask/probe questions:
http://yunesa.blogspot.com/2009/02/suggested-interview-questions-and.html

Are you a smart boss, staff or employee? This article will give secrets on how to become a Smartest Spa,
Massage Therapist/Practitioner.
http://yunesa.blogspot.com/2009/02/smartest-spa-massage-therapist-ang.html

Do you want to know the right type of massage for you? Do you you want to know the common types of

Updated 7/14/2009
 Philippine Indigenous Therapies with a Focus on Hilot by yunesa@yahoo.com 6
massage and how it is practiced? This article will give you the glimpse of massage therapies locally and
abroad:
The Basics of Massage Therapy (Massage 101)
http://yunesa.blogspot.com/2009/02/basics-of-massage-therapy-massage.html

Do you want to know how much capital you need to start your own spa, massage clinic or wellness center? Do
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http://yunesa.blogspot.com/2009/02/organizing-opening-starting-putting-up.html

Are you tired of putting up with sexually charged clients? Do you know how to handle sexual harassment in the
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Preventing/ Avoiding Sexual Advances during a Spa or Massage
session50 ways of Handling Client Advances
http://yunesa.blogspot.com/2009/02/preventing-or-avoiding-sexual-advances.html

Do you want to know about Hilot, Dagdagay and other indigenous therapies of the Philippines? If yes, then
read on!
A Wee-bit of Philippine Indigenous Therapies with a Focus on Hilot
http://yunesa.blogspot.com/2009/02/wee-bit-of-philippine-indigenous.html

Rules and Regulations on How to Become a Licensed Massage Therapist in the Philippines through the help
of the Department of Health, here is the new update:
How to Be a Licensed Massage Therapist in the Philippines
http://yunesa.blogspot.com/2009/02/how-to-be-licensed-massage-therapist.html

Licensure, Accreditation, Certification and Assessment

http://yunesa.blogspot.com/2009/02/licensure-certification-accreditation.html

On anti-aging and Physical Appearances

http://yunesa.blogspot.com/2009/02/on-anti-aging-and-physical-appearances.html

How to renew a Massage Therapy License in the Philippines:

http://yunesa.blogspot.com/2009/05/license-renewal-for-massage-therapy-in.html

If you want to be updated of spa, massage and wellness activities and events or be a part of a support group
What is Meetup all about?
http://yunesa.blogspot.com/2009/06/everybodys-meetup-dito-po-sa-atin.html

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 Philippine Indigenous Therapies with a Focus on Hilot by yunesa@yahoo.com 7
1. You can order it online via www.Amazon.com at 34.95$
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Business Worksheets for Spa and Massage Business in the Philippines (Excel and Word format/program
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This article is written by: Eunice Estipona a spa consultant, mentor, advisor, speaker and lecturer. One of her
advocacies is to make healing and information regarding the field of spa, massage and wellness accessible
and affordable to everyone. If you are serious about turning your business or practice around, making the right
decisions, getting an unbiased opinion and knowing where to get help, for lectures and other concerns she can
be contacted at yunesa@yahoo.com or +639184745685. To find out how she can help you take your business
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These along with hundreds of resources found locally and abroad are contained in “The Spa, Massage and
Wellness Resource and Career Book”, the first book of resource information to know more about the Spa,
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and other Asian countries. You can view, read, download and print for FREE the book’s summary at this link
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Career-Book

If you are a spa, massage therapy and wellness information seeker the resources contained in the book for
you. This book is a collection of data and valuable information regarding the spa and massage industry in a
global perspective with a focus on the Philippines. Her advocacy in writing the book is to make “unbiased”
information regarding the field of spa, massage and wellness resources and career, accessible and affordable
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Updated 7/14/2009