Hundreds of years ago, our forefathers relied on traditional healing methods to cure diseases, heal

wounds and recover from sicknesses. In every barangay, there exists a group of individuals who are
experts in health care and healing. These fellows are very secretive and protective of their craft, because
of this not everyone could understand the way how they work. To many, it seems awesome and
magical, but in fact, it stems from a deep understanding of life and a developed system of manipulating
the human body.

A mananambal is a traditional healer in Cebuano society and a local medicinal doctor who resorts to
indigenous means of treating patients who are in pain or have been long suffering from different forms
of illness caused by supernatural factors. In the barangay of Lanao, there is a mananambal named Jun
Bucasas whose healing powers are said to be the gift of God to him and one of his healing practices is
tutho (saliva-blowing).

Tutho (saliva-blowing) is the mild spitting of saliva to the patient (commonly on the head) coupled with
prayers. They have orasyons (chant) in which they will cite in a hushed manner then apply saliva on the
patient's (affected part). Tutho is the healing practice to treat seizures, "nuka-nuka", and buyag (hexes).
It is believed to be the one that can kill germs.

Tutho is also associated with other forms of healing practices. It can be paired in hilot. The “Manhihilot”
will hold the wrist of the patient and feel the pulse. Once he diagnosed the illness or the condition of his
patient he will use the special oil (lana) or leaves depending on the condition then he gently presses or
touches/massages it on the affected part. Then the Manhihilot will do a gesture of blowing (tutho) on
the affected area and a short prayer/citation is whispered by the Manhihilot once he is done.

According to Genera Carbonquillo, one of the believers of tutho, states that "I do believe in tutho
because many people claimed that it can cure illness. They also said that tutho can cure faster than
those prescribed medicines by doctors and it has lesser amount compared to the hospital's bill. If I don't
believe in tutho, I would not be healed. Believing in tutho is just like believing in Jesus and by that, I am
one of the living proof that tutho is a really effective healing method that's why it is still practiced until
now."

Truly, the Philippines is a mysterious country filled with secrets and uniqueness. The practices of
traditional healing are part of the Filipino culture that has been passed down through many generations
and is continuously being practiced until now.
Prepared by:

Shiedrick Bacolod

Shania Alleyne Taok

Richmie Punay

️‍Ivan Pepito️️‍♂️

️‍Rane Jay Arrabis️️‍♂️

️‍Nathane Conde️♂
️‍ ️

️‍Jeremy Amistoso️️‍♂️

Sources:

Jun Bucasas

Genera Carbonquillo