What is Traditional Healing?

Traditional Healing is the oldest form of structured medicine, that is a medicine that has an underlying set of
principles by which it is practiced. It is the medicine from which all later forms of medicine developed,
including Chinese medicine, Graeco-Arabic medicine, and of course also modern Western medicine.
Traditional Healing was originally an integral part of semi-nomadic and agricultural tribal societies, and
although archeological evidence for its existence only dates back to around 14,000 B.C., its origins are
believed to lie much further back and probably predate the last Ice-Age.
Its practice is totally founded on healing knowledge that has been accumulated over thousands of years, and
upon the healer's personal experience, which includes his/her awareness of, and sense of unity with the natural
world, as well as his/her understanding of the different levels of consciousness within the human psyche.
Traditional Healers see the universe as a living intelligence that operates according to natural laws that
manifest according to specific rules and correspondences, and exercise their inner conviction that the purpose
of life and the nature of disease cannot be understood without a knowledge of these laws and the individual's
relationship to the natural world.
There were and of course still are regional differences between the way Traditional Healers apply their
knowledge, but this is simply a pragmatic adaptation by the Traditional Healer, because he/she cannot perform
their role in a way that is isolated from the cultural perceptions and belief patterns of those whom they treat.
Traditional Healers practice in a different way than practitioners from other types of medicine.
 Traditional Healers practice "World Medicine", that is the medicine that originally was, and still is the
heritage of all humanity. Their medicine is free from the philosophical layers that have been added
over the centuries to other traditional medicines as a result of political and religious pressures. As such
Traditional Healers contend that they are practicing with a clarity of concept that has in most cases
been lost from other traditional medicines.
 Traditional Healers are truly holistic and understand the mind-body relationship. They consider humans
to be complete beings that cannot survive as component parts, and therefore hold that true health
represent an integrated state of well-being that includes the body and the mind. They therefore belief
that ill-health cannot be treated effectively by experts that treat components of the individual in
isolation; and that the natural harmony called health can only be restored by an integrated and holistic
approach that incorporates both the physical and the "mind" aspects of the individual.
 Traditional Healers use natural methods of treatment, because these were the resources that have
nurtured the human race - and in fact all life - since the beginning of time. Traditional Healing
treatments are always integrated and involve a combination of approaches such as counseling,
nutritional therapy, herbal medicine, reflex therapy and other physical therapeutics.
 Traditional Healers used to be taught by other Traditional Healers with many years experience, by
means of an "apprenticeship" that would take a minimum of 7 years, and usually much more. These
days however most Traditional Healers have a combination of formal higher education as well as
having been mentored for an extended period by a more experienced Traditional Healer.
 Traditional Healers have strong ethical principles that they extend to all life. They believe it is their duty
to foster life in all its forms and to alleviate suffering. They also believe that Nature's laws must be
obeyed in order to avoid decline and ultimate disaster.
http://www.traditionalmedicine.net.au/tradheal.htm

Alternative Medical Systems

Alternative medical systems are entire systems of health theory and practice (including traditional Chinese
medicine, Ayurvedic medicine, naturopathy, and homeopathy) that developed separately from conventional
medicine. These systems typically use a variety of methods that fall under the CAM umbrella (herbal remedies,
manipulative practices). 
Alternative medicine is a term that describes medical treatments that are used instead of traditional (mainstream)
therapies. Some people also refer to it as “integrative,” or “complementary” medicine.

Alternative Medical Healing

The individual seeks out, consents, allows, encourages and participates in a one or many forms of alternative
medical treatment programs, that is in a discipline or disciplines other than in a standard Western allopathic
medical setting. This could include disciplines such as osteopathy, chiropractic, naturopathy, acupuncture or
acupressure, massage, use of herbs, Oriental medicine, etc.

In the above situation the individual allows and accepts treatments with the clear intention of “getting better,”
“returning to wellness,” or of “being healed.”
Alternative Healing

The individual seeks out some form of healing which he or she has confidence in or some intention that it will
cause healing or help them to “get better,” “return to wellness,” “heal” or “be healed.” 

This could include self counseling, defense programs, meditation, shamanism, the use of jewelry, gemstones,
colors, horoscopes, divinations or self created programs not related to a specific organized healing discipline.

Alternative medicine: Alternative medicine is the term for medical products and practices that are not part of
standard care. Standard care is what medical doctors, doctors of osteopathy, and allied health professionals,
such as nurses and physical therapists, practice. Alternative medicine is used in place of standard medical care.
An example is treating heart disease with chelation therapy (which seeks to remove excess metals from the
blood) instead of using a standard approach. Examples of alternative practices include homeopathy, traditional
medicine, chiropractic, and acupuncture. Complementary medicine is different from alternative medicine.
Whereas complementary medicine is used together with conventional medicine, alternative medicine is used in
place of conventional medicine. See also complementary medicine, conventional medicine.

Acupuncture
This is a traditional Chinese medicine technique that uses needles to stimulate specific points around the body. The
person who performs this therapy (an acupuncturist) sticks thin, sterile needles into your skin. The goal is to help
your body’s natural healing process kick in. Studies show that acupuncture can be effective in treating a number of
conditions, like neck and back pain, nausea, anxiety, depression, insomnia, infertility, and more.
What are the different types of CAM?
Many different areas make up the practice of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). In addition,
many parts of one field may overlap with the parts of another field. For example, acupuncture is also used in
conventional medicine. In the U.S., CAM is used by about 2 in 5 adults and about 1 in 10 children. Below are
some examples of CAM.
Traditional alternative medicine
This field includes the more mainstream and accepted forms of therapy such as acupuncture, homeopathy, and
Oriental practices. These therapies have been used for centuries around the world. Traditional alternative
medicine may include:
 Acupuncture
 Ayurveda
 Homeopathy
 Naturopathy
 Chinese or Oriental medicine
Body
Touch has been used in medicine since the early days of medical care. Healing by touch is based on the idea
that illness or injury in one area of the body can affect all parts of the body. By using manual
manipulation, other parts can be brought back to optimum health. Then the body can fully focus on healing at
the site of injury or illness. Body techniques are often combined with those of the mind. Examples of body
therapies include:
 Chiropractic and osteopathic medicine
 Massage
 Body movement therapies
 Tai chi
 Yoga
Diet and herbs
Over the centuries, people have gone from a simple diet of meats, fruits, vegetables, and grains to a diet that
often has foods rich in fats, oils, and complex carbohydrates. Having too much or too little nutrition has become
problems in today's society. Either can lead to certain chronic diseases. Many dietary and herbal approaches
attempt to balance the body's nutritional well-being. Dietary and herbal approaches may include:
 Dietary supplements
 Herbal medicine
 Nutrition or diet
External energy
Some people believe external energies from objects or other sources directly affect a person's health. An
example of external energy therapy is:
 Electromagnetic therapy
 Reiki
 Qigong
Mind
Even standard or conventional medicine recognizes the power of the connection between mind and body.
Studies have found that people heal better if they have balanced emotional and mental health. Therapies using
the mind may include:
 Meditation
 Biofeedback
 Hypnosis
Senses
Some people believe the senses of touch, sight, hearing, smell, and taste can affect overall health. Examples of
these therapies include:
 Art, dance, and music
 Visualization and guided imagery

Western medicine 
A system in which medical doctors and other healthcare professionals (such as nurses, pharmacists, and
therapists) treat symptoms and diseases using drugs, radiation, or surgery. Also called allopathic medicine,
biomedicine, conventional medicine, mainstream medicine, and orthodox medicine.
It is the type of medical treatment that is the most popular in North America and
Western European countries, based on the use of drugs and surgery to treat symptoms (=signs of illness)

Western medicine is the term used to describe the treatment of medical conditions with medications, by doctors,
nurses and other conventional healthcare providers who employ methods developed according to Western
medical and scientific traditions. Other names for Western medicine include traditional medicine or allopathic
medicine. It differs from Eastern, or alternative, medicine, in its approach to treatment, which relies heavily
upon industrially produced medications and a strict adherence to the formal scientific process.
Western medicine encompasses all types of conventional medical treatment, including surgery, chemotherapy,
radiation, and physical therapy. The practitioners of Western medicine are doctors, nurses, physical,
occupational, and respiratory therapists. Generally, anyone visiting a doctor's office or hospital will receive
allopathic treatment.
The main benefit of traditional medicine is that the work of allopathic practitioners is subject to rigorous safety
and effectiveness protocols. Treatments and medications pass a strict review before a patient can receive them.
While some Eastern medicine treatments have been the subject of clinical trials and long-term studies, they are
in the minority.
Western medicine has a long history of safety to back up various treatment protocols. Before a new treatment or
drug is approved for use on the public, it goes through an extensive testing process, first in the laboratory, and
then through several layers of patient testing. Some people become frustrated with Western medicine because
the approval process for new treatments is so lengthy. For people with concerns about the type of treatment they
are receiving for a particular condition, there is no reason to abandon conventional medicine. Clinical trials
allow many patients to take advantage of new treatment protocols before they receive official approval.

Philippine Traditional and Alternative Medicine

 
Traditional medicine has been practiced since ancient times in every culture throughout the world and has been
an integral part of human evolution and development.
The evolution of Philippine traditional medicine is an interesting study that is influenced by religion, mysticism,
magic, superstition, folkloric herbalism and western medicine.
Philippine’s common traditional medicine practitioners include the following:
 hilot or manghihilot acts as a midwife, a chiropractor or massage therapist to promote health and healing,
 Tawas or mangtatawas, this practitioner uses alum, candles, smoke, paper, eggs and other mediums to
diagnose the cause of illness associated by prayers and incanteations
 albularyo, a general practitioner who uses a combination of healing modalities that may include prayers,
incantations, mysticism and herbalism. Albularyos claim to draw healing powers from a supernatural source
(shamanism)
 Medico, a general practitioner similar to an albularyo but integrates western medicine to promote healing.
 Faith healers, a practitioner who claims divine power bestowed by the Holy Spirit or God. A patient is
required to have faith and believe in divine powers to effect healing
These traditional medical practitioners covers a wide spectrum of practices and differs from one another. Even
in this modern times where information and advanced science has greatly progressed, traditional medicine still
enjoys a large following most especially in rural areas.
In recognition of the deep seated practice of traditional medicine as an alternative modality for treating and
preventing diseases in the Philippines, the Department of Health (DOH) through its former Secretary Juan M.
Flavier launched the Traditional Medicine Program in 1992. This program aims to promote an effective and
safe use of traditional medicine,
Then President Fidel V. Ramos appreciated the importance of the traditional medicine program and signed into
law Republic Act 8423 (R.A. 8423), otherwise known as the Traditional and Alternative Medicine Act
(TAMA) of 1997. This gave rise to the creation of Philippine Institute of Traditional and Alternative Health
Care (PITAHC) which is tasked to promote and advocates the use of traditional and alternative health care
modalities through scientific research and product development
Since then the Philippine Department of Health (DOH) through its “Traditioinal Health Program” has endorsed
10 medicinal plants to be used as herbal medicine in Philippines due to its health benefits.

The following are the 10 Medicinal Plants in the Philippines endorsed by DOH:
 Akapulko (Cassia alata) a medicinal plant called “ringworm bush or schrub” and “acapulco” in English,
this Philippine herbal medicine is used to treat tinea infections, insect bites, ringworms, eczema, scabies and
itchiness.
 Ampalaya (Momordica charantia) Common names include “bitter melon ” or “bitter gourd ” in English.
This Philippine herbal medicine has been found to be effective in the treatment of diabetes (diabetes
mellitus), hemofrhoids, coughs, burns and scalds, and being studied for anti-cancer properties.
 Bawang (Allium sativum) Common name in english is “Garlic”. Bawang is a used in Philippine herbal
medicine to treat infection with antibacterial, antiinflammatory, anti-cancer and anti-hypertensive properties.
It is widely used to reduce cholesterol level in blood.
 Bayabas (Psidium guajava) – “Guava” in English. A Philippine herbal medicine used as antiseptic, anti-
inflammatory, anti-spasmodic, antioxidant hepatoprotective, anti-allergy, antimicrobial, anti-plasmodial,
anti-cough, antidiabetic, and antigenotoxic in folkloric medicine.
 Lagundi (Vitex negundo) – known as “5-leaved chaste tree” in english is used in Philippine herbal
medicine to treat cough, colds and fever. It is also used as a relief for asthma & pharyngitis, rheumatism,
dyspepsia, boils, and diarrhea.
 Niyog-niyogan (Quisqualis indica L.) – is a vine known as “Chinese honey suckle”. This Philippine herbal
medicine is used to eliminate intestinal parasites.
 Sambong (Blumea balsamifera)– English name: “Ngai camphor or Blumea camphor” is a Philippine herbal
medicine used to treat kidney stones, wounds and cuts, rheumatism, anti-diarrhea, anti spasms, colds and
coughs and hypertension
 Tsaang Gubat (Ehretia microphylla Lam.) – English :”Wild tea” is a Philippine herbal medicine taken as
tea to treat skin allergies including eczema, scabies and itchiness wounds in child birth
 Ulasimang Bato | Pansit-Pansitan (Peperomia pellucida) is a Phillipine herbal medicine known for its
effectivity in treating arthritis and gout.
 Yerba Buena (Clinopodium douglasii) – commonly known as Peppermint, is used in Philippine herbal
medicine as analgesic to relive body aches and pain due to rheumatism and gout. It is also used to treat
coughs, colds and insect bites

CULTURE-SPECIFIC SYNDROMES/ ILLNESSES

Buyag is another form of superstition that stems from animistic or traditional beliefs not only among Cebuanos
but also to most Filipinos.
It is their way of understanding natural occurrences, especially on somebody for which they don’t fully
understand what the main causes are of the medical/scientific explanation of such an occurrence.

One sign or effect of a ‘buyag’ is a physical illness on someone who is afflicted by it. One of the main reasons
for ‘buyag’ to occur is that the person afflicted did not ask the permission from the spirit living in a particular
place where the person did something.
Another reason is that the person afflicted did something disturbing in a place which is secluded or enchanted –
where some spirits live in that realm.

Physical sickness caused by buyag

Some results caused by buyag could be both mild or serious…
 mild cases: skin rashes, strange discoloration, itchiness, sudden occurrence of boils, etc.
  serious cases: getting fever or sick suddenly; or, one could get sick for a long time and that she needs a
cure from someone who is expert in driving away that sickness or appease the spirit that caused that
sickness – an ‘arbularyo’.
This person is thougth to have some special skills to heal by using indigenous medicine combined with his
seemingly extra ability to communicate with spirits in another realm. ‘Buyag’ can afflict both young children,
babies, and adults.

Sources or Causes of Buyag

Actually buyag can come from the spirits who live in some especial places, or it can be caused by someone who
made a comment to someone. The comment or greeting could be the greeting-inducer of a malady.

For example, the verbally-induced malady (or ‘buyag’) can come from a greeting or comment as benign as
saying…
- “You look really good today!”
- “Your child is so pretty”
- “Your baby is so cute”
- “You have a very nice skin!”

Such greetings should be countered with a special expression so as not to be afflicted by a mild sickness or even
a malady. You can say: “Puyra buyag” (means – “Buyag go away”). It could be related to the loanword in
Spanish: “Fuera” buyag.

"Puyra (Pwera) Usog"

Usog is usually dignosed in most children (or babies) than among adults. Usog is commonly associated with
flatulence (‘kabag’ in Visayan); or, commonly called “fart”. 

The most common symptom of “usog”, if obviously abdominal (flatulence, nausea, vomiting, distention,
tympany), or sudden distressful crying. This can be caused in reaction to a greeting or comment by another who
may had said a sickness or malady inducing statement, which could be similar expressions that causes ‘buyag’
as mentioned above.

So, to counter ‘usog’ one can simply say “Pwera usog!” (Fuera usog), which can adequately prevent this illness
to occur. However, if the signs of ‘usog’ is already in existence some form of ritualistic therapy must be done. 

A parent of the child can apply any indigenous plant (a leaf , for example – bayabas (guava)) to the child’s
afflicted area. Or, a medico or ‘arbularyo’ should be called in to perform both the therapy and prayer rituals
saying “Pwera usog” and/or “Pwera buyag”.
In addition, the ‘arbularyo’ may include the use of ‘bulong’ or two whispered prayers to the afflicted
child/person. The results could be dramatic, abate the sickness, and make everyone feel relieved and happy
again!

Filipino Traditional Healing

Hundreds of years ago, our forefathers relied on traditional healing methods to cure maladies, heal wounds and
recover from sicknesses. In every baranggay or kingdom, there exists a group of individuals who are experts in
health care and healing. These fellows are very secretive and protective of their craft, thus, 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.

Today, the tradition still continues, but the people who once were an essential part of our societies have been
replaced largely by the Western Medicine. No longer does a modern Filipino run to the local albularyo, instead,
we go to a clinic or a hospital. While it is true that western medicine has shown its efficacy in resolving health
problems like the most life threatening ones to minor cuts and wounds, their philosophy and system overlooks
intentionally certain aspects of how the body works.

Filipino Traditional Healing operates on a very different manner. Our ancient healers believed in a concept of
health which states that imbalances are caused by environmental factors that affect us mentally, emotionally,
spiritually and physically. Should these imbalances remain unaddressed, deterioration of our physical selves
begin to set in. Our ancestors understand that the human body is gifted with the capacity to recuperate itself but
with the existence of imbalances, recovery would be an uphill climb or otherwise impossible.
 The ancients identified four elements that exist within our bodies. These are Earth, Water, Air and Fire. Earth
elements deal basically with digestive organs and digestion process, Water element deals with water-related
organs and processes, Air element with lungs basically, and Fire element, which is the by-product or in much
better words, the synergy of the functioning of Earth, Water and Air. Health is a balance or correct function of
all these elements and their respective processes, sickness is the reverse.

Since centuries ago, it has been the duties of Filipino Traditional Healers to maintain the balance of these
elements in the bodies of the people in their care. Technology was developed to once again align the human
body function and eliminate imbalances. The "albularyos" or the "maestros" were experts in making herbal
medicines that do not aggravate any organs or complex natural processes in the our bodies like acidity,
alkalinity, cleansing, etc. They were also proficient in neuro-electrical properties of the human body, used in
diagnostic procedures and correction of imbalances by means of physical manipulation, more commonly
referred to as "hilot."

There are still other forms of Traditional Healing in the Philippines, but it is more complex and harder to grasp.
These other forms are also prone to abuse and mockery so a deeper explanation on another article may be
necessary to get the message right.

While not all Filipino Traditional Healers have an in-depth understanding of these details discussed here, their
ways, techniques, skills and knowledge revolve along this philosophy. Sometimes the healers just focus on the
skill and techniques, while ignoring the higher function of being a "manggagamot." The fact is, every one else,
including their patients focus on the cure, whereas sickness can be prevented. Our healers specialize in
prevention also, and according to them, it starts with the mind and the way we eat. Unfortunately, those are the
most challenging things to change

HEALTH AS A HUMAN RIGHT

According to World Health Organization (WHO)

“The right to the highest attainable standard of health” implies a clear set of legal obligations on states to
ensure appropriate conditions for the enjoyment of health for all people without discrimination.
The right to health is one of a set of internationally agreed human rights standards, and is inseparable or
‘indivisible’ from these other rights. This means achieving the right to health is both central to, and
dependent upon, the realisation of other human rights, to food, housing, work, education, information, and
participation.

The right to health, as with other rights, includes both freedoms and entitlements:
 Freedoms include the right to control one’s health and body (for example, sexual and reproductive rights)
and to be free from interference (for example, free from torture and non-consensual medical treatment and
experimentation).
 Entitlements include the right to a system of health protection that gives everyone an equal opportunity to
enjoy the highest attainable level of health.
 The WHO Constitution (1946) envisages “…the highest attainable standard of health as a fundamental right
of every human being.”
 Understanding health as a human right creates a legal obligation on states to ensure access to timely,
acceptable, and affordable health care of appropriate quality as well as to providing for the underlying
determinants of health, such as safe and potable water, sanitation, food, housing, health-related information
and education, and gender equality.
 The right to health must be enjoyed without discrimination on the grounds of race, age, ethnicity or any other
status. Non-discrimination and equality requires states to take steps to redress any discriminatory law,
practice or policy.

According to the 1987 Philippine Constitution

Article II
Section 15. The State shall protect and promote the right to health of the people and instill
health consciousness among them.
Section 16. The State shall protect and advance the right of the people to a balanced and
healthful ecology in accord with the rhythm and harmony of nature.
ARTICLE XIII
HEALTH
Section 11. The State shall adopt an integrated and comprehensive approach to health
development which shall endeavor to make essential goods, health and other social services
available to all the people at affordable cost. There shall be priority for the needs of the
under-privileged, sick, elderly, disabled, women, and children. The State shall endeavor to
provide free medical care to paupers.
Section 12. The State shall establish and maintain an effective food and drug regulatory
system and undertake appropriate health, manpower development, and research, responsive
to the country's health needs and problems.
Section 13. The State shall establish a special agency for disabled person for their
rehabilitation, self-development, and self-reliance, and their integration into the mainstream
of society.

MEDICAL PLURALISM

Medical pluralism can be defined as the employment of more than one medical system or the use of both
conventional and complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) for health and illness. It is the existence of
more than one health care system operating in the same cultural space.

Pluralism, parallel medical practices and the question of tension: the Philippines experience

Md. Nazrul Islam (Department of Sociology, University of Hong Kong)

This study was set in the urban slum of Balubad, located in Marikina city, The Philippines.

The study elicited evidence that 'tension' among different healers who practice their expertise within the same
community does not necessarily exist in all cases. Everybody appears strongly secure in their own business
without creating any threats or inconvenience for others. It also seems to a certain extent that modern doctors
perceive alternative practitioners negatively, but this does not produce any tension. Alternative healers are
respectful of biomedical physicians and their practices because doctors are also seen as part of a modern society
in which medical doctors are respected people. Since there is no discontent amongst the healers, finding a way
of integrating different healing systems within a single national system is not essential for the community
respondents and healers. Most of the healers I interviewed do not want to come together but would prefer to
stay separate. The majority of community respondents also perceive that it is better if they stay separate.

The existence of different kinds of medical practices in the same community in a specific period of time is an
indication of medical pluralism in a non-Western setting. Balubad is an example of a setting where home
remedies, herbal, spiritual and biomedical systems function in parallel. The existence of different healers is
another significant aspect of health-seeking behaviour in this urban slum area. The state's health policies can
have a major impact thereon. In the case of the Philippines, the biomedical health system has a monopoly on
state health policy, and there is no major training/academic program for the alternative healers but only for the
biomedical professionals. Though a large number of alternative healers are practicing, serving a large number of
patients every day, their system of health care exists only in a very scattered and individualistic form. There is
no licensing, registration or legislation for them on the state level. This situation also increases the social
differences between medical doctors and alternative healers. Modern doctors do not believe or rely on the
expertise of alternative healers, thus they tend to ignore them. But it does not mean that this ignorance increases
the tense situation between these two groups. Alternative healers are respectful towards the modern doctors, yet
they do not want to be integrated in the mainstream health system. They prefer to stay parallel but separate.