Hilot

Hilot (pronounced hee-lot) means massage in Filipino translations. It is still an

existing alternative medical treatment in the Philippines for muscle pains and ailments
that are said to be uncurable by medical doctors. It was originated from ancient Filipino
doctors called albularyo (herbalist) and the manghihilot before the influence of Western
medicine became in the Philippines. The hilot practioners are called the manghihilot.
With the help of some herbal medicine like coconut oil or extract from banana leaves
combined with other herbal ingredients, hilot promotes healing effects. It is the oldest
and the most secret art of healing in the Philippines that only Filipino knows.
 Some manghihilot begins their treatment by feeling the pulse in the hand of their
patients to check if there are irregularities, and based on this, they can say if there are
misalignments in the skeletal system commonly addressed as bali or pilay to say that
there is something wrong with his patient. The manghihilot now applies oil on the skin to
help smoothen the massage process. A simple thug and presses will cause cracking
sounds, just like when a chiropractor works on his patients. Most common patients are
children whose fever cold and coughs refuse to go away. A single session which lasts a
few minutes is said to be enough to heal a strong fever or respiratory illness.

The other type of hilot is simply massage that focuses on muscular treatment,
specifically congestion. Unlike the other type of hilot that targets skeletal system, this
type of hilot targets the muscular system. A typical hilot of this type begins with
spreading of coconut oil in the skin; some techniques involve putting hot banana leaves
for relaxation. Then the manghihilot’s deft fingers will feel the body for areas of
congestion. Once the area of congestion is found, the manghihilot gently massages the
body using upward, circular or downward strokes. It only takes a few minutes for an
experienced manghihilot to find the congested areas.

These are just some of the several techniques used by traditional manghihilots.
The techniques vary in every province and traditional practices. The most important
thing is the application of ancient medical science.

Source:
imgurl:https://pitahc.gov.ph/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/massageA.png - Search (bing.com) The
Benefits of Couples Massage on Overall Health - Hello Doctor

Karryl P. Barnuevo
Ma. Angelica Bosito
Kyle Angela Cervas