Hilot, a traditional Filipino healing art, remains deeply woven into the country’s cultural fabric. While it offers a holistic approach to health, its effectiveness sparks debate among healthcare professionals and patients alike.
For centuries, this technique has provided an accessible option for many Filipinos, particularly in rural areas. But in a modern healthcare landscape that values evidence-based medicine, questions arise: Can Hilot coexist with modern practices, or does it risk causing more harm than good?
What is Hilot?
Hilot is a traditional Filipino healing practice rooted in the country’s indigenous culture. It is best known for its holistic approach, which combines physical therapies, natural remedies, and spiritual elements to address health concerns.
At the centre of this practice is the manghihilot, a traditional healer who performs Hilot treatments. In an interview with Medical Channel Asia, Rev. Roland Gomez Comon aka Apu Adman Aghama, a lead advocate of Philippine Indigenous Traditional Medicine Hilot and Executive Director of the Hilot Academy, shared more about manghihilot:
“The knowledge, skills, abilities, and attitude of a manghihilot are taught through observation and experience, either through apprenticeship from a Hilot Master or out of compassion—just like a mother who applies cures to her sick child.”
They are regarded as both physical and spiritual healers, as their work often involves not just the body, but also the patient’s energy or spiritual well-being.
The most recognisable aspect of Hilot is its massage therapy. Manghihilots use their hands to assess the body, identify imbalances, and apply various techniques to relieve pain, improve circulation, and align bones.
This diagnostic touch is sometimes combined with herbal remedies, like medicinal oils or compresses, to enhance the healing process.
Hilot practitioners also incorporate rituals, prayers, or chants, which reflect the spiritual foundations of this practice.
Saba is a content specialist with a passion for writing about healthcare. In her free time, she enjoys reading, taking long walks in the park, and enjoying the outdoors. With her writing, she hopes that more individuals will be empowered to advocate for their health.
