I’ve spent most of my childhood waking up in the middle of the night to the scent of herbal oils. The “Manghihilot” pays my grandmother a visit each night to help relieve some of her joint pains. This helps her fall asleep and slows down her mind from the stress of the day. Aside from the occasional visits of the “Mangtatawas” to diagnose illnesses not visible to the naked eye, this was my early childhood memories of Hilot in the Philippines and I believe it is also when I started developing my gift.
My homeland, The Philippines boasts a long and complex history when it comes to healing practices. These practices were deeply rooted in animistic beliefs, with influences from Hinduism, Buddhism and Chinese medicine.
With the arrival of Spanish colonizers in the 16th century, the religious practices of the Philippines underwent a significant transformation. Catholicism became the dominant religion, and with it came many new healing traditions rooted in Western medicine. These practices focused on the use of surgical techniques, pharmaceutical drugs, and other Western medical practices that were designed to treat specific illnesses.
Despite these changes, many traditional healing practices continued to thrive in the Philippines even amid the influence of Western medical practices. Many Filipinos continued to turn to indigenous practitioners for healing, particularly in rural areas where Western medicine was less accessible. The blending of traditional and modern medical practices remained a hallmark of the Filipino approach to healing.
One of the most famous traditional healing practices in the Philippines is called Hilot, which dates back to pre-colonial times. This practice relieves all sort of physical and emotional pain, and it involves manipulation of the joints and nerves, bone setting, fumigation and incantations, focusing on the use of medicinal plants, the powerful vibration of uttered words and other natural remedies to restore health and balance to the body, soul and spirit.
One of our well known “Manghihilot” in the Philippines and also my teacher, Apu Adman, explains that Hilot is based on the belief that the Self is made up of Spirit, Soul and Body and that healing involves the physical and spiritual aspects of the Self. Therefore, the healing methods used are bespoke to the person. The common perception is that Hilot is just a massage and so this ancient healing tradition have been misunderstood by most in the modern times.In my recent visit to Ifugao, the north of the Philippines I spent time with another mentor and teacher, “Lagitan”, an 8th-generation Mumbaki (Filipino Shaman/Healer). He reflects on how traditional healing practices have been embodied in our community and can be revived through storytelling and communal gatherings. We shared an experience of reconnecting with our ancestors and learned that healing the land is connected to healing ourselves.
There is so much wisdom in these indigenous traditions if we only learn to listen with intention. Part of our mission in Hilot Hands is to preserve the uniqueness and value of our healing traditions and for it be recognised globally and be valued in the same way as we value Ayurveda, Yoga and Chinese Medicine.
Since 2020, Hilot Hands have been offering Hilot treatments to women going through difficult stages in their lives like grief, divorce and menopause. This approach has garnered Hilot Hands a loyal following among clients who are seeking an alternative to western medicine and mainstream approaches to wellness.
Hilot Hands has birthed The School of Kapwa (Kapwa is a Filipino core value meaning the unity of Self and Others) and is now offering its first course the “Level 3 Diploma in Hilot Therapy- The Filipino Indigenous Medicine”. This has been created with the support of ThinkTree Hub and guidance from Elders and Wisdom keepers.
Rather than just teaching a technique, this course aims to help individuals connect with themselves in order to facilitate their own healing and healing for others.
This 12-week blended learning course is both online and in person (10 days) in a retreat setting. The classes are taught in a more relaxed setting and inclusive of everyone.
Here’s what you will learn in this course:
- Level 3 Anatomy, Physiology and Pathology, Business Ethics and Health and Safety.
- History, Benefits and Philosophy of Hilot
- The different types of Hilot Diagnostics
- Indigenous Illnesses
- Integrating Hilot to your own physical and emotional well-being
- Practices for bringing balance and connection to the body
- Preparation of the Healing Space
- Ceremonies and Rituals
- Creating your own oil
- The Hilot treatment methods for application to your clients, including the Hilot Massage which is applied on-site on a mat on the floor and in a chair.
Case studies will then be submitted and students will gather in story circles with ancestral food and music and reflect and share their experience throughout the course.
A portion of the fees of the course will go to building a healing centre for practitioners of the Filipino ancestral medicine in the Philippines.
Course commences: September 2023
Deadline of registration: July 2023
If you would like to learn more about this course please email hilothands@gmail.com
Jutheanne Cruz (Dayang Alab Sikat) was born and raised in the Philippines. Her maternal lineage is from Iloilo in the Visayas region and her paternal lineage is from San Gabriel La Union in the North of the Philippines. Her mother was 16 when she was born. Most of the time she was left with her grandmother as her mom continued to go to school. She spent most of the time on her own writing on her journal, drawing things, playing in the garden or just doing anything creative to amuse herself.
Jutheanne used to get sick a lot and her mom would often have traditional Filipino healers at home to help her get better. Often, they say because of her “openness”, there are many entities following her around. As a little girl, she loved being held by her grandmother and waking up next to her with the smell of herbal oil. The “Manghihilot” would show her how to make an area of the body feel better through touch. She probably developed her gift through her hands as she grew up. While working as a make-up artist in London for ten years, she shared her love for touch and art with others. Her clients would always say how much they feel a lot calmer when she has touched them. Her spiritual awakening led her to open Hilot Hands just before COVID hit the UK. She worked with women who were going through tough life experiences and helped them regain their inner balance. Her grandmother sadly passed in 2014. Although she was unable to see her for the last time, Jutheanne can feel her presence whenever she holds and nurtures anyone or smells the herbal oil her grandmother used to use regularly. This feels like home to her. Through Hilot – Filipino Indigenous Medicine – Jutheanne dedicates her life to helping other women find their way back home.