What is Hilot?
Hilot is a Filipino word used to describe a healer. Originating in the Philappines, Hilot is a hands-on healing art that involves intuition incorporated with massage. A Hilot therapist is called Manghihilot or Albularyo and is trained in massage and body-mind connections. Although Hilot is a deep-tissue massage, the touch is gentle.
The manghihilot, uses intuition to scan the body with hand touching to help to diagnose areas which are energetically imbalanced. With this information, the manghihilot can zero in on those specific areas needing work to provide balance and relief. Each session is unique because of the focus on treating problematic areas. Hilot is not the typical massage a person would seek out as a relaxation form of touch therapy. For this reason, you will not generally find this type of massage on a typical “menu” of massages to choose from in a general spa setting.
Since its focus is to identify problems in the body and correct them, a Hilot session may result in easing stress and relaxing tense muscles. The massage itself could actually be less than relaxing for some, and can even cause some deep tissue discomfort while the practitioner works on getting to the source of pain and works to bring balance to the client.
How the Manghihilot Identifies Imbalances
Much like a typical doctor visit, questions will likely be asked by the manghihilot or an inquiry sheet will be provided, allowing the client to provide their concerns or complaints as part of the full body assessment. The client’s pulse (strength, weakness, etc.) will be assessed to identify which (if any) of the four elements (air, earth, fire, or water) is lacking or overpowering. For example, too much fire energies would be too consuming, not enough water could mean stuck emotions, etc. The body would also be evaluated for coloring, temperature, sensitivities, obvious lumps, open sores, etc.
Benefits of Hilot Massage
- Balance and Harmony
- De-stresses
- Improved Circulation
- Enhanced Lifestyle
- Promotes Overall Wellness
Health Conditions Treated with Hilot
- Muscle Tension
- Stress
- Post Pregnancy Recovery
Hilot healing has a spiritual element in its roots. The manghihilot conducts a humbling ceremony or ritual prior to beginning treatment, reaching out to his ancestors for assistance. This ritual is intended as acknowledgement of wisdom as well as serving as an honoring tribute. Therapies that work hand-in-hand with Hilot include herbal treatments, cupping therapy, and stress management. Tools that may be incorporated into a Hilot treatment are coconut oil or coconut-laden banana leaves applied to the body in strips as a cleansing antiseptic, and various massage devices to assist with sustaining pressure on the body tissue and kneading tense muscles.
