Hilot

Hilot (/HEE-lot/) is an ancient Filipino art of healing. A manghihilot (Hilot practitioner) and the albularyo (herbalist) are usually cheaper alternatives to medical doctors in the Philippines, especially in very deep rural areas.

A Manghihilot employs chiropractic manipulation and massage for the diagnosis and treatment of musculoligamentous and musculoskeletal ailments. They also have been known to reset dislocated and sprained joints such as the knee, ankle, fingers and metacarpal bones. An Albularyo use herbs in addition to massage. The term hilot is also applied to traditional midwives, licensed or otherwise.

Hilot is a simple type of massage that originated in the Philippines. Like other Asian Massage techniques, Hilot employs a combination of Swedish and Shiatsu massage techniques using aromatheraphy for ambience, massage oil or virgin coconut oil.

See also

• Albularyo, a traditional Filipino herbalist
• Asian Massage, a traditional Filipino massage technique using herbal Oil
• Kulam, traditional Filipino witchcraft
• Folk medicine

Additional Reading

• Inquirer.net, Taking ‘hilot’ or touch therapy into the 21st century