Hilot massage is an intrinsic part of the holistic culture of the Philippines, and the Filipinos know this quite well. They would rather visit a manghihilot—a hilot massage healer—before they think of visiting a doctor.
A hilot massage helps treat sprains and torn ligaments, fever and cold, realign bones and relieve bodyaches and pains, including stomach, neck, shoulder, back and hip. Post-childbirth, it is administered to new mothers to heal their pelvic and stomach muscles. In Metro Manila, wellness centres such as the Nurture Wellness Village offers it. Before the massage, an evaluation form is filled in by the guest informing of any medical conditions, the type of pressure to be applied by the manghihilot and which areas of the body to focus on.
After changing into a disposable undergarment and wrapping the body with a sarong, the guest is requested to lie face down and close her eyes. The treatment starts with the playing of a ‘rain maker’—a musical instrument from Palawan, a scenic province of the Philippines. Also known as a ‘rain stick’, this instrument is made from bamboo and is cylindrically shaped. When it is shaken by the therapist, a sound similar to that of rain drops falling on a roof is heard.
This relaxing music is followed by the application of virgin coconut oil. Steamed saba banana leaves are placed on the back to ease frozen muscles. Saba is used since it has long leaves which have anti-bacterial and medicinal properties, explains Gessie, a manghihilot.
For the soles of the feet, two ‘dagdagay’ sticks are used. Smooth to touch and made of bamboo, these sticks resemble a dumb-bell. The ends of the sticks are used to activate the pressure points while they are also rolled over the soles to relieve blocked energy flow.
“For the thighs, I use my knuckles to ease muscle pain. To relieve lower back pain, it is circular strokes that are performed. By applying my thumbs along the spine of the patient, stress is reduced,” adds Gessie. With each successive repetition along the spine, the pressure is increased.
For the arms, long strokes are administered. Shoulder and neck knots are removed followed by a dry head and face massage. The long, circular and sliding strokes used in hilot massage trace along the nerves and harmonise the body.
Hot tarragon tea is served after the completion of the massage. This tea is prepared by slow-boiling tarragon leaves in water for 15 minutes. Served hot, the tea needs to be drunk within six hours of its preparation. Tarragon aids digestion, balances hormones and fluids of the body and provides magnesium and calcium. It also contains iron, potassium, zinc, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin B6 and omega-3 fatty acids.
“In Philippines, we manghihilots are required to train for atleast a year before we can get our licence which is valid for three years. For renewal of the licence, we have to undergo and pass an exam,” Gessie says.
Equipment used
Rain maker, a musical instrument
Virgin coconut oil
Steamed saba banana leaves
Dagdagay sticks
Hot tarragon tea