Tagalog Word of the Day: KUMPIYANSA
February 7, 2025
Newsletter #38
A feeling of certainty or trust in oneself or in the ability of others.
May kumpiyansa ang chef na magugustuhan ng mga bisita ang kanyang bagong putahe.
The chef is confident that the guests will like his new dish.
Hilot: The Ancient Filipino Art of Healing
Hey Readers,
Lately, I’ve been thinking about how we heal—not just physically, but holistically. Modern wellness offers so many approaches, yet sometimes the most powerful methods are the ones that have been with us all along.
One of those methods? Hilot.
Hilot isn’t just a massage—it’s an intuitive, diagnostic healing practice that has been part of Filipino culture for centuries. It goes beyond muscle relief and relaxation; it’s about realigning the body, restoring balance, and addressing energy imbalances that cause pain and discomfort.
But what exactly is hilot? Where does it come from? And how does it work? Let’s break it down.
1. Hilot is a Diagnostic Healing Art, Not Just a Massage
Many people assume hilot is just the Filipino version of a deep-tissue massage, but that’s not quite right. Unlike Swedish or Thai massage, which follow set techniques, hilot is tailored to each person’s specific imbalances.
A manghihilot (traditional healer) doesn’t just massage muscles—they assess your body for blockages, misalignments, and energetic imbalances. The treatment is customized to what your body needs, whether it’s deep pressure, heat therapy, stretching, or even bone-setting.
This intuitive, diagnostic approach makes hilot more than just bodywork—it’s a form of holistic healing.
2. Hilot Has Been the Primary Healing Practice in the Philippines for Centuries
Before Western medicine was introduced, hilot was the main form of healthcare in the Philippines. Traditional healers—often babaylan (spiritual leaders) or manghihilot—were highly respected in their communities.
They treated everything from body pain and injuries to fevers and pregnancy-related issues, using a combination of:
✔ Hand techniques to manipulate muscles and bones
✔ Herbal medicine to support healing
✔ Heat therapy to release blockages
✔ Energy work to restore balance
Even today, hilot remains deeply rooted in Filipino culture, especially in rural areas where traditional healers still practice.
3. The Power of Balance: How Hilot Works
At its core, hilot is about restoring balance. Filipino healing traditions recognize that pain and illness often come from imbalances in the body—particularly in the forces of init at lamig (heat and cold).
Too much “cold” in the body? It can lead to stiffness, sluggishness, and pain.
Too much “heat”? It can cause inflammation and discomfort.
A manghihilot uses their hands (and sometimes warm coconut oil, banana leaves, or herbal compresses) to feel where your body is holding tension and trapped energy, then applies specific strokes to correct these imbalances.
Some of the most common techniques include:
Hagod (Gliding Strokes): Long, flowing motions that warm up the muscles and improve circulation.
Pindot (Pressure Point Stimulation): Similar to acupressure, this targets specific points to release tension and pain.
Pisil (Kneading): Deep, rhythmic squeezing that helps relax tight muscles.
Haplos (Light Strokes): Gentle, soothing strokes often used for emotional or energetic healing.
Pilay Correction (Bone & Joint Realignment): A technique used by some manghihilot to realign sprains, dislocations, or nerve pinches—similar to chiropractic work.
Because every person’s body is different, no two hilot sessions are ever exactly the same. The practitioner adapts based on what they feel under their hands.
4. The Science-Backed Benefits of Hilot
Hilot isn’t just about tradition—it has real, measurable benefits, including:
✔ Pain relief – Helps with muscle tension, arthritis, joint pain, and migraines.
✔ Improved circulation – Stimulates blood flow, reducing swelling and inflammation.
✔ Stress reduction – Releases tension in the nervous system, promoting relaxation.
✔ Emotional healing – Many people report feeling lighter and emotionally “cleansed” after a hilot session.
✔ Better posture & alignment – Especially if pilay (misalignment) correction is involved.
This might be why the Department of Health in the Philippines has officially recognized hilot as a traditional healing practice, with training programs to professionalize and preserve it.
5. Hilot is Here to Stay
For years, hilot was “old-country”, almost fabled and certainly not something you’d find in a modern wellness setting.
That’s changing.
High-end spas in the Philippines and beyond are bringing hilot into the spotlight, and more Filipinos in the diaspora are reconnecting with our healing traditions. The wisdom of our ancestors is being embraced as a valid, powerful form of wellness.
I love seeing this resurgence, but I’m also curious: Have you ever had hilot? What was your experience like? Let’s keep this conversation going—I’d love to hear your thoughts.
To your health,
Nicole
P.S. Want to learn more about Filipino healing traditions?
Let me know what aspects of hilot or other indigenous wellness practices you’d like to explore next!