Hilot Filipino massage

When you think about the Philippines what are the first things that come to mind?  

For me, it’s the picture-perfect sandy beaches, bountiful islands and warm hospitality. But, did you know that the country is also home to a rich tradition of healing practices?  

Hilot Filipino massage is a unique and therapeutic technique that has been practiced for thousands of years. This ancient form of healing isn’t just relaxing but it also aims to restore balance and promotes overall well-being. 

In this guide, I'll be sharing my experience of my Hilot Filipino massage. One of my favorite pastimes to indulge in when visiting Southeast Asia, I was ready to try out this new (to me) massage technique.

Filipino massage: what is hilot?

Hilot is an ancient Filipino technique of healing, commonly used to relieve tension and stress from the body.

It has reportedly been around for over 3,000 years, but I only came across it during a 2-week trip to the Philippines.

Practitioners, called Manghihilots or albularyo, identify pressure points in the body and release tension through light to medium strokes using coconut oil. 

Its holistic approach to health and well-being offers a unique alternative or complement to modern healthcare practices. 

This Filipino massage helps people that are seeking relief from physical discomfort or looking to reduce stress. Whatever your reasons for trying it, hilot offers a nurturing and potentially transformative experience.  

The origins and history of hilot

Hilot, pronounced as hee-lot, is an indigenous Filipino healing practice that predates colonial times. Its long lifespan makes it one of the oldest healing traditions in Southeast Asia.

Massage has been a longtime integral part of Filipino culture with techniques passed down through generations. Its history is rooted in the country's traditional healing practices and cultural influences.

Pre-colonial times

In pre-colonial Philippines, hilot was an integral part of the healthcare system.

Practitioners were highly respected by their communities and people would come to them seeking treatment. Their massage techniques were often based on a holistic approach to health, considering physical, mental and spiritual aspects.

However, during Spanish rule, traditional Filipino healing practices, including massage, were suppressed and sometimes even condemned by colonizers.

Because they favored western medicine, many healers had to practice hilot in secret. This was especially true in rural areas where access to western healthcare was limited. But, despite the colonizers' attempts, some elements of traditional Filipino massage survived.

The philosophy and principles of hilot massage 

At its core, hilot is based on the belief that the body has an innate ability to heal itself. The healer works to identify and address imbalances in the body. 

Key principles of hilot include: 

A holistic approach: hilot treats the person as a whole, considering physical, emotional and spiritual aspects of health. 

Energy flow: the practice is based on the concept of life force or energy flowing through the body. Blockages or imbalances in this energy are believed to cause illness. 

Natural healing: hilot emphasizes the use of natural elements like herbs, oils and banana leaves in the healing process. 

Intuitive diagnosis: skilled practitioners use touch to diagnose areas of tension or imbalance in the body. 

Personalized treatment: each hilot session is tailored to the individual's specific needs and condition. 

My Hilot Filipino massage experience

After 5 days into my Philippines trip, my jetlag showed no signs of waning. Frustrated from the lack of sleep and still operating on a European timezone, a local guide recommended that I try a hilot massage.

Suggesting The Spa Wellness at Fort Bonifacio in Manila I wasted no time in calling and booking an appointment.

Located in the Makati area of Manila, The Spa Wellness is situated in one of the most upmarket districts in the capital. One of the prettiest places to visit in Manila, Makati is filled with malls, plenty of good restaurants and top bars.

A swanky spa awaits

I felt an instant aura of calm the second I stepped inside the luxury spa.

A soundtrack of soft, instrumental music played alongside water gently trickling from the waterfall centerpiece as I made my way to the reception.

Once booked in, an assistant brought me a cup of fragrant ginger tea before bringing me to the changing area.

The hilot healing begins

My session began with a brief consultation. My therapist (female) asked whether I had any health concerns I wanted to address during the massage and about my overall well-being. 

With the information in hand, she started with touch to assess my body, looking for areas of tension, imbalance or blockages. 

Using virgin coconut oil, she began the Filipino massage using a variety of techniques including kneading, pressing and stroking.

The pressure of the strokes was firm as I'd requested and the smell of the warm virgin coconut oil sent me into total relaxation meltdown.

Drawing on its healing roots, warm banana leaves were then applied to my back. She explained that these helped her to identify areas of imbalance and they also assisted in the healing process. 

After this step, therapists are then able to devote their time to reducing any tension.

The last stage was performing energy work on my body. Through a series of techniques, she worked to restore balance to my body's energy systems. 

After 75 minutes, the hilot Filipino massage was over. My therapist brought me another steaming cup of ginger tea and advised to take it easy for the rest of the day.

A massage unlike any other that I'd tried before, I walked away feeling ‘healed’ and incredibly relaxed.

For PHP 1300 ($23/£17.60), it was one of the most relaxing and memorable ways to spend an afternoon in Manila.

The Spa Wellness, B8, 9th Avenue, Bonifacio High Street, Taguig, Metro Manila

Why should I try a hilot massage?

Filipino massage offers a wide range of benefits that can help individuals’ physical and emotional well-being. They include: 

Stress relief  

Like many forms of massage, hilot can significantly reduce stress and promote relaxation. 

Pain management  

Hilot may help alleviate various types of pain, including muscle aches, joint pain and headaches. 

Improved circulation 

The massage techniques used in hilot can enhance blood flow throughout the body. 

Detoxification 

Hilot is believed to help the body eliminate toxins more efficiently. 

Better sleep

Many people report improved sleep quality after a hilot massage. 

Enhanced flexibility 

Regular hilot sessions may increase flexibility and range of motion. 

Emotional balance 

The holistic nature of hilot can contribute to improved emotional wellbeing and mental clarity. 

Boosted immune system  

By promoting overall balance in the body, hilot may help strengthen the immune system. 

Pregnancy support 

Specialized hilot techniques are used to support pregnant women, potentially easing discomfort and preparing the body for childbirth. 

Faster recovery 

Athletes and individuals recovering from injuries may benefit from hilot's ability to reduce inflammation and promote healing. 

Hilot in the present day 

Today, hilot is experiencing a renaissance both in the Philippines and around the globe.  

Many spas and wellness centers in the Philippines offer hilot Filipino massage, often combining traditional techniques with modern spa amenities. 

Where to have a hilot massage outside the Philippines 

While hilot originated in the Philippines, its popularity has started to spread to other countries.

The practice is particularly common in areas with significant Filipino communities. Here are some places where you might find hilot massage outside the Philippines*.

Australia 

• Massage Therapist & Hilot, north Sydney, New South Wales 

Canada 

• Hilot Massage Therapy, Nanaimo, British Columbia 

Croatia 

• HILOT – original Filipino Massage, Zagreb 

Hungary 

• Hilot Masszázs, Debrecen 

Italy 

• Hilot Traditional Filipino Massage, Desio, Lombardy 
• Paolo Mario Donesana, Crema, Lombardy 

New Zealand 

• Hilot Limited, Auckland 

Poland 

• Hilot Filipino Massage, Szczecin 

Switzerland 

• Hilot + Physikalische Therapie Inh. Imelda Talaguit Müller, Zufikon 

The Netherlands 

• Hilot Maharlikan, The Hague 

United Kingdom 

• Healing Hands, London 
• Hilot Sports Massage Therapy, Woking, Surrey 
• Hilot Massage Therapy, Melksham, Wiltshire 

United States 

• Miagyi Zen Wellness, Los Angeles 
• Touch of Love Wellness, Oakland, California 
• Hilot Filipino Massage and Head Spa, Glendale, Arizona 
• Juvelyn Hilot Massage LLC, Erie, Pennsylvania 

Always call ahead to confirm that the place still operates and that they offer an authentic hilot massage. 

Ultimately, hilot Filipino massage is more than just a relaxation technique; it's a window into the Philippines’ heritage and healing traditions.  

A practice that’s increasingly growing in popularity, it’s a good reminder of the wisdom embedded in traditional healing arts. 

I for one am a true Hilot Filipino massage convert and hope to see more places offering the treatment. Its authenticity and roots in traditional healing makes it just as effective as other well-known therapies, and I'll be doing my part to help spread the word.

* Information correct at the time of writing.

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