HILOT WELLNESS MASSAGE

3RD TOPIC
 Philippine Traditional and Alternative Medicine
Traditional medicine has been practiced since ancient times in every culture
throughout the world and has been an integral part of human evolution and
development.
The evolution of Philippine traditional medicine is an interesting study that is
influenced by religion, mysticism, magic, superstition, folkloric herbalism and western
medicine.
Philippine’s common traditional medicine practitioners include the following:
• hilot or manghihilot acts as a midwife, a chiropractor or massage therapist to
promote health and healing,
• Tawas or mangtatawas, this practitioner uses alum, candles, smoke, paper, eggs and
other mediums to diagnose the cause of illness associated by prayers and
incanteations
• albularyo, a general practitioner who uses a combination of healing modalities that
may include prayers, incantations, mysticism and herbalism. Albularyos claim to
draw healing powers from a supernatural source (shamanism)
• Medico, a general practitioner similar to an albularyo but integrates western
medicine to promote healing.
• Faith healers, a practitioner who claims divine power bestowed by the Holy Spirit or
God. A patient is required to have faith and believe in divine powers to effect
healing
• In recognition of the deep seated practice of traditional
medicine as an alternative modality for treating and
preventing diseases in the Philippines, the Department
of Health (DOH) through its former Secretary Juan M.
Flavier launched the Traditional Medicine Program in
1992. This program aims to promote an effective and
safe use of traditional medicine
• Then President Fidel V. Ramos appreciated the
importance of the traditional medicine program and
signed into law Republic Act 8423 (R.A. 8423),
otherwise known as the Traditional and Alternative
Medicine Act (TAMA) of 1997.
• This gave rise to the creation of Philippine Institute of
Traditional and Alternative Health Care (PITAHC)
which is tasked to promote and advocates the use of
traditional and alternative health care modalities
through scientific research and product development
 The following are the 10 Medicinal Plants in the Philippines
endorsed by DOH:
• Akapulko (Cassia alata) a medicinal plant called “ringworm
bush or schrub” and “acapulco” in English, this Philippine
herbal medicine is used to treat tinea infections, insect bites,
ringworms, eczema, scabies and itchiness.
• Ampalaya (Momordica charantia) Common names include
“bitter melon ” or “bitter gourd ” in English. This Philippine
herbal medicine has been found to be effective in the
treatment of diabetes (diabetes mellitus), hemofrhoids,
coughs, burns and scalds, and being studied for anti-cancer
properties.
• Bawang (Allium sativum) Common name in english is
“Garlic”. Bawang is a used in Philippine herbal medicine to
treat infection with antibacterial, antiinflammatory, anti-
cancer and anti-hypertensive properties. It is widely used to
reduce cholesterol level in blood.
• Bayabas (Psidium guajava) – “Guava” in English. A Philippine
herbal medicine used as antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, anti-
spasmodic, antioxidant hepatoprotective, anti-allergy,
antimicrobial, anti-plasmodial, anti-cough, antidiabetic, and
antigenotoxic in folkloric medicine.
• Lagundi (Vitex negundo) – known as “5-leaved chaste tree” in
english is used in Philippine herbal medicine to treat cough, colds
and fever. It is also used as a relief for asthma & pharyngitis,
rheumatism, dyspepsia, boils, and diarrhea.
• Niyog-niyogan (Quisqualis indica L.) – is a vine known as
“Chinese honey suckle”. This Philippine herbal medicine is used to
eliminate intestinal parasites.
• Sambong (Blumea balsamifera)– English name: “Ngai camphor or
Blumea camphor” is a Philippine herbal medicine used to treat
kidney stones, wounds and cuts, rheumatism, anti-diarrhea, anti
spasms, colds and coughs and hypertension
• Tsaang Gubat (Ehretia microphylla Lam.) – English :”Wild tea” is a
Philippine herbal medicine taken as tea to treat skin allergies
including eczema, scabies and itchiness wounds in child birth
• Ulasimang Bato | Pansit-Pansitan (Peperomia pellucida) is a
Phillipine herbal medicine known for its effectivity in treating
arthritis and gout.
• Yerba Buena (Clinopodium douglasii) – commonly known as
Peppermint, is used in Philippine herbal medicine as analgesic to
relive body aches and pain due to rheumatism and gout. It is also
used to treat coughs, colds and insect bites
• Coconut oil has several benefits such as skin care, hair care, weight loss, treating yeast infections, improving digestion and
immunity against a host of infections and diseases. The oil is used not just in tropical countries, where coconut plantations are
abundant, but also in the US,UK and EU. People are discovering the wonders this oil can create and it is again gaining popularity
throughout the world. 
• Coconut Oil Health Benefits and Uses
1.It has been shown to increase absorption of calcium and magnesium
2.Internally as part of the protocol to help remineralize teeth
3.Is an immediate source of energy when eaten that isn’t stored as fat
4.Can help speed weight loss when consumed daily
5.It can help improve sleep when taken daily
6.When used in food, it may support healthy thyroid function
7.Some studies show that it can help improve insulin levels when consumed regularly
8.Topically, it help skin heal faster after injury or infection because of its beneficial fats
9.When used consistently on skin it can help get rid of cellulite
10.
 Some evidence shows that the beneficial fats in coconut oil can help with depression and anxiety
11.
When taken regularly, it can boost hormone production
12.
Can relieve the pain of hemorrhoids when used topically
13.
Some studies show it can boost circulation and help those who often feel cold
14.
Internally during pregnancy to help provide baby necessary fats for development (especially when taken with Fermented Cod
Liver Oil)
15.
There are entire books dedicated to the potential of saturated fats like coconut oil to help avoid Alzheimer’s
• For most people, it’s no secret that avocados are one of nature’s healthiest foods. Eating
one avocado per week is great for your skin, improves circulatory function, and helps to
keep hormones in balance just to name a few. Avocados have even claimed a spot on the
list of top 10 foods that can help you lose weight when combined with a healthy diet and
regular exercise, but this is no ordinary super food. The secret of this odd little fruit’s
success is in the oil – about 77% of an avocado’s overall caloric composition. Read on to
discover the top 10 health and beauty benefits of avocado oil.
• 1. Rich Source of Oleic Acid
• 2. Keeps Your Heart Healthy
• 3. Good Source of VitaminE
• 4. Improves Digestion
• 5. Helps You Lose Weight
• 6. Detoxifies Your Body
• 7. Strengthens Your Skin
• 8. Grows Hair Faster & Fuller
• 9. Reduces Inflammation & Itching
• 10. Accelerates Wound Healing
 • 5 Amazing Benefits Of Soybean Oil
• Some of the health benefits of soybean oil include its ability to manage your heart health,
lower your cholesterol, improve your immune system, reduce cognitive disorders like
Alzheimer’s disease, prevent osteoporosis, and improve growth, while also boosting eye
and skin health.
• Soybean oil is the vegetable oil that is extracted from soybeans, which are scientifically
known as Glycine max. It is one of the most widely used vegetable oils in the world,
possibly because soybeans are some of the most widely cultivated and utilized plants,
particularly in recent decades. Soybeans are native to East Asia and is considered a
legume. However, despite its limited origin, it is highly prized for its edible legume, which is
also one of the sources from which you can extract soybean oil. Most soybean oil is
refined, blended, and sometimes hydrogenated. Then, it can be graded into different levels
and strengths of soybean oil depending on the desired application.
• Soybean oil is considered healthier than most other vegetable oils due to its good variety
of essential fatty acids that the body needs to remain healthy. There are also a number of
plant sterols in soybean oil, which can have a wide variety of health benefits on people who
regularly include soybean oil in their diet. The vitamin and mineral content of soybean
rounds out the healthy aspects of this delicious and widely useful legume. Now, let’s take a
closer look at some of the health benefits of soybean oil.
• http://www.hilotmassaaz.ee/
• http://kbl.org.ph/philippine-traditional-and-alternative-medicine/