Hilot

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

Manghihilot employ 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. Arbularyo use herbs in addition to massage. The term hilot is also applied to traditional midwives, licensed or otherwise.

There is no scientific evidence supporting the use of this practice to treat any health condition.

See also

• Albularyo, a traditional Filipino herbalist
• Kulam, traditional Filipino witchcraft
• Folk medicine

Additional Reading

• Grant, Alan (August 2008), "Taming a Martial Art", Discovery Channel Magazine: 30–33 

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