4 Filipino Indigenous Healing Practices for Holistic Health

Long before the Spanish empire ever colonized the Philippine islands Indigenous Filipino healing practices came from a long tradition. These practices have been passed down to each generation and preserved through their communities. Thanks to babaylan’s or Filipina shamans, these Filipino healing methods are not only part of the country’s pre-colonial history but have also been shown to benefit overall health. 

Learn more about how these 4 Filipino Indigenous wellness practices can contribute to your pursuit of a healthy life: 

4 Filipino Indigenous Wellness Practices for Holistic Health

1. Hilot 

Hilot has its roots in ancient Filipino tradition, practiced long before the arrival of Western medicine. This traditional massage technique is a cornerstone of Filipino indigenous wellness, involving the skilled hands of a manghihilot, who uses various strokes, pressure points, and herbal oils to alleviate physical ailments. 

Beyond mere relaxation, Hilot, a key component of indigenous Filipino healing practices, is known for its ability to treat sprains, dislocations, and muscle pains to promote overall physical healing. The practice often incorporates prayers and rituals to harmonize the body and spirit. By addressing both physical and spiritual imbalances, Hilot offers a holistic approach to wellness.

2. Dagdagay 

Dagdagay traces back to the indigenous Cordillera Igorot communities in the Philippines, who have relied on this technique for generations. This practice involves the use of a chiseled bamboo or wooden instrument used to massage a person’s feet. 

The massage was believed to have been practiced because ancient Igorots walked around barefoot and so the pain of excessive walking would hurt their feet. So this healing art was devised to help improve circulation and reduce hypertension. By connecting with your feet through this indigenous healing practice, practitioners can achieve a more balanced and grounded state of well-being.

3. Rorof-Rorof

A type of massage that has been influenced by Muslim culture is a practice that involves the use of heated stones or heated banana leaves placed on specific body parts to relieve pain and tension, showcasing the richness of indigenous Filipino healing practices. 

The heat from the stones penetrates deep into the muscles, providing relief from chronic aches and stress. Additionally, Rorof-Rorof is believed to stimulate blood flow and enhance the body’s natural healing processes. This indigenous healing practice emphasizes the importance of thermal therapy in maintaining physical and mental health.

4. Ventosa 

This practice is also known as bentosa or cupping therapy has been practiced in the Philippines for centuries, influenced by Chinese and indigenous healing traditions. This technique involves placing heated glass cups on the skin to create suction, which is thought to draw out toxins and improve circulation, making it a significant part of Filipino indigenous wellness. 

The marks left by the cups are a testament to the release of stagnated energy and blood. Ventosa is highly effective in muscle tension relief, reducing inflammation, and promoting relaxation. By incorporating Ventosa into their wellness routine, individuals can experience both physical relief and a boost in overall vitality through this indigenous Filipino healing practice.

Experience Filipino Indigenous Wellness at Nurture

Experience Filipino indigenous wellness firsthand at Nurture Wellness Village, wherein a combination of modern medicine and indigenous healing practices are used to help rejuvenate your whole well-being. 

Nurture Wellness’ Filipino Spa treatments offer traditional Hilot massages as well as Dagdagay, Rorof-Rorof, and Ventosa. There are also options for skin treatments such as coconut polish or coffee scrubs to remove dead skin to revitalize your appearance. Facial treatments that use a mix of natural ingredients to replenish your face’s pores. 

If you regularly experience muscle pains due to intense exercises try Kamagong touch therapy which incorporates various Indigenous Filipino healing practices to soothe the painful parts of your body. You can also enjoy a sensual couples massage, Magsing-Irog to help develop new experiences with your loved one. 

ALSO READ: Different Types of Complementary and Alternative Medicine

Indigenous Filipino healing practices offer all kinds of pain and stress relief to promote your well-being. Filipino healing traditions encompass a wide range of approaches that stimulate the body’s innate ability to heal itself through the right application of natural remedies. Whether you are looking to remove toxins from your body through Ventosa or relieve foot pain with Dagdagay treatment, these indigenous healing practices can renew both mind and body. Check out our wellness packages to start your wellness journey today!

INQUIRE NOW