Hilot, the ancient healing art of the Filipino people, is more than just a massage technique—it is a sacred embodiment of our Indigenous Knowledge Systems and Practices (IKSP). Rooted in the wisdom of our ancestors, Hilot is a holistic approach to healing that integrates the body, mind, and spirit, guided by the rhythms of nature, the presence of the Diwata and Anito, and the elemental balance of Apoy, Tubig, Hangin, and Lupa.
The Essence of Hilot as Indigenous Knowledge
In its original form, Hilot is a spiritual and cosmological practice. It is performed by Binabaylan, spiritual healers who walk between realms, invoking divine guidance and ancestral wisdom. Hilot is not merely about physical relief—it is about restoring harmony within the person and their environment. It includes:
- Energetic diagnostics through pulse, heat, and intuition
- Rituals and prayers to the Diwata and Anito
- Herbal medicine and elemental therapy
- Soul healing and spiritual alignment
This depth of practice reflects the Indigenous Filipino worldview, where health is not just physical wellness but a state of spiritual balance and ancestral connection.
The Role of TESDA and PITAHC
In recent years, TESDA and PITAHC have taken steps to promote Hilot as part of the national healthcare system. Their efforts have helped:
- Provide training and certification for practitioners
- Ensure safety and professionalism
- Introduce Hilot to a wider audience seeking alternative wellness
These contributions are valuable and necessary. However, the institutional framing of Hilot has narrowed its scope, often reducing it to massage and relaxation therapy, detached from its Indigenous roots.
The Risk of Cultural Dilution
When Hilot is stripped of its spiritual and ancestral dimensions, it loses its identity as Indigenous Knowledge. It becomes a commodified service, disconnected from the cosmology that gives it meaning. This not only misrepresents the practice but also disempowers Indigenous communities who have preserved it for generations.
A Call for Dual Recognition
We advocate for a dual-pathway approach to Hilot:
- Institutional Hilot – promoted by TESDA and PITAHC for therapeutic and wellness purposes.
- Indigenous Hilot Binabaylan – preserved in its original form by spiritual communities like Templong Anituhan, emphasizing holistic healing of the body, mind, and spirit.
This approach allows Hilot to evolve and reach modern audiences without losing its soul. It respects the sovereignty of Indigenous communities and honors the sacredness of Hilot as a spiritual ministry.
Protecting Hilot as Indigenous Knowledge
We call upon:
- NCIP to uphold Hilot as IKSP under R.A. 8371
- IPOPHL to protect its Indigenous Intellectual Property
- Educational institutions to include Hilot Binabaylan in cultural and spiritual curricula
- Healthcare systems to recognize the value of spiritual healing in holistic wellness
Call to Action: Join Us in Reclaiming Hilot
To deepen this conversation and celebrate the wisdom of our ancestors, we invite you to join our free online event:
🕓 Date & Time: November 8, 2025, from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM
📍 Platform: Google Meet
🎉 Event Title: Panibagong Sigla: Indigenous Healing Wisdom for Modern Wellness
This gathering will feature Hilot practitioners, Binabaylan leaders, and cultural advocates sharing insights on how Hilot can be preserved, practiced, and promoted in its full Indigenous form.
Let us walk together in healing, remembering, and reclaiming the sacred path of Hilot.
Hilot Academy of Binabaylan 