Hilot ( An Old Style Massage in the Philippines )

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I know all around the world know about massage. This is a way of treating someone's body to feel relaxed; To ease the body's stiffness and maybe we could say to lessen the stressful body. It may sound the same but somewhere in the Philippines especially in the province part does it differently. When talking about doing it differently, of course, the results and actions are not the same. Rest assured, I'm going to tell you about it, and of course, show you images so you have ideas about it.

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Massage is the English translation of Hilot where the word is used in Filipino dialect. However, if you're here in the Philippines you will understand that these two words have been used in two different aspects.
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"Massage" is being implemented when someone needs relaxation while "Hilot" is being implemented when someone has an injury, fracture, or what we called "panuhot" in the bisaya word. Let's dig deeper for you to understand more about it. A "panuhot" is hard to explain in english so let me elaborate on it like this. When you have a body without an injury; A headache not being cured with a head pain reliever; A tiring feeling without knowing what's happening. Those illnesses are usually created from "pauhot" or it's like a coldness of one's body. That's why a "hilot" or massage is necessary.

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Although a "hilot" is not performed just because of those. "Hilot" is often used when someone has an injury, like from playing basketball, falling from high buildings or trees, or even in an accident with vehicles. The doctor is not needed in this matter but only needed when someone has a major injury. In terms of "hilot", not all are given the chance to learn. I do not know but in our country, the Philippines we thought that someone who is different or not normal are the only ones allowed to learn. It's hard to explain who is selected but they have a trademark who are the chosen ones.

Now, how they performed it.

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Just like a normal massage, how they do it. The only difference is that they press the part of the body where it's aching or has an injury. Unlike an ordinary massage, the whole body is being treated, in "hilot" it is not. After the "hilot", a smoke purification from the original tobacco is necessary to make sure the coldness of the body will be gone. It says purification because the whole body will be covered with smoke. When this finishes they say it feels good. I have no basis about it but we just refer to what we felt after.

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If you ever visit the Philippines you should try it. Who knows that you feel amazing as well and learn about culture and tradition here.

Thank you for reading

All content is my own unless otherwise noted
If images are being recycled, I just found it fit in my article.

ABOUT ME

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Paul is the name but prefers to be called mrnightmare that feels like living in the dream. A country boy and a dreamboy (dreamer) who likes to stay in a small village even though it means abandoning the future to become a seaman. The passion is writing but not sailing in the vast ocean. Don't wonder if the face will not be shown, this is better where the words can flow smoothly. Come, you can tell me your stories and I'll tell you mine. Together, let's explore the world by broadening our thoughts. If you need a shoulder I can lean you mine and I hope I can lean yours. The world is fun when living is not being alone but with someone.

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3 comments
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most of the elderly that I talked to, they prefer hilot as their maintenance, as it relaxes their body and makes the blood flow better.

Never tried this style of hilot, sana matry din,

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my aunty knows hilot, and it is very effective for me

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Nakakatulong talaga Ang massage sa atin especially if stress Tayo sa work.

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