
In the Philippines, an ancient art of healing is often used to help to de-stress and heal the body. It has been practiced for thousands of years and is considered the Philippine’s traditional massage. Unlike the Thai massage, it is not meant to be relaxing. The hilot massage is all about pressure, slow strokes, and channeling the divine power which provides the energy of healing. I’m warning you girl, this massage actually hurts!
Prices vary from 9 USD- 35 USD for a 60-minute massage therapy. It’s based on the balance between hot and cold energies and releasing trapped air (negative energy) within your body/joints. This is accomplished by massaging the body with warm coconut oil.
“Lamig” is the art of locating the imbalance within your body by using banana leaves and suction cups. “Hilot” is a Filipino word used to describe the healer and the therapist and it involves a level of spirituality and intuition. Prior to doctors, hilot is the oldest healing art in the Philippines and it is all about creating balance within the flow of energy in the body. Doesn’t that sound SO good?
Benefits of Hilot
- De-stress
- Muscle Tension
- Blood Circulation
Below I’m receiving a Hilot massage in the island of Boracay, which is a small island south of Manila (the capital) in June of 2013.
These were the charming bungalows on the second floor. It was off the main tourist road where I had one of the therapists on the beach offer me a massage. I’m so glad I did it because I literally felt brand new afterwards. Next time I hope to visit a more upscale location to get more of a traditional Hilot with Banana leaves and suction cups. This one was just with her hands.
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