Hilot ( Filipino Massage)

Is a word from the Tagalog dialect meaning massage-rubbing or touch with soothing strokes. Touch is the modality of “hilot.” Initially, one might think it is simply a massage, but “hilot” is more. It is energy manipulation. The hilot’s concept of health and disease is based on the balance of hot (init) and cold (lamig) / wind (hangin). When balanced, the body is well. An imbalance results in a blockage in the flow of energy within the body resulting in stress.