A FINAL PROJECT BY NORIEL & PIA
E L B A T
Introduction of the Topic
H I L O T
First Medical Practice
T U O B
Second Medical Practice
H E R B A L I S M
Third Medical Practice
F A I T H
H E A L E R S
Fourth Medical Practice
R E F E R E N C E S
Links
CONTENTS
F O
4 5-6 7-8 9-10 11-12 13
I N T R O D U C T I O N
MEDICAL PRACTICES OF EARLY FILIPINOS seniors deal with disease with the aid of family and friends, as well as their faith in God. Even the slightest improvement in a disease or illness is considered miraculous. Patients' health-care decisions are heavily influenced by Filipino families. In order to maintain group peace, patients tend to surrender their wants and comply with the demands of a more authoritative family member. Prior to seeking professional assistance, Filipino seniors tend to self-manage their illnesses by observing symptoms, determining possible causes, assessing the severity and threat to functional capacity, and weighing the financial and emotional burden on the family. They might even turn to traditional home remedies, such as alternative or complementary treatments. They can talk to a trustworthy family member, friend, spiritual counselor, or healer about their concerns (Yeo, 1998). Filipino older persons and their families frequently seek medical advice from family members or friends who are health experts, especially when serious somatic complaints emerge (Anderson, 1983). Traditional Filipino medicine takes a holistic approach to the individual, considering environmental elements that influence physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health. It's difficult to say when healing methods began because they were first documented in the 16th century at the onset of Spanish colonization. The babaylans, or shamans, tended to their tribes' culture, religion, and medicine, and interacted with spirits supposed to be involved with natural phenomena. They were mostly women, but some men dressed as women or changed genders. Midwifery, pulse diagnosis, bonesetting, herbology, suction cupping, skin scraping, herbal steam and smoke, energy medicine, and other forms of metaphysical treatment were all part of the traditional Filipino medical system, according to Apostol. Each place and group of people had its own healers, who passed on their wisdom to children from a young age. INTRODUCTION | 4
HILOT The Philippines has a long history of superstitions and rituals that have been deeply ingrained in the culture. Filipinos are exposed to them from childhood through regular practices that are passed down from generation to generation. These include going to a "manghihilot" when they have a fever or are experiencing physical pains. Despite the fact that modern medicine has become the standard for disease treatment, many people still practice traditional healing owing to cultural beliefs. Is this therapeutic process, however, as effective as traditionalists claim? What are the potential health benefits for a person's body? Hilot or Ablon is a well-known method used in other regions of Asia that is frequently mischaracterized as a sort of massage and offered at spas to attract tourists. It is similar to osteopathy, acupressure, chiropractic, and physical therapy in that it uses the hands. Through a person's urat (nerve or vein), pennet (tendons, ligaments, or sinewy structures), lasag (flesh or muscle structure through which urat and pennet flow), and tulang (flesh or muscle structure through which urat and pennet flow), the practitioner, known as a manghihilot or mangablon, detects areas of congestion and treats skeletal misalignments and energy imbalances (bones). The term "hilot" refers to the practice of rubbing or applying pressure to muscles and joints in order to promote physical healing. Elders, often known as healers, are more likely to execute this traditional healing method.
Hilot massages combine acupressure massage with herbal medicine, and the method varies depending on the healer and geographic region.
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D
uring a session, the healer will examine various parts of the body for symptoms of anomalies or imbalances in the skeletal and muscular components. This can be accomplished by detecting changes in body temperatures or pulse rate, among other things, in order to assess the severity of any underlying illnesses. The healer usually begins the therapy sessions by chanting to evoke and acknowledge the innate energies of divinity and healing. They will then blend coconut oil or banana leaf extracts with additional herbal components to improve healing benefits. The person's body is then kneaded with this mixture to help release tight muscles and nerves. This therapy is widely used since it is thought to revitalize an individual's internal energy and relieve aches, soreness, and tension. Treatment may include pain, depending on the degree of the person's disease. Regardless, Filipinos are willing to take such treatment because it is supposed to promote rapid healing with little adverse effects. While medical technology is thought to be considerably superior to traditional healing methods, hilot is said to have a few advantages that make it worthwhile to try. Muscle soreness is relieved. Filipinos are more likely to seek the help of a healer if they are suffering from persistent muscle problems. Both adults and children can benefit from this healing procedure. Pinched nerve pain is relieved. A hilot massage helps relieve physical pain caused by stress and job by targeting pinched nerves and surrounding areas. It can also assist to minimize swelling caused by these issues and provide immediate relief. In the body, it restores balance and harmony. A hilot massage is thought to aid in the attainment of inner harmony. Some people seek it to help them deal with problems. An efficient method of stress relief Many Filipinos find this ancient kind of healing pleasant after treatment, just like other forms of massages they get at spas. Improved lifestyle A hilot is a treatment that tries to relieve the body of diseases and other issues, allowing people to focus more on their regular tasks. It is said to be an excellent approach to promote general health and wellness, similar to other therapeutic massages. Reduces tiredness Your body's balance is restored when your issues are lessened by a hilot massage, allowing you to sleep better. At the same time, this treatment is supposed to help with overall mood improvement. Traditional healing has been called into doubt by modern medicine, hence this should be classified as a sort of therapeutic massage. This does not, however, imply that you should disregard the benefits of these activities totally. A hilot massage, when performed by a professional, can provide the body with a number of health benefits. Reach out to any of the orthopedic experts at Makati Medical Center now for world-class healthcare and services if you have more significant muscle and bone disorders that require medical attention.
HILOT | 6
TUOB
We was exposed to cultural customs as a child that have long been imprinted in the common consciousness. Because of their proved efficacy and practicality, these approaches were widely adopted. Many of these traditional traditions are associated with health or medicine. Unfortunately, many of these customs were only recorded in history books or local literature. Although some provinces' customs have been preserved, the next generation is unfamiliar with them.
Tuob, or steam inhalation, is one such native technique. It is difficult to estimate its equivalent concept or even process due to its unusual applicability. The Philippines is one of the countries with a poor healthcare system, as evidenced by the government's response to the current pandemic. Furthermore, the country is noted for its unique culture, which holds strong beliefs in traditional medicine, even preferring it to scientifically sound treatment choices. We can't blame the Filipinos for seeking treatment for COVID-19 symptoms through traditional medicine, notably tuob, for these reasons. Most Filipino households employ steam inhalation, also known as tuob, to ease symptoms of colds and flu, including sore throat, cough, nasal congestion, and headache. Many Filipino families have done this for as long as they can remember. The sick person is covered in a blanket or cloth, sitting over a coalheated jar, or hovering above a steaming pot in the tuob (boiling) rite. The healer massages the hot sufferer with essential oils while chanting a healing mantra.
In the Philippines, steam inhalation, or tuob, has long been utilized as a traditional home remedy and adjunct in the treatment of a variety of respiratory ailments (Aro et al., 2020). Traditional Filipino medicine takes a comprehensive view of the individual, encompassing environmental variables that affect a person's physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being, according to Namoto (2020). To execute the tuob, the sick person is wrapped in a blanket or fabric and treated with essential oils while sitting over a jar heated by coals or hovering above a heating kettle. Detoxification, skin cleansing, muscle relaxation, increased body metabolism, boosted immune system, kept mucous membranes from drying, and relief from asthma, allergies, and arthritis are all believed to be benefits of this treatment (Namoto, 2020).
TUOB | 7
Tuob
is claimed to have aided several Filipinos who had previously contracted the illness. According to several stories, an overseas Filipino worker was healed of COVID-19 and was able to manage with the virus's respiratory symptoms by using steam inhalation. A couple of vloggers also claimed and revealed on social media that tuob had helped them reduce their symptoms and get rid of the infection (Malasig, 2021).
T U O B
The Philippines is one of the countries with a poor healthcare system, as evidenced by the government's response to the current pandemic. Furthermore, the country is noted for its unique culture, which holds strong beliefs in traditional medicine, even preferring it to scientifically sound treatment choices. We can't blame the Filipinos for seeking treatment for COVID-19 symptoms through traditional medicine, notably tuob, for these reasons. Detoxification, skin cleansing, muscular relaxing, increased body metabolism, immune system strengthening, mucous membrane protection, and relief from asthma, allergies, and arthritis are all benefits of tuob. Breathing in wet, warm steam has the primary benefit of reducing inflammation and enlarged blood vessels in the nasal passages. The wetness may also thin the mucus in your sinuses, making it easier for them to empty. This will allow your breathing to return to normal, if only for a brief while. Inhaling steam may provide temporary relief from the following symptoms: a typical cold the flu (influenza) infected sinuses (infectious sinusitis) bronchitis allergic rhinitis While steam inhalation may provide temporary relief from the symptoms of a cold or other upper respiratory infection, it will not speed up the healing process. Medical professionals are less enthusiastic about tuob's benefits, which include detoxifying, immune system stimulation, and relief from asthma and allergies, among others. While some of them retain a healthy blend of contemporary medicine and true local practice, local medicine and its practice as a whole get a frosty reception. Tuob practice is a component of our local and indigenous awareness of the understandings, abilities, and philosophies developed by societies with a long history of touch with nature. These distinct methods of knowing are vital aspects of the world's cultural variety, and they provide a foundation for locally suitable sustainable development. TUOB | 8
HERBALISM
Poultices with Herbs
The Philippines has come a long way in terms of herbal medicine practice. Our forefathers' old folkloric use of herbal plants has been passed down from generation to generation. Traditional medicine has been used in every culture around the world from ancient times and has played an important role in human growth and development. Religion, mysticism, magic, superstition, folklore herbalism, and western medicine have all affected the evolution of Philippine traditional medicine. An albularyo, like a shaman, uses a combination of modalities such as herbalism, prayers, incantations, and mysticism. There are 10,000 to 14,000 plant species in the Philippines. Only 120 have been scientifically confirmed, despite the fact that 1,500 of them show potential medical benefit. Only ten medicinal plants have been approved by the Philippine Department of Health for use in herbal teas, tinctures, fluid extracts, poultices (vegetable fat mixes), pills, supplements, powders, lotions, and essential oils. Lyn Pacificar, a California albularya, creates products with plants historically used for healing.
Anyone can benefit from medicinal herbs, whether as part of a salad, a herbal tea, or a supplement. Professional and amateur herbalists alike frequently grow or wildcraft their own plants. Making your own herbal medication is not only enjoyable, but it can also be costeffective. Some of the herbal medications discussed above may need some talent, so you must use your own judgment if you decide to utilize one. The following is a general guide to making your own herbal medicine. The list is not exhaustive, and you must read specific articles for each herb you use to learn how to prepare it.
Teas with Herb
Infusion and decoction are the two procedures for producing herbal teas. Infusion is made by steeping lighter portions of the plant (leaves, flowers, and light stems) for several minutes in boiling water. Decoction is the process of cooking harder materials like roots or bark for a longer duration. Herbal teas are frequently used as a natural cure and as a substitute for tea and coffee.Prepare 1 teaspoon of dried herb for every 1 cup of water, unless otherwise directed by a herbalist. Allow it to steep for 10 to 20 minutes in boiling water. Remove the herbs and drink 3–4 times per day.
Externally, poultices are a solid, vegetable fat-based combination. They have the lowest shelf life ofPOSTMODERN any herbal PAINTING. Stella medicine and must be alternately preparedpaints fresh in each time they are used. oil and watercolor
Tablets and powdered herbs Dried herbs and (sometimes) specific components are separated and chopped a peek into a dayTo make a to a fineTake powder consistency. in the life of budding tablet, powered matter can be compacted or placed in an empty pill covering. artist Stella Young,
and how she improves
Creams her and craft ointments made from herbs
To make an ointment more suitable for use outside the body, such as on a cut or scrape, it is generally blended with beeswax (or something similar).
Aromatherapy Oils
Essential oils are obtained by extracting volatile liquid plant components and other aromatic chemicals from plants. Although their medicinal use as a natural treatment (alternative medicine) has proven highly efficacious in the treatment of headache and muscle pain, joint pain, and certain skin diseases, these plant oils may be used internally in some forms of herbal medicine, as well as in aromatherapy and generally for their perfume.
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MAJOR USE
The of herbal medicines is for health promotion and therapy for chronic, as opposed to life-threatening, conditions. However, usage of traditional remedies increases when conventional medicine is ineffective in the treatment of disease, such as in advanced cancer and in the face of new infectious diseases. Herbal medicine is most commonly utilized in today's world to treat severe and persistent illnesses. Less expensive than traditional medicine More accessible than prescription drugs Hormones and metabolism are stabilized. Natural treatment Immune system fortification Less negative side effects budget-friendly Low socioeconomic position has also resulted in a lack of health awareness and poor-quality healthcare. Because of its affordability, poor and low-income Filipinos typically turn to folk medicine services and goods due to financial restrictions. Traditional medicine has shown to be useful in treating both chronic diseases and psychological issues, particularly those related to stress, which often result from social alienation, anxiety, or a loss of self-esteem.
HERBALISM
HERBALISM
HERBALISM | 10
F A I T H
HEALING
Faith healing is the practice of prayer and gestures (such as laying on of hands) that some believe elicit divine intervention in spiritual and physical healing, particularly in Christian practice. Believers assert that religious faith can bring about the healing of disease and disability through prayer or other rituals that, according to adherents, can stimulate a divine presence and power. Religious belief in divine intervention is not based on empirical evidence of an evidence-based outcome obtained through faith healing. Almost all scientists and philosophers dismiss faith healing as pseudoscience. Throughout history, claims that "a myriad of techniques" such as prayer, divine intervention, or the ministrations of an individual healer can cure illness have been popular. There have been claims that faith can cure blindness, deafness, cancer, HIV/AIDS, developmental disorders, anemia, arthritis, corns, defective speech, multiple sclerosis, skin rashes, total body paralysis, and various injuries. It can include prayer, a visit to a religious shrine, or simply a strong belief in a higher power.
Many people interpret the Bible, particularly the New Testament, as teaching faith healing and its practice. According to a 2004 Newsweek poll, 72 percent of Americans believe that praying to God can cure someone, even if science says the person has an incurable disease. Unlike faith healing, advocates of spiritual healing believe in divine energy rather than divine intervention. The increased interest in alternative medicine at the end of the twentieth century sparked a parallel interest in the relationship of religion to health among sociologists.
Faith healing can be classified as a spiritual, supernatural,or paranormal topic, and, in some cases, belief in faith healing can be classified as magical thinking.
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FF A A II TT H H
H H EE A A LL II N N G
The recent times have seen a growing utilization pattern of faith healing services for curative purposes and health promotion particularly in the Philippine region. Faith healers are usually professed Christians who belong to either mission or Philippine independent churches, or traditionalists in form of animists who mostly heal through prayer, laying hands on patients, providing holy water and medicinal herbs. Faith healers believe that their healing power comes from God through ecstatic states and trance-contact with a Christian Holy Spirit and/or ancestral spirit. The increasing utilization of faith healing services could partly be attributed to the rising awareness in its complete healing process. In treating patients, faith A PRAYER: healers view health and diseases through the integration of mind, body and spirit largely within the context of LOVING GOD, I PRAY family and community. This implies that the healers deal with the complete person aside providing treatment for THAT YOU WILL physical, psychological, spiritual and social symptoms. The COMFORT ME IN MY approach of faith healing goes beyond the World Health Organisation's (WHO) definition of helath as “a state of SUFFERING, LEND complete physical, mental and social wellbeing and not SKILL TO THE merely absent of disease or infirmity”.
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In a country with its cultures awash with religiosity patron saints, Sto. Niños, Marian devotion, sightings, intercessions and miracles - and a fascination and disposition for the supernatural and mystical, it is not surprising to see the influences of religion and indigenous and tribal spiritualities in its healing modalities. And in faith healing, these are most obvious. Referred to as the "international mecca for spiritual healing" and "the undisputed center of psychic surgery," the Philippines abounds in faith healers. And, in the smoldering divisiveness between mainstream medicine and alternative medicine, with its wall of divergent and irreconcilable differences - of science and mythologies, of dogma and folklore - faith healing widens this dividing wall. Many of the ingredients of faith healing are generic to many of the healing modalities in Philippine alternative medicine. Many incorporate the use of prayers, massage, herbs; some include "new-age" ingredients of magnets, crystals, and prannic healing.
HANDS OF MY HEALERS, AND BLESS THE MEANS USED FOR MY CURE. GIVE ME SUCH CONFIDENCE IN THE POWER OF YOUR GRACE, THAT EVEN WHEN I AM AFRAID, I MAY PUT MY WHOLE TRUST IN YOU; THROUGH OUR SAVIOR JESUS CHRIST
"
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