PASIG CITY, Philippines- On Sept. 21, 2014, avid listeners of DWIZ 882’s radio program Kapangyarihan ng Isip learned about the Hilot healing tradition from Dr. Bibiano Fajardo, who was invited by renowned parapsychologist, lecturer, author, broadcaster Mr. Jimmy Licauco to his regular Sunday evening program.
After greeting his regular listeners and students, Mr. Licauco introduced Dr. Fajardo. He also gave out the number of the text hotline so that listeners could text in their questions in the latter part of the program.
During the educational one-hour interview by Mr. Licauco, Dr. Fajardo explained Hilot and the enduring tradition behind it. He emphasized that he “is not reinventing the wheel,” but rather, what he is doing with ATHAG is simply the continuation of a long healing tradition that has been handed on from one generation of healers to another.
Questions, answers
Mr. Licauco adeptly asked questions to clarify or deepen the discussion about Hilot. He also read out questions sent in by listeners from all over the Philippines. Below are some of the questions asked by Mr. Licauco and the listeners, as well as the answers given by Dr. Fajardo.
Q1: Is Hilot the same as TESDA’S Wellness Massage?
Dr. Fajardo answered with a definitive “No.” He explained that Hilot is NOT the same thing as massage. He pointed out that many proponents of “Hilot massage” emphasize the kinds of strokes used, which is typical of massage. In contrast, for the traditional Hilot practitioner, the strokes used is less important—what really matters is that the manghihilot is working in the direction that would improve the flow of energy and blood, and help release toxins in the muscles. This direction could vary between muscles, and from person to person. Massage, on the other hand, has set strokes that they perform on all clients.
Q2: You are talking about tradition, but your explanations are all science. Isn’t that inconsistent?
“No, because what I am doing is simply translating into scientific language what I learned from the old albularyos who were my teachers in healing,” replied Dr. Fajardo. “It is just to underscore the fact that our traditions are based on science,” he continued.
Q3: Is there Hilot for the eyes?
Dr. Fajardo explained that Hilot can help prevent eye problems.
Q4: What is “Pilay Hangin”?
Pilay hangin according to Dr. Fajardo, is caused by gases trapped in the digestive tract. It causes pain when it pushes against the diaphragm. Healers in the Visayas call this “kabuhi” and they push this trapped air to expel it out of the body.
Q4: Can Hilot help restore function to a leg paralyzed because of a stroke?
Dr. Fajardo explained that when nerve cells are affected by the stroke, there is little that can be done to restore function. But, he pointed out, the more important thing is to avoid the occurrence of a stroke by knowing the signs and knowing what to do about it. “This is where Hilot can help,” Dr. Fajardo said, “because in Hilot we can already detect imbalances before they manifest symptoms.”
Q5: Can Hilot help treat Scoliosis?
“In the early stages,” Dr. Fajardo said, “when the muscles begin to weaken, Hilot can definitely help. It is important to begin Hilot early,” he continued, “so that the problem is addressed and not progress into scoliosis.”
Q6: What is the difference between reflexology and Hilot?
Dr. Fajardo explained that reflexology drains excess “electricity” from the body and is done on the hands and feet. Hilot meanwhile is for the flow of the “main electricity” of the body.
Q7: Are there different kinds of Hilot?
“I’ve learned from healers in the Visayas and Mindanao,” Dr. Fajardo said, “and the healers follow the same principles when it comes to doing Hilot.”
When the hour for the program drew to a close, Dr. Fajardo emphasized that what ATHAG is doing is just to bring tradition to its rightful place. “We have a very beautiful healing tradition that has its own principles and concepts,” he said. “We should support it.”
Follow up episode on Hilot
On the following month, Mr. Licauco and Dr. Fajardo continued their discussion about Hilot during another episode of “Kapangyarihan ng Isip.” The episode aired live on October 19, 2014.
BOY FAJARDO HILOT 