Spiritual Healing in the Philippines

Before the arrival of foreign colonizers, our ancestors already had their own healing system led by the babaylan. The babaylan was not only a healer but also a spiritual leader, serving as a mediator between the human world and the spirit world.

Over time, the form of healing in the country gradually evolved. The albularyo, manghihilot, medico, and faith healers emerged, taking over the role of the babaylan in many communities. Today, even with the presence of hospitals and modern doctors, many Filipinos still turn to traditional healing due to their deep belief in its effectiveness.

Albularyo

The albularyo is the go-to healer in rural areas. They are considered the “general practitioners” of traditional medicine—similar to doctors but using herbal remedies, prayers, incantations, and rituals. Many albularyos come from families of healers and inherit their knowledge. It is believed that they receive their healing abilities from the Holy Spirit or other spiritual guides.

Manghihilot

There are two types of hilot in traditional medicine:

• Manghihilot for pregnancy and childbirth (Magpapaanak) – Assists pregnant women who do not have access to hospitals. They are knowledgeable about medicinal plants for prenatal and postnatal care.
• Manghihilot for the body – Used for sprains, muscle stiffness, and body pain. They typically use coconut oil and medicinal plants while massaging the affected area.

Medico

The medico is a combination of an albularyo and a modern health worker. In addition to using incantations and herbal medicine, they sometimes incorporate modern treatments such as prescription drugs, acupuncture, and injections.

Mangluluop

A mixture of kalanghuga (a type of freshwater or saltwater shell), salt (to weaken malevolent spirits), benditang palaspas (a blessed palm frond from Palm Sunday), charcoal from a coconut shell, and tingting (coconut midrib) is placed in a tin plate. The diagnosis is based on the appearance of the kalanghuga after the luop ritual.

Magtatawas

Alum (tawas) is used to determine the cause of an illness. This is typically done by burning the tawas over a candle or in water and interpreting the shapes that form.

Manghihila

Coconut oil and cloth are used to detect sprains, muscle stiffness, or other bodily ailments. If a strip of banana frond sticks to the skin and is difficult to pull away, it indicates an issue in that area, such as a sprain or muscle strain. The next step is to massage the affected part.

Faith Healers

Faith healers are believed to possess spiritual abilities to heal. There are different types of faith healers:

• Psychic healers – Claimed to be able to heal a person even from a distance.
• Whisperers of prayers – Heal by whispering prayers over the affected body part.
• Prayer blowers – Blow on the affected body part while praying.
• Anointers – Use their saliva to anoint the afflicted area.
• Use of a cross or religious image – Apply or place these objects on the patient's body to cure ailments.
• Psychic surgeons – Believed to perform “spiritual surgery” without using surgical tools.

Traditional healing remains deeply embedded in Filipino culture and spirituality. Despite advancements in modern medicine, many still trust the healing powers of albularyos, manghihilots, medicos, and faith healers, especially in areas with limited access to hospitals.