The Healing in Hilot

CEBU, Philippines - Hilot or the traditional Filipino massage has long been a remedy to aching joints, panuhot, colds or fever even. Way back, the locals are accustomed to seek first the services of the manghihilot (masseur) to cure certain health conditions before going to the doctor. Classic, really. The manghihilot are mostly women, grandmas to be exact.

This is tradition and is still practiced although now more classy – done in the confines of a spa with experienced masseurs and therapists to readily perform diverse massage strokes. However, Filipinos miss lola’s good ‘ol massage tricks and apparently prefer hilot rather than famous international specialties such as the Swedish and Thai massage. Interestingly, foreigners also prefer the traditional hilot, making it one of the most requested in the service list.

Essenza Health Day Spa is one of the establishments that highlight this signature massage technique. Known as “Healot,” it applies six basic Filipino strokes in different variations: hilot pahaplos (glide), hilot patulak (effleurage), hilot paikot (thumb pressing), hilot patapik (tapotement), hilot panginig (vibration) and hilot paunat (stretching). A trained masseur applies aromatic organic oil while you lay for two hours in a Zen-inspired room, with wooden stained walls Capiz shells and fiber-resin material. The technique is basically a manual soft tissue manipulation through applying pressure on safe body areas. “Hilot is defined as sure, safe and it saves,” shares head masseur/trainer Eduardo Plaza an experience masseur for 17 years already.

The spa adheres to the belief that there’s healing in massage, which is only acquired through using the right technique as performed by a skilled person who has scientific knowledge on the human body. “Not all body massage techniques are applicable to every person. We have specific strokes for customers with diabetes, high blood pressure, hypertension, among others,” said Plaza in the vernacular.

Aside from the ancient hilot, there are also other body massage options. The Thai Herbal Heat Revival for instance, uses a steamed Thai herbal pack placed on certain body spots for one’s fever and panuhot woes. Also, you will never go wrong with East & West, which is a combination of two powerful techniques: Swedish and Shiatsu. Rates are inclusive of use of sauna and individual locker. The masseur serves ginger tea to cap the indulgence.

Interesting hand, foot and body treatments such as Detoxifying Salt Body Scrub, Body Herbal Mask, Seaweed Mask, Aroma Milk Bath, Lugod/Hilot sa Tiil (foot spa/massage), Lugod Paputi (Whitening Bodyscrub), Lugod Morena (uses Kape Barako) and Bentosa (Candle Therapy) are on the list, as well. The foot massage, that takes an hour to finish, is a relief on its own since the masseur also massages the back, face and extremities, as well as scrubs the feet with foot salt and iba as exfoliant. 

Essenza recently unveiled its newest wing with 14 beds and a hefty number of spa reclining chairs ideal for spa parties. Now with 30 beds and its wide floor area of 600 square meters, it can accommodate more clients.

Discover for yourself the healing therapy in Essenza. Visit them from 2pm to 12 midnight in Highway Brgy. Pajo, Lapu-Lapu City (tel. no. 342 8461). They also have a branch beside Bigfoot Global Solutions in Mactan named Healot that offers the same services.