A Filipino witch doctor, also known as an albularyo or manghihilot, is a traditional healer in the Philippines who uses ancient knowledge and natural remedies to treat various ailments. These healers have been practicing their craft for generations and are respected members of the community. The term "witch doctor" may invoke images of dark magic and sorcery, but in the Philippines, the role of an albularyo is more closely associated with traditional medicine and spiritual healing. These individuals are believed to possess a deep understanding of the human body, herbal medicine, and spiritual practices. Filipino witch doctors are often sought out by individuals who are unable to find relief through modern medicine. They use a combination of methods, including plant-based remedies, massage, and prayer, to restore balance and heal the body.
Filipino witch doctor
7th South and Southeast Asian Association for Culture and Religion (SSEASR) Conference
Publication Date
Abstract
Filipinos are naturally inclined to animism. This inclination leads some of them to depend their health problems to something spiritual and cultural. When the health of a family member is at-risk, the urban poor seek traditional healing (Salenga, 2012). The researchers seek to enumerate the motivational factors that led the urban poor families to avail the services from the traditional healers specifically the albularyos. Likewise, this study identified the significance of these motivational factors in the exercise of their faith. This study employed qualitative method of research and utilized the focused-group discussion. Using purposive sampling method, the researchers convened 10 individuals from the urban poor in Manila particularly in Brgy. 719, Leveriza St., Malate Manila who sought healing and were healed by the so called albularyos. This barangay is situated at the heart of the city near Philippine General Hospital (PGH), the biggest government-owned and controlled hospital in the country. Based from the study conducted, Filipinos believed in the supernatural power of the albularyo. This created Juan’s mindset of a positive outlook in life which led to their wellbeingness and deepened their faith- life. They also consider that the albularyo is a divine instrument whom God sent to make them well.
Recommended Citation
Cabatbat, K. M., Camarines, T. M., Eballo, M. B., & Vicente, N. E. (2017). Filipinos bilib kay albularyo: Its implications on one’s faith-life. 7th South and Southeast Asian Association for Culture and Religion (SSEASR) Conference Retrieved from https://animorepository.dlsu.edu.ph/faculty_research/8668
Disciplines
Medicine and Health | Social and Behavioral Sciences
Keywords
Spiritual healing—Philippines—Manila; Healers—Philippines—Manila; Poor—Health and hygiene—Philippines—Manila; Well-being—Religious aspects
Understanding My Mom’s Unorthodox Healing Practices
They use a combination of methods, including plant-based remedies, massage, and prayer, to restore balance and heal the body. They are well-versed in the traditional use of herbs and plants, and their knowledge is passed down from one generation to another. Aside from their knowledge of medicinal plants, albularyos also have an understanding of the spiritual realm.
Healing through tawas and hilot
Sheets of newspaper cover a portion of the floor of our house in Manila, and on top of those thin pieces of paper sit a white candle, a box of matches, a metal spoon, and a metal basin filled with water. The doors are locked. We’re huddled around the basin, and the room plunges into silence.
Rest assured, this is not some scene from a B-rated supernatural horror movie. This is just what happens whenever anyone in my family gets sick. We call an albularyo—Tagalog for witch doctor or folk healer—to come and conduct either tawas or hilot depending on the degree of illness (more on those in a bit).
I’ve known our albularyo since I was little, when she was still juggling between working for us and training to become a folk healer. She’s seen me grow up, and I’ve seen her grow older. Now, she always asks us how we’re doing whenever she comes into the house, beaming her wide chipped-tooth smile, always joking, always laughing.
But not during tawas. The air assumes a solemn and still quality as she cuts off a small piece from the candle and waves it in circles around the patient, eyes closed, concentrating, and chanting words under her breath. She then places the candle wax on the spoon, melts it, and drops it into the basin filled with water. As it cools down, the candle wax forms into an image which reveals the engkantos or evil spirits that have bewitched the patient. She does this five times so that by the end, we have five images forming a narrative. Having now identified the cause of disease, she anoints the patient with water from the basin and says a prayer to counteract these engkantos.
But for mild coughs, colds, or fevers, we turn to hilot. Slathering her hands with massage oil, she locates the cold spots in our bodies (those pesky causes of disease!) and massages them away, relaxing the muscles and curing our ailments. I’ve always loved this one because it makes me feel like I’m in a spa.
And if we’re still sick after all these interventions, maybe we’ll finally go to the doctor. The doctor is always the last resort.
Trust me, I know how this all sounds. How can wax images and massages cure something so biologically based, right? I used to scoff at these treatments when I was younger too, priding myself on my scientific outlook and “rational” mind.
All my life, I’ve never really understood nor tried to understand why my mom rarely sends us for check-ups, opting instead for tawas, hilot, and the occasional pharmaceutical drugs we self-medicate ourselves with.
That is, until I took an Introduction to Anthropology course, where I encountered the term “structural violence” and the whole world of medical anthropology.
They believe that illnesses can be caused by spiritual imbalances or disturbances. Through rituals and prayers, they work to restore harmony between the physical and spiritual aspects of a person, thus promoting healing. The practices of Filipino witch doctors have a strong connection to indigenous beliefs and traditions. Many albularyos are also spiritual leaders within their communities and are respected for their wisdom and guidance. They often play a role in important life events, such as childbirth and coming-of-age ceremonies. Although modern medicine has become more prevalent in the Philippines, the role of the albularyo remains significant. Many Filipinos still turn to these traditional healers for treatment, especially in rural areas where access to medical facilities may be limited. It is important to note that the practice of Filipino witch doctors is not recognized or regulated by any official body. While their methods may not have scientific evidence to support them, the effectiveness of their treatments is widely believed in the communities they serve. In conclusion, a Filipino witch doctor, or albularyo, is a traditional healer in the Philippines who combines herbal medicine, massage, and spiritual practices to promote healing. They play an important role in the community, providing alternative healthcare options for those unable to find relief through modern medicine. While their practice is not regulated, they continue to be revered and sought out for their knowledge and wisdom..
Reviews for "Filipino Witch Doctors: A Blend of Shamanism and Sorcery"
1. John - 1 star - I found "Filipino witch doctor" to be extremely disappointing. The film lacked depth and substance, and the storytelling was confusing and uninspiring. The characters were poorly developed, making it difficult to connect with them or care about their plight. The movie also relied heavily on stereotypes and cliches, which only further detracted from the viewing experience. Overall, I would not recommend this film to anyone looking for a thought-provoking or enjoyable cinematic experience.
2. Sarah - 2 stars - "Filipino witch doctor" had the potential to be an interesting exploration of cultural folklore and mythology. However, it failed to deliver on its promises. The plot was disjointed and poorly paced, leaving the audience confused and disengaged. Additionally, the acting was subpar, with many performances feeling forced and lacking authenticity. While I appreciated the attempt to shed light on Filipino culture, the execution fell short, leaving me feeling underwhelmed and unsatisfied.
3. Alex - 2 stars - I was excited to watch "Filipino witch doctor" as I am always interested in learning about different cultures. Unfortunately, this film failed to capture the essence of Filipino folklore and instead presented a shallow and exaggerated version of it. The dialogues were cheesy and the characters lacked depth and development. The special effects were also quite lackluster, making it difficult to immerse myself in the story. Overall, "Filipino witch doctor" was a missed opportunity to showcase an interesting and unique aspect of Filipino culture.