It's that time of the year again. The flu and cold season is here and runs from July-December in the Philippines. Frequent and proper hand washing is one of the best ways to help avoid catching colds or the flu, in my opinion.
Muscle aches, bone aches, backaches, a dry hacking cough, a low grade fever and loss of appetite are the symptoms that are making the rounds. In schools, in the work place, in malls and in the general public. I had all the symptoms for the past 5 days.
I am rarely ill but this terrible cold had me dragging for much longer than I like thinking about.
What did I do?
I did not run to the ER and I did not run to a doctor's office. I did not go to a pharmacy and try to self-medicate with over the counter antibiotics. That would be the worse thing I could do .
We sent a friend to fetch Madame Watusi and bring her to our home. That's not her real name, of course, and I am referring to a famous hilot.
I am a firm believer of hilot, the ancient Filipino art of healing. You do not have to be concerned about medication side effects or allergic reactions, as only herbal medicine is utilized.
What is a Hilot?
The ancient and traditional Filipino art of healing has been around forever. The hilot I sent for is famous for healing colds and the flu. Her technique involves locating the cold virus in the body and massaging it so it will break up and move out of the body. It works for me.
After removing my shirt, I received a 20 minute therapeutic massage of my back, neck and chest. The hilot applies a green colored menthol oil to her hands, repeatedly, during the massage. I can honestly say that I began feeling better immediately after the hilot massage. My cough was no longer dry but was indeed productive and the cold was moving out of my body.
I was instructed not to shower until 2 days later, to prevent washing off the herbal oil from my body. Of course, I followed instructions. My appetite was also returning but I did not over-do it. I still had chicken, ginger and rice porridge the rest of that day. On the 2nd day, I was looking forward to pizza and steakhouse fries. I also felt like going out and listening to a live band that evening, which is exactly what I did.
On average, the fee for home service performed by a hilot is P200 per session.
Since the mid 1980s, I have exclusively utilized traditional Chinese and Filipino healing, which is 100% natural. I cannot recall the last time I had to take an antibiotic or even a Tylenol. It has been many years.
An American I know refers to those who practice hilot as quack doctors. He said he did not believe in it. I told him that it is not for him then if he does not believe in it. If I have never tried something, I cannot honestly say that is is not good or that it doesn't work.
The next time you feel a cold coming on, give hilot a try. You may be surprised.
Hilot is really good. The power of healing , essential oils, … All are amazing !
Definitely something I will remember and something I will try when I make the move to the Philippines. Very informative article!
When I first read this article, I laughed thinking about “catching a cold in the Philippines?” With the heat and humidity who would think something called a “cold” would be an ailment here.
Today, I am on day 3, or maybe 4, of one of the worst chest colds I think I have ever had. What makes it worse it that in my past, as an Industrial Hygienist and then Environmental Consultant, my exposure to airborne hazards have made my lungs hypersensitive. I used to frequently develop lung infections and would cough up small clots of blood I absolutely cannot tolerate perfumes of any kind and even mentholated rubs have me gasping for breathe.
My ribs feel like they are going to break from all the heavy coughing and my stomach muscles, which tighten with every cough, hurt so bad. I have been putting off going to the pharmacy because I get very dizzy when I cough hard so today I finally showed Anne pictures of Mucinex and Robitussin pills, both containing Guaifenesin, and asked her to pick some up for me. I am hoping they work because that is what was prescribed when I would get a lung infection.
I am sorry hearing about your condition. Get well soon, David!
There are plenty of cold viruses in the Philippines, so please be aware. The flu as well.
~ Gary ~