What can be said about Hilots in regards to our faith?

[kakolikapiha]

For those who don’t know, a Hilot (/hee-lot/) is an ancient Filipino art of healing, commonly used today to relax stressed muscles.* They employ chiropractic manipulation and massage for the diagnosis and treatment of musculoligamentous and musculoskeletal ailments and have also have been known to reset dislocated and sprained joints such as the knee, ankle, fingers and metacarpal bones* using a special type of coconut oil.

Is what they do against what the Church teaches or is it okay to receive “healing” from one? I had asked a priest about this and he said to be very careful with this form of practice since it might be considered occult or superstition or other and that we should just trust God with all our suffering. Can anyone please shed some light on the matter so I can be best fully informed? Thanks!

 

[rpp]

I do not know much about it. If it is a form of manipulation or some form of treatment, like acupuncture, without any spiritual overtones, then I suspect it is probably fine (though it’s effectiveness is a different issue).

If there are spiritual aspects of it, or the belief that some “energy” from the “universe” does the healing, then, yes, there would be a problem.

 

[kakolikapiha]

I do not know much about it. If it is a form of manipulation or some form of treatment, like acupuncture, without any spiritual overtones, then I suspect it is probably fine (though it’s effectiveness is a different issue).

If there are spiritual aspects of it, or the belief that some “energy” from the “universe” does the healing, then, yes, there would be a problem.

Thanks for your response! I don’t know about a belief that some “energy” coming from the “universe” existing with this form of treatment BUT I have heard the constant mentioning of “cold” energy being released from the muscles and that the “cold” is what causes the pain in the tissues. In the past, I have had one done on my ankle immediately after I sprained it and the next day, I was able to walk fine; I probably would have limped or needed crutches if I had left it alone to swell up. I remember having been told during that I “have to believe.” The first thought that came to mind was, “Believe in what??” The treatment or something else? That’s why I question it…

 

[thistle]

Thanks for your response! I don’t know about a belief that some “energy” coming from the “universe” existing with this form of treatment BUT I have heard the constant mentioning of “cold” energy being released from the muscles and that the “cold” is what causes the pain in the tissues. In the past, I have had one done on my ankle immediately after I sprained it and the next day, I was able to walk fine; I probably would have limped or needed crutches if I had left it alone to swell up. I remember having been told during that I “have to believe.” The first thought that came to mind was, “Believe in what??” The treatment or something else? That’s why I question it…

If your priest warns you about it then listen to your priest and stay away from it.