In the Philippines, a unique group of healers claims to restore hearing through traditional massage, or hilot. This method, explored in the “Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho” program, focuses on Gian, a 15-year-old boy who reportedly regained some hearing ability after undergoing this treatment.
The group, called Healot Biomekaniks, founded by Joseph Salonga, Johnson Sy, and Mariano Gomez, practices a form of hilot that aligns the body’s muscles and movement mechanics. Joseph, an electrical engineer turned healer, integrated his research on hilot with his scientific background to develop a technique that they claim can sometimes improve hearing, particularly in cases where jaw dislocation affects auditory function.
Their approach has garnered attention due to its potential as a cost-effective alternative to conventional medical treatments for hearing loss, which can be prohibitively expensive. With a policy of “no hearing, no pay,” the group charges between P1,500 and P3,500 per session, maintaining a stance of financial integrity by offering refunds if no improvement in hearing is detected.
Patients like Francis Daep and Mariejoy Capinpin have also experienced hearing improvements after the treatment, adding anecdotal evidence to the group’s claims. However, the effectiveness of hilot in treating hearing loss remains a subject for further medical investigation and validation.
This intriguing development in alternative medicine highlights the blend of traditional Filipino healing practices with modern scientific inquiry, offering a glimmer of hope for those with hearing impairments, yet it emphasizes the necessity for thorough clinical evaluation to substantiate these claims.