Unique healing therapies I came across in the Philippines

Every country has its own spa massages which have evolved over time to suit the local bodily issues prevailing in the country. However, spas are also universal while being healing and calming for the body overall. I experienced a few spas in the Philippines that are worth a mention. Specifically for new spas in the city, these could well serve as inspiration.

Skin Kayud - This treatment involves using pearl shells to scrub the body with coconut oils. The scrubbing increases vitality, removes dead cells and also improves blood flow. A farm-to-skin scrub made of turmeric and coconut cream is then applied on the skin gently. The body is then wrapped with black wrapping cloth to increase heat and boost the impact of the scrub on the skin. After this thoughtful and serene process, an outdoor bath amidst nature prepared with local herbs, including moringa and tarragon. The impact of turmeric is to make the skin glow, creating an Indianised bridal effect on the skin.

Lung Compress - During the normal course of our city lives, our lungs are exposed to harmful toxins, pesticides, and even smoke. Lung compress is a great way to destress the lungs and refresh them. First, a lung compress is prepared of 100% natural ingredients. The main ingredient is ginger paste, which is churned and applied over a piece of cloth. The cloth is then wrapped around a hot bag which radiates heat and placed under the back right over the lungs. Then a wrap cloth is shrouded around the body to increase heat and energy flow in all directions. This causes the lungs to detoxify. The process is around 45 minutes long and feels like deep resting.

Kidney Cleanse - Much like a lung cleanse, the kidneys too go through tremendous amounts of toxins, and pesticides and are even exposed to some metals. To cleanse the kidneys, the body is first dry scraped with a brush. This causes dead skin to be removed, more energy flow and fewer dark spots in the body. It also allows areas like the side belly and side back to receive more light energy from a metaphysical perspective. After the scrapping, a handmade activated charcoal mask is applied across the body which results in kidney awakening. The body is then wrapped with black wrap cloth to prevent heat from escaping while allowing the mask to work its magic. A bath is then prepared with coconut cream and local herbs to boost immunity.

Hilot Massage - A local Philippines massage involving stretching and relaxing of muscles. This feels a little like doing yoga but with the help of another person. Hilot can be deeply relaxing, especially when conducted by the right therapist who can match the muscle frequency of the body. For Indians, this massage can feel a little like Ashtanga and Abhyanga massages offered in Ayurveda spas. However, it’s a great experience to see how wellness converges in countries to amplify the same principles in different unique ways.

Floatation - Floatation is conducted in a dome structure which carries water and enough salt to make you float effortlessly. The whole process is a little like floating in the Dead Sea in Jordan where you float without any effort. A lot can transform in the 45 minutes one gets to spend in the floatation tub. Ranging from feeling no sensations besides floating on a cloud to experiencing deep reflections and realizations, floatation can be deeply healing. The salts inside floatation therapy are also good for the body and can help to cure insomnia and other stress related issues.

Tres Banyos Lunas - Tres Banyos Lunas involves massage with a bamboo stick and wrapping the body with hot cloth alternative with massage. This full body massage originated in the Philippines and creates a magical moment of healing by using the elements of surprise. Rarely have I seen bamboo sticks being used in massage therapy.

I tried these therapies at The Farm at San Benito, a wellness property in the Philippines focused on holistic healing practices.