2010 Trends and Forecast: Spa, Massage Therapy, Beauty and Wellness

2010 Trends: Spa, Massage Therapy, Beauty and Wellness

I will be blogging about Spa, Massage Therapy, Beauty and Wellness Trends for 2010. So before I give out what to watch out for in the future regarding these arenas I would like to clarify a few things before I delve into the trends in our industry. I would like to stress that forecasting trends is far from an exact Science because all trends are constantly evolving and as I am writing this blog, both trends listed below are one way or the other, already happening and they are evolving rapidly. I have also included some examples and tips to boost your spa, massage clinic and wellness center business using the trends below.

First and foremost, readers of this blog must make the important distinction between a fad and a trend. What then is the difference between the two? One major difference between a fad and a trend is the duration. The lifespan of a fad is short, fleeting, here today and gone tomorrow. A fad is a statement, a one-hit wonder, something eye-catching that comes and then goes just as quickly. Sandali lang wala na…. It enjoys a few months of unexpected popularity, but disappears just as quickly as it appears. It might be another new massage technique, a new spa offering, a new facial product in the market, etc. Fads create a lot of attention and press, and then they abruptly disappear because people haven't seen results or they find it too difficult to sustain.

But there is a tendency for a fad to become a trend and if it does it can remain popular for decades and might become a classic. A trend on the other hand, has roots and staying power. It strikes a deeper cord, they are self-sustaining but needs improvement over time and is connected to a larger change in society. It would totally be expected, then, to see the same trends appearing for multiple years in a trends survey. The day spa is one example of a fad becoming a trend which crossed over and have interwoven industries in beauty and wellness.

Some experts agree that the difference between a fad and a trend is the number of industries it affects. A fad often appears in a single industry and rarely crosses over into others. While a trend spans more than one industry and touches more than one market and generation. So if you went to a trade show and you are seeing a certain massage technique or facial product over in many booths, it’s already too late to catch the beginning of that trend.

Another difference between a fad and a trend is the overall industry acceptance. Investing in a fad item can be risky for companies known for setting trends. It can be very difficult to tell the difference between a fad and a trend before the product or service reaches the buying public. Smaller companies often have the flexibility necessary to promote a faddish item, while larger companies tend to wait until the initial smoke clears and a trend can be determined. This difference between a fad and a trend can be seen in the recent fad diet wars. Ano ba talaga ang effective regimen para magpapayat? When scientific evidence demonstrated a link between high carbohydrate intake and weight gain, nauuso yung mga fad diet plans. Although the move away from processed foods and carbohydrates soon became a trend, the individual diet plans involved all enjoyed a fleeting popularity. A similar difference between a fad and a trend also appeared in the fitness industry. An emphasis on core exercises and the reduction of abdominal fat became a trend, hindi na puwede yung malalaki ang bilbil therefore a number of faddish exercise devices appeared suddenly on television screens everywhere. Some of these exercise devices were shown to be ineffective or even dangerous for the user, while others became part of the trend towards better health and weight reduction.

One of the telling differences between a fad and a trend is the perception of overall quality. Fad products and items are rarely expected to endure, but trends tend to survive the decade in which they were created.

Example, a spa owner needs to be aware at all times of what is happening in the massage and spa industry. If you are not able to attend trade shows, a quick and easy way to keep up with the latest news is to go to your nearest competitor and take a look at the newest service offerings. Go to malls and check out what other spas are offering. Really examine what products are on the shelves and in the sales circulars. In this way you can take advantage of the trend research that has already been done by professional buyers. You have to study and learn from the brands that you admire and think of them as the mirrors to today’s more diverse, more networked and connected society at pagkatapos nun find ways to outdo them.

Find out what's new, and then continue monitoring to see what has staying power, and what is on the way out. It is important to keep checking, because the trends and even the classics may eventually evolve and change over time. For example: Look at how traditional Philippine hilot has evolved into wellness hilot. Take note of what are the differences between how it is being practiced in a modern spa versus a “hilot ng probinsiya” and then you can incorporate both. Then your clients will have the best of both worlds.

Distinguishing between trends and fads requires quantitative and qualitative research in addition to gut instinct. Telling the difference between a fad and a trend is a constant balancing act for entrepreneurs. Staying in touch with our clients and testing innovations before making large commitments are to succeed in catching a trend.


The massage industry is constantly exploring new movements and massage modalities while at the same time evolving and improving on massage equipment. Example, yung mga manufacturers and product suppliers ng massage tables and facial beds should avoid designs that are attractive but unsafe or that deliver bio-mechanically incorrect massage movements from both the practitioner and the client. Dapat yung design na pwede kahit anong height ng massage therapist at kahit anong massage modality. Kung meron na nun. Equipment needs to be built with proper biomechanics that encourage proper lower-back support and skeletal alignment.



Second, maraming products in the market especially facial products na mag cla-claim that you will be whiter, have clear complexion, etc. Some even claim that you will stop aging with little work on your part. Sad to say they are all false. Aging cannot be totally stopped because aging is really a part of life. You can at least minimize the effects of aging but you cannot stop it. Also, we have to consider that these products should continually be used. There is no such thing as a magical wand to change you into a beautiful flawless princess overnight. Kahit yung mga case na maiitim na pumuti- it did not happen overnight. Even Glutathione tablets need months to take into effect. Hindi pwede yung mag take ka ng Glutathione minsan lang and then you would expect na next week maputi ka na. It will take time. There is no quick, easy way to get whiter that will show results immediately. Kung pumuti ka man instantly mamaya maitim ka na naman pag hindi ka gumamit ng product na yun continuously. Ganun din sa exercise, there is no effective workout that are easy kung gusto mo talagang maging sexy it takes discipline in food intake and exercise. And by the way, not all exercise machines can deliver results.



I am not saying that these are the only trends to track in 2010. There are dozens of important trends worth applying and I am merely bringing you my selection as it affects us in the Philippines because the similarity between fads and trends is that both are driven by changing consumer preferences and desires.



Okay so after we have discussed at length ang fad and trend. Here now are the trends for 2010.



1. Correct! Connect!



Connections. Partnerships. Mergers. Convergence. Consumers in the spa, massage therapy and wellness will experience more and more local to local, local and international businesses coming to join and pair with each other to stay relevant in a diverse world of consumers. There will be more industries na mag me-merge with the spa, beauty and wellness industry. Including fitness, travel and tourism, medical and health, bilogy and environment, culture and experience etc. Which will produce a lot of diversities and collaboration from individuals, companies, etc.

Which brings us to a few sub-trends, where people, services and products are just thumbs and clicks away. Urban (City) population is growing at a phenomenal rate and according to the Global Report on Human Settlements, October 2009: Asia will host 63% of the global urban population or 3.3 billion people in 2050. So where does this leads us? What is the significance? More and more consumers will be sophisticated but will be willing to try-out more daring goods (thereby creating a need for bite size or should I say, appetizer size services in the spa) simplified spa menus, signature and unique experiences and services. This will also in effect have less cookie cutter services which will create less blandness in the relationship between spa enthusiasts and management. More and more services of these spas, massage clinics, beauty and wellness centers will offer their very own signature services, localized and exclusive spa and massage therapies and treatments that will keep clients coming back for more. Therefore your spa, massage clinic or wellness center should sell something special, something premium (in some cases), something desirable in just one (geographical) location. Just be sure that it’s worth the trip.



Since dadami ang tao within cities, online transparency with conversations happening online will be the latest and greatest. These consumers will be lusting for more and more information. Tracking and alerting people online. One example of which is Google latitude where you share your current location with your Google contacts via browser and mobile device. Mas maraming spas ang mag o-offer ng online and via mobile appointments. And if you have not yet used Google Earth then medyo huli ka na, but nevertheless you should try it out. It’s cool. Google Earth lets you fly anywhere on Earth to view satellite imagery, maps, terrain, 3D buildings from galaxies in outer space to the canyons of the ocean. You can explore rich geographical content, save your toured places, and share with others.



Gadgets (including mobile phones and i-pods, etc) will be used to digitalize everything including spa appointments and consumer reviews. More and more blogs will be created for consumer reviews. In short, with people sharing information online, everything we actually do, buy, listen to, attend, try and so on will make it easy for people to find groups and real-time content (as we speak ika nga). It will be a common thing to tap into a live stream of experiences from fellow consumers. Of course, as more people are contributing and reviewing, sa dami ng information available and accessible to all, online access and device convergence will allow more on-the-spot-reviews like Twitter, it has established itself as the real-time snap shot of what people are thinking, feeling and experiencing and reviewing word wide.

So, in 2010, expect numerous services to capitalize on this burgeoning ‘global brain', and its endless real-time reviews and verdicts.

But do not be fooled, human interaction will still play a big role in an era were online presence is a must. Mass mingling, bonding and mind-sharing will be a common thing. People will get out of their homes and use social media and online groups to spur meeting in flesh and blood. Why? Because people actually enjoy interacting with other warm bodies, and will do so forever. Online relationships and presence will not replace (still) direct human interaction. People are people who needs others to survive and that means getting a part of some offline community. Meetings will be even more impromptu, temporary meet-ups of strangers, people and crowds with similar interests, hobbies, political preferences, causes and grievances. Many of these (temporary) meet-ups will revolve around getting a project done, generating public attention or helping one another.

A breed of consumers and clients na ang hinahanap will be beauty prodoucts that does not only make them beautiful on the outside but on how they feel. So magiging IN yung beauty products na may psychological and well-being benefits that affects people's moods positively. So if you a beauty product povider make use of textures, temperatures or sounds that affect the mood, as well as innovations, such as makeup that “induces beauty sleep"  producing also a hybrid of beauty and spa products and services.

2. Giving and Sharing is the name of the game.

This is already big in 2009 but will even be bigger in 2010. Consumers will patronize more products and services that give back to the community not only as a good corporate citizen but in order to stay relevant in business a spa, massage clinic or wellness center should champion something. Consumers will be more drawn towards spa, massage clinics and wellness cnetr businesses who values fair trade, ecologically friendly, safe and sound products. Clients/consumers will buy what makes them feel good- good about the ingredients and good about what they are spending. This generosity will be taken to the next level, by initiatives that would make giving and donating painless like using our mobiles and donating online. Just to give you an idea, how you can start this, as a spa, massage clinic and wellness center owner, you can introduce and encourage consumers to volunteer to an organization you support and they can get 50-100% off of your rates. They can just present a letter from the organization they worked for given the number of hours and viola! they would get free services from you. Even Disneyland is already doing this to inspire volunteerism. Disneyland have worked with HandsOn Network to have their volunteer work verified and those who contribute their time will receive a voucher from Disney for a day’s admission to Walt Disney or Disneyland Theme park. You can raise money to donate to spas employees who have been devastated by typhoon Ondoy.



There are several ways to apply these consumer trends, and make some money from the innovations. Just ask yourself if they have the potential to (and if so, how):

1. Influence or shape your company's vision by re-aligning it with these trends.

2. Fads and trends become integrated into our lives very quickly, and our sales and service quotas will reflect this if we incorporate these items into our lines. So these trends should inspire you to come up with a new business concept, an entirely new venture or a new brand.

3. Add a new product, service or experience for a certain customer segment.

4. Speak the language of those consumers/ clients who already 'living' a trend.

Fads and trends are part of what keeps our industry and our world fun and interesting - And the bottom line is that our clients keep coming back for more!

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The first informational blog regarding spa, massage therapy, beauty and wellness with a focus on the Philippines. Eunice’s blog and updates are found in this link www.yunesa.blogspot.com



Some articles written by Eunice, which you can view, read, download and print for FREE. Just click on the links:



What term should really be used?

Client, Patient, Customer, At Iba Pa

Masseur, Massagist, Massage Therapist, At Iba Pa

http://yunesa.blogspot.com/2009/03/client-patient-customer-at-iba-pa.html



Is the spa, massage therapy and wellness industry included in the Top Businesses to start in these times of global financial challenges? Find out in this article so you can adopt and perhaps change your business into profitable ones:

Top Businesses to Start in Uncertain Times/Sluggish Economy

http://yunesa.blogspot.com/2009/02/top-businesses-to-start-in-uncertain.html


If you are an employer these are the things you should ask, or if you are a prospective applicant, job seeker or someone who interviews people, this article can help you answer and ask/probe questions:

http://yunesa.blogspot.com/2009/02/suggested-interview-questions-and.html



Are you a smart boss, staff or employee? This article will give secrets on how to become a Smartest Spa, Massage Therapist/Practitioner.

http://yunesa.blogspot.com/2009/02/smartest-spa-massage-therapist-ang.html



Do you want to know the right type of massage for you? Do you you want to know the common types of massage and how it is practiced? This article will give you the glimpse of massage therapies locally and abroad:

The Basics of Massage Therapy (Massage 101)

http://yunesa.blogspot.com/2009/02/basics-of-massage-therapy-massage.html


Do you want to know how much capital you need to start your own spa, massage clinic or wellness center? Do you want to know what it is like being a spa owner? Do you want to be (really) prepared before you shell out money into putting up your own spa, massage clinic or wellness center? Do you want to know what steps you have to take before putting up your own business in this field?

How to Start, Begin or Open a Spa, Massage Clinic or Wellness Center

http://yunesa.blogspot.com/2009/02/organizing-opening-starting-putting-up.html



Are you tired of putting up with sexually charged clients? Do you know how to handle sexual harassment in the spa and massage therapy setting? Then this article will definitely help you:

Preventing/ Avoiding Sexual Advances during a Spa or Massage  Session50 ways of Handling Client Advances

http://yunesa.blogspot.com/2009/02/preventing-or-avoiding-sexual-advances.html




Do you want to know about Hilot, Dagdagay and other indigenous therapies of the Philippines? If yes, then read on!

A Wee-bit of Philippine Indigenous Therapies with a Focus on Hilot

http://yunesa.blogspot.com/2009/02/wee-bit-of-philippine-indigenous.html




Rules and Regulations on How to Become a Licensed Massage Therapist in the Philippines through the help of the Department of Health, here is the new update:

How to Be a Licensed Massage Therapist in the Philippines

http://yunesa.blogspot.com/2009/02/how-to-be-licensed-massage-therapist.html





Licensure, Accreditation, Certification and Assessment

http://yunesa.blogspot.com/2009/02/licensure-certification-accreditation.html



On anti-aging and Physical Appearances

http://yunesa.blogspot.com/2009/02/on-anti-aging-and-physical-appearances.html




How to renew a Massage Therapy License in the Philippines:

http://yunesa.blogspot.com/2009/05/license-renewal-for-massage-therapy-in.html




If you want to be updated of spa, massage and wellness activities and events or be a part of a support group

What is Meetup all about?

http://yunesa.blogspot.com/2009/06/everybodys-meetup-dito-po-sa-atin.html






The most comprehensive resource and information guide on the list of training centers, magazines, publications, books and literatures both local and international are all available in the book, “The Spa, Massage and Wellness Resource Guide and Career Book”. The First Book on Spa, Massage and Wellness Resource Book and Career Guide

http://www.scribd.com/doc/6425282/About-the-Book-Spa-Massage-and-Wellness-Resource-Guide-and-Career-Book
(this has the most comprehensive list of training centers in the Philippines and abroad with tips from professionals and employment opportunities, legal laws and regulations, list of employment agencies, how to choose a trainer, and information that you need in order to succeed in this industry and before you shell out money for your tuition or training, there are a lot of ways you can grab a copy of this valuable information para hindi ka mag sayang ng time and money enrolling in trainings you do not even need. This book will give you the information to start right in the industry with secrets you should know and being able to find your rainbow in the wonderful world of massage, spa and wellness.

1. You can order it online via www.Amazon.com at 34.95$

2. You can order it via a Kindle device at $7.99

3. You can order an e-book copy through my blog at www.yunesa.blogspot.com at $19.95

4. You can also get a copy from National Bookstores nationwide at P799Pesos

5. For locals only, you can order it from me at local discounted rates with free delivery at 900Pesos (via LBC or FEDEX Air 21. Anywhere in the Philippines. Please allow 1-5 working days



If you are looking for a career opportunity, not just a job in the spa, massage therapy and wellness industry, this book is a must read.



Also, CD's included in the kit for spa management, practice and operations available:



The Spa and Wellness Business- Understanding the Basics (PowerPoint format)

Seven Deadly Mistakes to Avoid as a Spa Owner and Practitioner in the Spa Wellness Business (PowerPoint format)

Spa, Massage and Facial Therapies 101 (The Basics) (PowerPoint format)

Business Worksheets for Spa and Massage Business in the Philippines (Excel and Word format/program includes all the financial worksheets you need in computing for your operational cost, etc.)



This article is written by: Eunice Estipona a spa consultant, mentor, advisor, speaker and lecturer. One of her advocacies is to make healing and information regarding the field of spa, massage and wellness accessible and affordable to everyone. If you are serious about turning your business or practice around, making the right decisions, getting an unbiased opinion and knowing where to get help, for lectures and other concerns she can be contacted at yunesa@yahoo.com or +639184745685. To find out how she can help you take your business to the next level, visit her site at http://www.meetup.com/philippinemassagetherapy

These along with hundreds of resources found locally and abroad are contained in “The Spa, Massage and Wellness Resource and Career Book”, the first book of resource information to know more about the Spa, Massage and Wellness Industry in the Philippines and other countries including the United States, Australia and other Asian countries. You can view, read, download and print for FREE the book’s summary at this link http://www.scribd.com/doc/6425282/About-the-Book-Spa-Massage-and-Wellness-Resource-Guide-and-Career-Book



If you are a spa, massage therapy and wellness information seeker the resources contained in the book for you. This book is a collection of data and valuable information regarding the spa and massage industry in a global perspective with a focus on the Philippines. Her advocacy in writing the book is to make “unbiased” information regarding the field of spa, massage and wellness resources and career, accessible and affordable for everyone. If you are considering a career in the massage, spa and wellness industry, this book will prepare you and give you a glimpse of what it is like, the preparation you need to take: emotionally, intellectually and financially. In this book, you will learn more details in the spa and massage field and the possible paths you can take. You will also learn about local and international training programs offered and numerous employment possibilities. Giving you much needed information at your fingertips. You can order it from www.Amazon.com or for local Philippine residents, you can email and get in touch with Eunice at yunesa@yahoo.com.



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A Wee-Bit of Philippine Indigenous Therapies (with a Focus on Hilot)

A WEE-BIT OF PHILIPPINE INDIGENOUS THERAPIES
WITH A FOCUS ON “HILOT”
By Eunice
yunesa@yahoo.com
(to have copy of this article, see below for details)

INDIGENOUS (ĭn-dĭj'ə-nəs, adj.) denotes a cultural, social or organizational characteristic that differentiates a certain region to some degree by surrounding populations and dominant culture. Other terms include: intrinsic and innate. Something that is unique and specific to that culture. After defining indigenous, do you think our beloved country, the Philippines has something to offer? A few perhaps? Or a lot? As usual, this article is presented in a contemporary non-dogmatic style to address mainly the inquiring public, the practitioners and spa, massage clinic and wellness center owners and anyone who wishes to know more about the uniqueness of hilot and other Philippine therapies.

The Philippines will definitely not lag behind as with its 7,100 islands cannot be limited to just a few indigenous therapies. As the islands have specific therapies, so does each country. Specific therapies have been pigeon-holed to an individual culture. So when we mention a therapy, it will also connote a specific nationality, region or cultural heritage. As an exercise, let us match the following therapies to their specific country or origin. Let us see if you can recognize some:
Lomi-Lomi Hawaii
Shiatsu Japan
Reflexology China/Egypt/Old World
Thai massage Thailand
Eh ito? Swedish massage Sweden
Ngek! The last entry about Swedish Massage coming from Sweden is a common misnomer, there is no Swedish massage in Sweden, because they call it Classic or Classical massage and if it were to be associated with any country it should be referred to as “Dutch massage”, the non-Swedish origin of Swedish massage (quoted from Terry Mc Dermott). But we are not here to discuss the origins of these massage therapies. I just gave you enough examples to show you that a particular country or region can be known for an indigenous therapy. Ibig sabihin a therapy that is uniquely found in a specific locality, sa atin ba meron? Of course, last but not the least our very own Hilot from the Pearl of the Orient, the Islands of the Philippines. My beloved country, the home of unsung heroes and what most expatriates would consider the best place to retire in Asia.

Pagusapan muna natin ang Hilot. Isang indigenous therapy ng Pilipinas. When we say Hilot anong unang-unang pumapasok sa isip mo? Hmmm……si Mang Kepweng? Ang Banahaw? Masahe? O si JR Siaboc sa kanta niyang “Hilot”?

We have to accept that the diversity of each region also adds up to the diversity of hilot. “Hilot” has no one-word English counterpart. At least, nothing that I have researched for nor can think of. Kung meron man po, please let me know. What am I arriving at? Sa word pa lang na hilot, wala na itong katumbas sa ibang lenguahe. Even the Philippine dialects have different translations of Hilot. In Botoc, it is known as “aplos”. In Pangasinan, it is known as “kemkem”. In Bukidnon, it is known as “hagud”. In Ilocos, Zambales and Pampanga it is known as “ilut” or “ilot”. Whatever the word is, “Hilot” is a Filipino traditional healing method or the Science of Filipino healing arts. Hilot was also nominated as the Spa treatment of the year in 2005. Hilot has been in existence even before the Spaniards came. Needless to say, we have to accept our regional diversity. Anong pong ibig kong sabihin? We have two schools of thought regarding the use of hilot: one as a traditional healing therapy and the other for relaxation. For example, a “hilot” practitioner in one locality may practice different techniques than a hilot practitioner in another locality. We will touch on the methodologies and how some Hilots practice their craft later. If we were to define hilot, there is no one rigid definition of hilot and how to perform hilot. Even the word “hilot” means either the verb hilot or a noun that refers to a practitioner of hilot. Example, Hilot (noun) Ikang (a fictitious name) may start her therapy session on the head while Hilot Ambo would start on the client’s back. Who would dare say that any of these practices are incorrect? Should Hilot be rigid? We have to accept that traditionally, hilot is practiced through folk medicine and thus cannot be placed in a box. Some principles can be explained by Science and some we just have to accept that even in Hilot, some questions in this world can never be answered by a finite mind. Pero hindi ibig sabihin na hindi effective ang hilot. Hindi porke hindi natin mai-explain ang hilot ay hindi na tayo maniniwala sa efficacy nito. For example, hindi ibig sabihin na porke hindi natin maipaliwanag ang pag-ibig, ay hindi na tayo maniniwala na wala ngang pag-ibig. Ganun din sa hilot. There maybe a few practices that cannot be explained by Science, but it doesn’t mean it is not effective.

The “Hilot” principle is traditionally validated. Hilot is not based on strokes and techniques but based on strokes with principles, kaya huwag kang umasa na ang isang hilot sa Ilocos Norte ay kapareho ng isang pag-practice ng hilot sa Visayas region. Although, they have similarities, they also have differences.

Sino ba itong ating mga Manghihilot? Manghihilots or Hilots are Filipino traditional healers based in communities who deliver health services. During the Spaniards and American era this was largely ignored and suppressed. The cost of a consultation is free or voluntary. Bakit nga ba walang mayayaman na Hilot? Because our old manghihilots before believe that it lessens the “Hilot’s” healing powers. Noong araw, hindi pumupunta ang isang tao sa isang Manghihilot kung wala siyang nararamdaman. Therefore as doctors have specializations, hilots also have their own specialty. Common categories of hilots: arbolarios (folk doctors), herbalist (manganganga or arbolaryo or herbolaryo), obstetrician (partera, nagpapa anak or comadrona). Siyempre as we have evolved into modern Science naging less and less ang pag depende natin sa Hilot.

What then is unique about Hilot? If it isn’t the technique? As I quote Engr./Dr. Babiano Fajardo, “the uniqueness of Hilot embodies the sincerity, respect, understanding, discipline and service to the community and nature.” So does this mean walang karapatan ang sinuman na maging Hilot kung walang sincerity, respect, understanding and discipline? Plus service to the community and nature? Wow! This means “Hilot” is actually a healer’s lifestyle. It embodies the wholeness of a person practicing hilot.

If I were a client, what should I expect during a hilot session? Well marami, to name a few, Hilots may perform body scanning at the client’s back. Some of hilot’s diagnostic methodologies include: pulse reading, thermal diagnosis (hot and cold), phrenology/physiognomy, urine, skin and perspiration analysis. Some hilot practitioners apply warm strips of herbs or banana leaves before and after a massage. Most hilot practitioners use “coconut lana” or oil from coconut or use virgin coconut oil to lace these herbs which are then applied on the client’s skin. These leaves are naturally ionized they said and possess astringent and cleansing properties. Sometimes a client will also be asked to bathe (“banyos”) in a warm or lukewarm solution of guava leaves for 15 to 20 minutes before a hilot session. The guava leaves, especially the shoots, are boiled and while still hot placed in a container, normally a pail of water and then bathed by the client warm or lukewarm. There is also the practice of “oslob” or “suob”, this is the steam inhalation of dried aromatic herbs usually” Bayabas (guava), sambong, lemon grass in a basin for 5 to 10 minutes. Sometimes an arbolaryo will ask you to chew young guava leaves and swallowed to help in coagulation. If one has a fresh wound like during circumcision, the guava leaves can be masticated then applied externally to minimize bleeding. Herbs normally used during hilot are sambong, lagundi and tanglad. The oils used naman includes: lemon grass, ylang- ylang, peppermint and ginger.

Manghihilots or Hilots (the noun version) believe that everything is labeled hot or cold thus, the term “may lamig ka”. On a massage point of view, these are called “knots” or “nodules” which needs to be kneaded during a massage. These accumulate when the body is exposed to too much warmth then an exposure to coldness in temperature or may result from abrupt changes in temperature. Di ba in Science, any strenuous activity that makes us tired and sweaty pores open especially during a hot climate then when we expose ourselves in an air-conditioned room, the result of which is a disruption of the natural internal balance. So “Hilots” would warn parents to keep infants dry kasi malalamigan especially the bumbunan (or the anterior fontanelles). If you have sprain, you go to a “hilot” if you need to be kneaded, you also go to a hilot. There are certain
contraindications sa massage na pwede sa hilot meron din namang contraindicated sa hilot na pwede sa massage. To differentiate some methodologies of massage and hilot, in massage, generally, hindi pwedeng i-massage ang may sprain (sprain is contraindicated in massage, not in hilot). Sa hilot naman pwede. Sa massage (as thought by Western countries, you can take a bath after a massage but never in hilot) pwede naman maligo after a massage, pero sa authentic Hilot hindi pwede.

There are also several indigenous therapies, not only hilot to name a few: we have “Kolkolis” or “Dagdagay”, a foot massage originating from Mt. Province, Sagada, Tadian. Sometimes pine sticks are applied like drum sticks on the feet.

We also have “tapik kawayan” tapping of thin bamboo sticks used to release energy blockage. Thus, we have spas that offer a variation of this like the bamboo massage.

There are several publications authored by Filipinos and you might want to check these out: They are available either online, through local bookstores, organizations and associations, etc.

Aklat sa Paghihilot (Book of Remedial Massage)
By Victor Taruc Jauco

Alamin ang Ating Mga Halamang Gamot
By Julio Silverio (at Anvil Publishing in the Philippines)

Cosmetic Uses of Philippines Medicinal Herbs
By Dietmar Rummel

The Healing Hand of Hilot: Filipino Therapeutic Massage
By Cornelio Evangelista (on Amazon.com)

Healing Ourselves, a Guide to Creative Responses and Self-Reliant Medicine
By Julio P. Silverio
Healing Wonders of Water: Guide to effective hydrotherapy (Unknown Binding)
By Herminia de Guzman (on Amazon.com)

Healing Wonders of Herbs: Guide to the effective use of medicinal plants
By Herminia de Guzman (on Amazon.com)

Healing Wonders of Diet
By Blacenda Miranda Varosa, Godoy and David Ursula Varona

Hilot the Filipino Traditional Massage
By Doctor Jaime Galvez Tan

The Filipino Massage
Barrientos Technique Reflexopressure Aromassage
By Mavic Lao Barrientos

Health and Wellness Tourism
Regulation, Trends and Challenges
By Nancy Joan M. Javier, Ll.M. (on Amazon.com)

Hilot, Ang Aklat
By Engr. Babiano Fajardo
Available at ATHAG or the Association of Traditional Health Aid Givers, Inc.

History of Philippine Medicine and the PMA
Conrado S. Dayrit, Perla Dizon Santos-Ocampo and Eduardo de la Cruz

The Home Spa Recipe
By Melissa Pizana-Cruz

Healing Ourselves
By Jake G. Tan (at Anvil Publishing in the Philippines)

Forever Young
By Cory Quirino (at Anvil Publishing in the Philippines)

Magicians of God: Faith Healers in the Philippines and Around the World
By Jaime Licauco (on Amazon.com) (at Anvil Publishing in the Philippines)

A list of training centers, magazines, publications, books and literatures both local and international are all available in the book, “The Spa, Massage and Wellness Resource Guide and Career Book”. You can order it online via www.Amazon.com or for local Philippine orders, email yunesa@yahoo.com. If you are looking for a career opportunity, not just a job in the spa, massage therapy and wellness industry, this book is a must read.

This article is written by: Eunice Estipona a spa consultant, mentor, advisor, speaker and lecturer. One of her advocacies is to make healing and information regarding the field of spa, massage and wellness accessible and affordable to everyone. If you are serious about turning your business or practice around, making the right decisions, getting an unbiased opinion and knowing where to get help, for lectures and other concerns she can be contacted at yunesa@yahoo.com or +639184745685. To find out how she can help you take your business to the next level, visit her site at http://www.meetup.com/philippinemassagetherapy


These along with hundreds of resources found locally and abroad are contained in “The Spa, Massage and Wellness Resource and Career Book”, the first book of resource information to know more about the Spa, Massage and Wellness Industry in the Philippines and other countries including the United States, Australia and other Asian countries. You can view, read, download and print for FREE the book’s summary at this link http://www.scribd.com/doc/6425282/About-the-Book-Spa-Massage-and-Wellness-Resource-Guide-and-Career-Book

If you are a spa, massage therapy and wellness information seeker the resources contained in the book for you. This book is a collection of data and valuable information regarding the spa and massage industry in a global perspective with a focus on the Philippines. Her advocacy in writing the book is to make “unbiased” information regarding the field of spa, massage and wellness resources and career, accessible and affordable for everyone. If you are considering a career in the massage, spa and wellness industry, this book will prepare you and give you a glimpse of what it is like, the preparation you need to take: emotionally, intellectually and financially. In this book, you will learn more details in the spa and massage field and the possible paths you can take. You will also learn about local and international training programs offered and numerous employment possibilities. Giving you much needed information at your fingertips. You can order it from www.Amazon.com or for local Philippine residents, you can email and get in touch with Eunice at yunesa@yahoo.com.

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