Former health chief Galvez-Tan holds seminar exploring Filipino Traditional Medicine in the Modern Age
06 May 2024
On the 4th of May 2024, the Confucius Institute at Ateneo de Manila University hosted a seminar that delved into Filipino Traditional Medicine (FTM) practices. This lecture is the 8th session in CI's Traditional Chinese Medicine Forum Series, which it has been offering to the public since 2023. Taking the stage for this lecture is Dr. Jaime Z. Galvez Tan, Chairman of the Health Futures Foundation, Inc., and former Secretary of the Department of Health during the Ramos Administration.
The seminar, titled "Filipino Traditional Medicine Practices in the 21st Century," introduced the basic concepts and applications of FTM. Dr. Galvez Tan illustrated how FTM has been shaped by influences from ancient civilizations such as China, India, and Greece-Persia, while also highlighting its unique integration of indigenous plant knowledge and local healing customs.
One of the key themes explored during the lecture was the holistic concept of health and wellness in FTM. Dr. Galvez Tan described it as a state of harmony, balance, and synergy that extends beyond the physical body to encompass the interconnectedness of humans with the universe, nature, and within themselves — encompassing the body, mind, and soul.
Central to FTM are the practices encapsulated by the term "Hilot-Hilod-Hilom," which Dr. Galvez Tan emphasized as foundational to achieving and maintaining health. These practices include gentle massage techniques (hilot), herbal-infused baths (paligo), inhalation of herb-infused steam (suob), and body scrubbing with smooth stones (hilod). In addition, FTM also promotes social healing and wellness through forgiveness and acts of kindness towards others (hilom), illustrating the holistic approach to wellness advocated by FTM.
The seminar underscored that FTM goes beyond mere physical treatments, emphasizing the importance of nurturing harmonious relationships — a concept deeply embedded in the fabric of Filipino culture and traditions.
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