Alternative Medicine in the Philippines

Alternative Medicine is a term used to refer to any healing practice that does not fall within the realm of conventional medicine or practices that which has not been shown consistent effectiveness and lacks scientific backing or evidence. In contrast to evidence based conventional medicine, alternative medicine is often based on the belief that a particular health regimen, ritual or potion has efficacious effects even while there is not a body of evidence or study to support such a claim or belief under conventional rigorous standards.

In general, Alternative Medicine encompasses many practices, rituals and therapies with a historical or cultural basis rather than scientific. Well known examples include Herbalism, Traditional Chinese Medicine, Meditation, Yoga, Hypnosis, Acupuncture and a range of other practices. Alternative medicine can be found everywhere around the globe, belying misconceptions that it only existed on poor or less educated countries. In fact, some forms of these traditional medicines are widespread in rich countries like America, Japan and other first world countries around the world.

The Philippines is rich in these practices. Many of these practices are actually native to and can be found only in the Philippines. The rich cultural, traditional and spiritual beliefs of the Filipino's way before the time of first Philippine colonization by the Spaniards gave birth to such practices and continue to thrive until today.

The Albularyo, are general practitioners and primary dispensers of health care. Albularyo’s healing abilities are said to be passed down through family-line from their native predecessors or through apprenticeship with a local healer. Albularyos claimed that their healing power or ability is bestowed by a supernatural being, often attributed to the Holy Spirit or Duendes (dwarf) or other elemental creatures in Philippine folklore. Years of study and application bring healers into familiarity with the lore and rituals of healing, prayers and use of herbal medicinal plants.

The Manghihilot, are specialized healers or practitioner of the craft of chiropractic manipulation and massage for treatment of muscular and skeletal ailments. In contrast to the convention medicine’s equivalent like a physical therapist, the Manghihilots treatment in low on science and high on esotery. Manghihilots are usually said to be born with their ability, or destined to this healing art. Most Manghihilots are also well versed in Herbalism, their therapies mostly involved oil derived from coconut and some medicinal leaves and plants. Some also have religious artifacts said to be blessed by God in their healing rituals.

The Magpapaanak or Mananabang, are specialized healers for pregnant mothers. Equivalent to midwives who have scientific college training and are certified by the government, the Magpapaanak is well verse with traditional rituals and practices for assisting a child-birth. They also have more than basic knowledge in herbal medicinal plants for utilization in a variety of prenatal and postnatal care for mothers and children. Magpapaanak is usually found practicing on mountain settlements or urban poor settlements where professional care is either unreachable or expensive.

The Mangtatawas, usually not a practicing healer but performs diagnostics for patients and refers the treatment to the appropriate specialist like Manghihilot, Albularyo and others. Mangatatawas usually used rituals for diagnostics and herbal medicinal plants combining them to create potions or solutions for their ritual.

Usually, these people practicing alternative medicine requires very minimal payment - donations or none at all. They believe that they will lose effectiveness if they decide on charging their patients.

These practices and rituals are not assessed and tested of its efficacy and safety and may be dangerous. However, many patients also claimed to be healed by these practices and rituals. Critics of alternative medicine said this is just placebo effect and may cause delay of professional treatment to critical and possibly life-threatening illness.

Although alternative medicine is not encouraged, it is also not regulated in the Philippines. Proliferation of these practices on Philippine community is blamed on poor health care services and assistance to patients that cannot afford professional medical care. Although some of these practices may be effective, patients must be very careful and cautious in deciding whether to use alternative medicine for treatment of illness.