Healing through time

There can be no society without the embrace of medicine. 

For most of their existence, Filipinos flocked to folk healers or albularyo for traditional medical services. Even as technology introduced licensed physicians, some rural communities still offer panghihilot, pagtatawas, or paglalaway—these ‘heal’ physical, emotional, and spiritual ailments through natural medicine and rituals, which may not concur with today’s medical practice standards.

Natural beginnings

Pre-colonial Filipino medical practices were rooted in animism and herbalism. Over 1,500 known medicinal plants are already in its arsenal, and more “have been overlooked” according to University of the Philippines assistant professor Felipe Jocano Jr. Indigenous knowledge passed through generations also plays a part in preserving these practices, which often attribute diseases to spiritual disturbances. 

However, colonizers swept through the mountains, ultimately influencing and altering the common medical practice to suit foreign beliefs.

Silently thriving, albularyos—from the Spanish word herbolario or herbalist—persisted in colonization and healthcare standardization. Some attest to it being a cheaper alternative to facing hospital bills in government health units or a humbler and more accessible approach to medicine. 

With patrons ranging from parents of infants to elders seeking medical attention, it has become a ‘backdoor’ entrance to healing.

Barriers

Patients point to health unit and facility deficiencies when veering away from standard medical practices. A 2019 journal said that despite high nationwide demand, relatively “complete” health services are often accessible only in major cities. Limited budgets for energy and water costs and healthcare worker wages intensify the increased public reliance and favor on albularyos, which have become the ‘go-to’ alternative for some Filipinos.

Their economic condition also made modern medical technologies unaffordable. High consultation fees and medical aid from health professionals result in most people opting for folk healers. Hence, the uneven distribution of resources and power in communities leaves the poor persistently devoted to the traditional and cultural practices of the albularyos.

While access to modern medical technology regresses due to financial restrictions and poor government institutional support, folk healing must still “be ethical and protective and promote and advance the indigenous peoples themselves,” Jocano said. If not, it will lead to services provided by healers whose unverified profession, quality of service, and knowledge of the medical field, become the cornerstone of rural healthcare.

Consequences

A 2021 study revealed that folk medicine, including herbal medicine, is an effective substitute for over-the-counter medical treatments. It said that while physicians approve of these herbal medical aids for their therapeutic value, they do not prefer folk healers as an alternative to professional care.

Although deemed effective, folk medicine still does not directly recognize the main cause of illnesses which can lead to bigger health problems. Herbal remedies, for instance, may pose risks such as kidney failure or liver damage from heavy metal poisoning. Furthermore, the lack of regulation means that folk healers operate without professional licenses, raising questions about the safety and reliability of their services.

Looking ahead

Philippine traditions must prevail through technological advancements. However, finding ways for folk healing and modern medical practices to co-exist is more important for Filipinos who may enjoy both. Providing sufficient and quality education, especially about public health care in remote areas, allows them to benefit from their healthcare rights. It also challenges the government to show compassion for its people and alleviate their lifestyle by creating more sustainable health centers in every area.

While the cultural importance of albularyos and their folk healing practices remains, every Filipino deserves basic standardized medical attention. There can indeed be no society without it. Yet, there can be no medicine’s embrace for everyone without the intervention of those in power.

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