Biologically-Based Therapies

Mind the Body, Embody the Mind Alutaya, Ang, Colacion, Colon, De la Paz, Dolar, Elias, Hilario, Lubrico         The mind manifests connection with the physical body has been proven by science and pseudoscience for ages. Empirical studies have introduced the concepts of hormonal processes, hypnosis, placebo, and many more, which revealed the complex ways our brains interact with our bodies and vice versa. This explains the principles of the mind-body connection as anchored in mind-body techniques. Within our group, we enumerated five examples of the technique, namely: yoga, concentration meditation, art therapy, music therapy, and aromatherapy. 1. Yoga          Danielle and Renz reported that they did yoga to improve their range of motion for dancing and flexibility for swimming.     "Although my purpose was to improve my motion range for dancing, yoga helped me be aware of what my body needs" - Danielle image source: browngirlmagazine.com After doing yoga 3-4 times weekly, h

What is traditional healing?        Traditional healing refers to practices anchored in the belief that supernatural beings possess healing abilities. It also integrates herbal medicine and body-based therapies into its various procedures. In the Philippines, the concept of traditional healing dates back to the babaylans —these were women leaders (or men dressed as women) who served many roles in a tribe. In their role as a healer, they would use their special connection to the spiritual world to invoke spirits for the purpose of treating the ill (Nomoto, 2020). Traditional healing is recognized and accepted for its role in health maintenance and disease treatment and is based on indigenous concepts handed down by generations of healers (WHO, 2002). Personal Experiences a. Hilot Photo Credit: Philippine Institute of Traditional and Alternative Healthcare      Most of us have sought and experienced the practice of Hilot for reasons such as balda, coughs, cold, fever, sprains, or painf

The Herbal Garden: Herbalism in your Backyard by Alberto, Gabuya, Jubas, Lacamento, Leonida, Magdato, Orbuda, Pangilinan According to William Osler, "Medicine is a science of uncertainty and an art of probability." Herbal medicine, over the years, is a living testament to that. In many parts of the world, including the Philippines, herbal medicine is practiced. It remains widely popular due to its large availability, cultural significance, and the people's growing preference for natural products. In this blog, we will explore and feature the benefits of herbal medicines commonly found in a typical local Filipino backyard such as laurel (bay leaf), serpentina (Indian snakeroot), sambong, pansit-pansitan, tawa-tawa, and papaya leaves, as well as share some personal experiences and medicinal recipes which can be prepared at home. Laurel Figure 1.  Laurel plant highlighting its leaves ( “laurel,” 2021 ) . Marj's family uses both the leaves and the roots of laurel as herb