Hilot meditation 1: Breath

Woman sitting with one hand on heart, one hand on stomach

Source: Lahaina Daudt

Hilot is an ancient practice indigenous to the Philippines. This meditation by hilot facilitator Lorelie Luna Ladiges is a gentle breathing exercise, slowly focusing in on your heart. You can be lying down or seated.


Hilot is an ancient Filipino holistic practice dating back to pre-colonial times.

Holistic healing and massage are integral parts of Filipino culture. Hilot is the Tagalog word for 'massage-rubbing' or 'touching with soothing strokes'.

The main purpose of Hilot is to restore harmony in the body, promoting physical, emotional, and mental healing.

This meditation was written by Lorelie Luna Ladiges, an experienced Hilot facilitator who runs the  on Sydney’s Northern Beaches.

Lorelie says that Filipinos tend to learn Hilot from their elders. The practice was passed down to Lorelie by her grandmother and great grandmother.

Lorelie also volunteers with an organisation called  that offers free meditation sessions as a response to mental health challenges in our communities.  

Hear more hilot meditations from Lorelie by following  in , or the .

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