In the late 70's I was in my early 20's and developed an ankle rash about two inches in diameter. From about 1979-80 to 2017 I visited many dermatologist both in the USA and in Manila. On one visit a doctor in the USA said " you'll probably have it your whole life."
The rash began to increase in size very slowly over the years but was relatively in check. But by the summer of 2018 it's growth increased and I could see it was going to cover a significant part of my lower leg. I had given up on western medicine and resolved to fate.
However, by the fall of 2018 I was continuing my extended visits to the Philippines. This time to the south guided by my writer friend Oscar Penaranda. Among our planned stops he said we would visit his friends "on the magical island of Sequijor."
The day before taking the short ferry ride from Dumaguete to Siquijor, I was a bit run down. A Babaylan who with us who also new of my ankle condition treated me. I don't know what she did? But I was lying on a small roll away bed and simply fell a sleep, as she said "it was something I learned as a child from my mother." It did not involve any physical touching, I closed my eyes as she began and simply just feel a sleep.
Once on the island of Sequijor we met Oscar's friends. They resided in "The Art Complex." Just off the main road built in the jungle, several small and scattered structures and cottages. At the focal point was a stage where the main house was attached. The stage was used as a gathering place to train local musicians and perform. The vast audience area was built beneath a large metal canopy. There we drank and I played guitar with one of the locals.
The woman proprietor who was also caring for an elderly person, saw my ankle and said "simple lang yan, gamitan mo lang ng BL cream," (That's simple or easy, just apply BL cream-a small plastic vile of cream which then costs less than 50 cents USD).
The following day we were all taken to see a few sights. One of these was the well known 400 year old Balete tree. It's roots dangled into small pond lined by a concrete step. I sat there for a while with my feet in the water as commonly the little fishes eat dead skin.
Within the following year, using the BL cream, the rash had disappeared.
I look back and wonder what was it that healed me. Rather than one, I think it was all of it.
Happy New Year 2024. I woke up this first day of the new year with a great sense of inner peace. I think Miracles abound wether we believe them or not. Or is it that the way we live so out of touch that when we see the simple natural healing we think it's a miracle.
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