Traditional
Māori Healing In
traditional Māori healing, diagnosis involves a holistic approach. The
mind, body and spirit or mauri (spark or life force) and wairua
(spirit) were addressed and
importantly tapu, the natural law was taken into account. Whakapapa
or genealogy was also considered.
Tapu and Noa in this context, are concepts concerning the
prevention of illness in the community or individual through obeying the
natural law and order of the Māori world. Tapu is considered the strongest
force in Māori life. Tapu dictates safe or unsafe practices in many
aspects of life, relating to sacred objects, places or people, practices
prohibitions etc. Noa is the complimentary action by way of blessing or
karakia to appease any breach of tapu or to lift any restriction
or tapu upon a person place or thing.
Transgressing tapu was considered to lead to sickness, mental illness or
death.
Tohunga were the medical professionals of the Māori world, orally
passing their comprehensive knowledge and understanding of the connection
between these elements, and ailments and afflictions to modern day healers,
where many of the concepts and practices are still applicable.
Skilled in the use of healing herbs and plants found in Aotearoa, the Tohunga
made Rongoā or tonics, preparations and prescriptions, used mirimiri
or massage, karaka or incantations and prayer and wai tapu - water therapy,
including suffusions, steam and heat applications - In the 18th century,
scientist Joseph Banks observed that Māori were in good health and appeared
to suffer from few diseases:
Native
Healing Herbals produce a range of therapeutic creams and balmes, using
the principles of the Tohunga, and using a form of reiki or hands on healing
energy. All herbs are wild picked according to moon phases, and karakia
is said before harvesting of native plants and herbs and at completion
of balm making. All preparations are GM free, and produced by hand in
small batches with no contact with plastics to avoid chemical leaching.
No chemicals, perfumes or artificial ingredients are used.
and
importantly tapu, the natural law was taken into account. Whakapapa
or genealogy was also considered.
