Rongoā, traditional Māori healing, was and still is an important part of the culture. It treats health by combining physical, emotional, and spiritual ways. It embraces the medicinal plants, therapeutic touch, and spiritual healing that have been learnt through generations under the contemplation of balance between the body, mind, and spirit. Here we present three great concepts of rongoā: rongoā rākau, mirimiri, and wairua healing.
Rongoā Rākau – Plant-Based Healing
One of the most important parts of rongoā is rongoā rākau, that is medicine obtained from indigenous plants. The Māori ancestors had a very deep understanding of the healing process of plants, applying them to cures and treatments for different kinds of diseases and ailments, and maintaining itself in good health.
Many of the plants in the Māori landscape go with great healing powers. One of the most famous rongoā plants is kawakawa. Having anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, kawakawa is brewed into teas or applied as poultices to relieve pain and inflammation.
Harakeke (flax) is also an important element in Māori healing processes. The gel-like substance from leaves is smeared onto cuts, burns, or skin irritations. Plants like the manuka and totara are given their qualities for antimicrobial functions, so they are helpful for infections and wounds. These plants are not only considered agents of healing but are also held deep in spiritual esteem by the Māori people, who associate them with their tūpuna (ancestors) and the whenua (land).
Mirimiri – Therapeutic Touch and Bodywork
Mirimiri, yet again an important Māori healing aspect, involves bodywork and massage to restore fluidity and general healing. Mirimiri is different from regular massage therapy in that it focuses on the flow of energy-irrespective of its persona or terminology in its various streams of healing-aimed at freeing the body of all blockages, be they physical or spiritual in nature.
Techniques and Benefits of Mirimiri
In some parts of New Zealand, mirimiri may also be called by other names, such as hutu or rumaki, but they all focus largely on healing in harmony with nature and integrating the concept of mauri into whatever process is undertaken.
Traditionally, miracles are thought to be an important part of a healing process because they realign relationships within a person to make good health and well-being possible. Some of these interventions include massage, dosage with herbs, bathing in waters, and being at peace with the environment. In this context, the full extent of mirimiri therapy must be seen as serving to heal the whole person.
Mirimiri focuses on restoring balance between the physical body and the spirit. By encouraging energy flow through the body, mirimiri releases blocked emotions or spirit that may manifest as illness, hence being a vital healing art within the Māori tradition.
Wairua Healing – The Spiritual Aspect of Health
Healing within the Māori traditions involves the recognition that there are spiritual aspects to health and well-being. It recognizes that physical healing is never complete unless spiritual well-being is restored. Emphasizing that health and healing can only occur when the individual has a strong spirit-to-self connection, it therefore forms the foundation of wairua healing.
In this aspect of healing, prayer, karakia (deeply spiritual incantations), and ceremonies are used to bring the spirit back into balance. This healing acknowledges that the spirits are an essential part of physical and mental health. When the spirit is out of balance, this can manifest in some form of illness or emotional distress.
Healing from the Heart
The healing art of Rongoā, with a focus on herbal remedies, therapeutic touch, and spiritual healing, constitutes a powerful and holistic approach to health. Healing through Rongoā rākau, mirimiri, and wairua is seen as a complete method for restoring balance and well-being. These ancient practices would have assisted with the physical, emotional, and spiritual aspects of healing. Continuing to embrace these practices preserves the cultural heritage and fosters the prospects of having strong communities in the years to come.
