Mahuawa

Mahuawa is a term primarily used in New Zealand Māori culture. It refers to a feeling of being unsettled, anxious, or troubled in the gut or stomach. It can encompass both physical discomfort and emotional distress or unease. While often translated as "gut feeling" or "anxiety," the term carries a deeper cultural significance, relating to concepts of connection to the environment, spiritual wellbeing, and the impact of external forces on one's inner state. Mahuawa is often considered a signal or warning that something is not right, prompting reflection and potentially action to restore balance. The feeling is understood to stem from a disturbance within the individual's internal harmony, potentially triggered by external factors like social situations, spiritual imbalances, or a premonition of negative events. The concept is holistic, linking physical sensation with mental and spiritual wellbeing.