Rongoā

Rongoā (also sometimes referred to as Rongoā Māori) is the traditional Māori healing system of Aotearoa New Zealand. It encompasses a holistic approach to wellbeing, addressing the spiritual, mental, and physical aspects of an individual and their connection to the environment.

Rongoā includes a variety of practices, including:

• Herbal remedies (Rongoā rākau): Utilising native plants for medicinal purposes, prepared in various forms such as infusions, poultices, and ointments. The gathering and preparation of these plants are often governed by specific protocols and spiritual considerations.

• Physical therapies (Mirimiri and Romiromi): These are traditional Māori massage techniques used to address physical ailments, release tension, and promote circulation. They often involve deep tissue work and manipulation of energy points.

• Spiritual healing (Karakia and Wairua): Involving prayers, incantations, and spiritual practices to address imbalances in the individual's spirit or connection to the spiritual realm. This may involve communication with ancestors or deities.

The practice of Rongoā is often closely tied to Māori cultural values, including kaitiakitanga (guardianship of the environment), whakapapa (genealogy and connection to ancestors), and mana (spiritual power and authority). Knowledge of Rongoā is typically passed down through generations within families or through traditional apprenticeship systems.

The use of Rongoā was historically suppressed and discouraged, but has experienced a revival in recent decades, with growing recognition of its value as a complementary or alternative healthcare system. Access to Rongoā services is becoming increasingly available within Māori communities and is sometimes integrated into mainstream healthcare settings. While the practice of Rongoā is deeply rooted in traditional knowledge, it is also evolving to meet the health needs of contemporary Māori.