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Adapting traditional healing values and beliefs into therapeutic cultural environments for health and well-being

Making Education Easy

From Māori Health Review Issue 96
Authors:
  • Marques B et al.
Summary:

An exploration of rongoā Māori has demonstrated the importance of landscape in the process of healing. Semi-structured narrative interviews were conducted with eight rongoā healers or practitioners between June and November 2020. Interpretative phenomenological analysis and Kaupapa Māori techniques were used to analyse transcribed interviews. Findings showed that a complex set of cultural values and beliefs underpin rongoā, drawing from the connection to wairua (spirit), tinana (body), tikanga and whakaora (customs and healing), rākau (plants), whenua (landscape) and whānau (family). Incorporating such constructs into the landscape can provide a culturally appropriate model of care for Māori and non-Māori communities.

Comment:
There are many examples of kaupapa Māori landscaping, and how it incorporates and contributes to wellbeing. One such place that inspires me is Pourewa, in Orakei, Auckland. You can see more here – https://ngatiwhatuaorakei.com/pourewa/. Another indigenous landscaping site I’ve visited is Kahanu in Hawai’i – https://ntbg.org/gardens/kahanu/history/.
Reference: Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2021;19(1):426.
Abstract
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Independent commentary by Dr. Matire Hardwood

Dr Matire Harwood (Ngapuhi) has worked in Hauora Māori, primary health and rehabilitation settings as clinician and researcher since graduating from Auckland Medical School in 1994. She also holds positions on a number of boards, committees and advisory groups including the Health Research Council. Matire lives in Auckland with her whānau including partner Haunui and two young children Te Rangiura and Waimarie.

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