Healing Vacations in Hawaii

TRADITIONAL NATIVE HAWAIIAN MEDICINE ©

Photos, left to right: The root of the awa plant is ground into a fine powder then mixed with water; Lomilomi massage; soaking in the geothermal mineral ponds in Puna.

Since ancient times, Native Hawaiians have practiced a sophisticated form of traditional medicine, one that blended the use of healing herbs with fasting, sea-water cleanses, steam bath, massage, prayer and the harmonizing of one's relationships. Today, efforts to recover the lost wisdom of Hawaii's indigenous healers are being supported by the Native Hawaiian Health Care Act, passed by the Federal Government in 1988. The act encourages the promotion of traditional healing practices and integrates Native Hawaiian healing with mainstream Western medicine.

A return to the traditional Hawaiian diet of fish, taro, sweet potatoes, coconut and seaweed is an important means of improving health, especially for Native Hawaiians. At the same time, healing practices of old are being revived, offered within the Hawaiian community and to local residents and visitors alike.

The practice of using native medicinal herbs to treat various ailments is called l'au lapa'au. Hawaiian herbalists are skilled at proper identification and preparation of native plants, seaweeds, oils and juices for use in treating various ailments. Today health food stores throughout North America and Europe carry some of Polynesia's more popular medicinal remedies such as the relaxing kava kava herb, the juice of the noni (Indian mulberry) fruit used to stimulate cellular immune response, or 'olena, (turmeric) known for its antibiotic, anticancer and anti-inflammatory properties.

Lomilomi, the art of massage and body manipulation used to rejuvenate spiritual, emotional and physical well-being, constitutes another important element in Hawaiian medicine. In its purest form, lomilomi includes the use of pule (prayer) and energy work. Due to the pioneering efforts of Hawaiian teacher-practitioners such as the Big Island's Auntie Margaret Machado and others, hundreds of students have apprenticed and are now certified in the technique.

"The knowledge of lomilomi was a closely held secret within the native Hawaiian families," shares Dane Silva who teaches traditional massage and healing practices at the Big Island's Hawaii Healing Center "It was originally taught only within the Hawaiian schools of lua (martial arts) to chiefs and warriors to improve the strength, flexibility and vitality of these special groups. Both lomilomi and hula have since developed into internationally beloved and respected arts."

Lomilomi is offered at most island resorts and spas, served up with other specialties such as ti leaf wraps, seaweed or sugarcane body scrubs and body lotions made of kukui (candlenut tree) nut, coconut, ginger, and aloe.

Another essential component of Native Hawaiian medicine is Ho'oponopono, a psycho-spiritual practice involving personal soul searching and clearing through discussion, prayer, repentance and forgiveness. Holding on to anger, guilt, resentment or jealousy can lead to physical problems. Literally translated, ho'oponopono means "to make right." If personal relationships are not in harmony, the body is not in harmony.

"We are connected to others by aka chords, energetic threads that bind us. Thoughts and feelings directed to another, and to the self, can nurture or hurt; thus, healing relationships bears significance in healing the body," shares Mahealani Kuamo'o-Henry, a teacher of ho'oponopono practices. "Our personal state of being must be examined and cleansed. Anger or bitterness are poisons; so we empty our hearts of it each day and never carry it to bed with us."

Hawaiian practitioners first connect through pule (prayer) and sometimes chanting to ask for the blessing of mana (divine energy). Mana can be compared to shen in Chinese medicine, prana in the East Indian traditions or life force in Western practice. To Hawaiians, mana resides in the land, in people and in all elements. It is found within stones, forests, mountains, water and all sentient creatures. Connection to Akua (God), to ancestors, and the earth forms the very foundation of a healthy life.

The spirits of these islands also play their part. They are adept at refreshing, re-energizing and restoring vigor in all. In this paradise it is possible to feel love deeply and fully. Hawaii is truly the heart of the planet, the land of aloha, where the breath of life resides.

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