Rongoā Māori
Healing that treats the whole person
Rongoā Māori is more than bodywork or plant medicine. It looks at tinana, hinengaro, wairua and whānau together, because none of them sit apart from the others.
What a session involves
We start with a kōrero. You tell me what's going on and what brought you in, and I explain what I'd suggest and why. Nothing happens that you haven't agreed to.
From there a session usually blends mirimiri or romiromi with rongoā rākau — a balm or oil made from native plants. Some people come once for something specific. Others come regularly, particularly through a hard stretch.
I offer this with respect for the tikanga it comes from and for the tohunga who carry it. If there's something you'd like included, or left out, say so and we'll work that way.
The strands
What we might use
Most sessions draw on more than one of these. What we use depends on what you need on the day.
Mirimiri
Hands-on bodywork that works with the whole person, not just the sore bit. Slower and more intuitive than a standard massage, and often deeply settling.
Romiromi
Deeper, more focused pressure on areas holding old tension. Firm work, always at a pace you're comfortable with, with plenty of checking in.
Rongoā rākau
Native plant preparations — kawakawa, kūmarahou, harakeke and others — made into balms, oils and teas to support what we're working on.
Karakia and wairua
Sessions can open and close with karakia if that sits well with you. If it doesn't, that's completely fine and we simply leave it out.
Book a rongoā session
Appointments in Warkworth. If you're unsure whether rongoā or a therapeutic massage suits you better, mention it when you book and we'll work it out together.