Traditional Health Practices

TRADITIONAL HAWAIIAN HEALING PRACTICES

Traditionally Hawaiians enjoyed good health before Western contact. The Polynesians brought plants to Hawaii by way of wind, water and wings. They were used not only for nourishment but for medicinal purposes. The World Health Organization estimates that 80 percent of the people in developing countries rely on traditional medicine and 85 percent use plants.

In the days of old the healer was called the kahuna la,au lapa'au (herbalist).Presently, herbalists are active prescribing herbal medicine to private patients and those who are looking for other alternatives.

Lomilomi (massage) is also used to relieve body aches. The term haha (touch) also refers to a healing touch technique. Heath problems of muscular or circulatory origin may be treated with lomilomi or haha.

Plants were not the only natural substance used for healing. Pa'akai (sea salt)tinged with lepo alaea (red soil) is a common ingredient of traditional Hawaiian medicine. Medicinal use of salt is based on the belief that salt has cleansing properties.

Kukui

Species: Euphoribiaceae (Spurge family)

Common name: Candlenut Tree

Medicinal uses: it is used as a cream or poultice, or the oil was rubbed onto pregnant women's stomachs to prevent the skin from cracking.

'Ulu

Species: Moraceae (Mulberry family)

Common name: Breadfruit Tree

Medicinal uses: Skin ailments

'Awa

Species: Piperaceae (Pepper family)

Common name: Kava

Medicinal uses: The is served as a relaxant soporific and blended with various other substances for healing purposes

Aloe

Medicinal uses: Aloe is used to treat burns, colds, high blood pressure and constipation.

References

E-mail Sharon Moran, RN, CS, MPH