mauli ola - Healing practices
SOURCE: https://kumukahi.org/units/na-kanaka/mauli-ola/laau-lapaau
What is Lāʻau Lapaʻau?
Lāʻau lapaʻau refers to traditional Hawaiian medicine derived from plants, used for healing the mind, body, and spirit. This holistic approach to medicine involves gathering plants from the land (‘āina) or sea (kai), and sometimes growing them in one's own backyard.
Origins of Lāʻau Lapaʻau
The practice of lāʻau lapaʻau has deep historical roots. According to some mo‘olelo (stories), Lonopūhā is credited as one of the earliest practitioners of this healing art in Hawai‘i. In various tales, Lono, a revered figure, injured his foot and sought healing from a knowledgeable individual, who was sometimes depicted as the god Kāne or Kamakanui‘āha‘ilono—a god or kahuna depending on the version of the story. This event was commemorated in Lono's name, Lonopūhā (where “pūhā” refers to an open sore or swollen area). Lonopūhā was also known as a kahuna hāhā, a healer who used touch to diagnose illnesses.
Another significant aspect of Hawaiian healing involves deities and spiritual entities such as Kū and Hina, who are invoked when gathering medicinal plants. Stones and islets, like those in Waikīkī associated with healing experts Kapaemāhū, Kahaloa, Kapuni, and Kinohi, are also believed to possess healing powers. These stones, imbued with healing energy by these practitioners, are now preserved and their story shared as part of Hawaiian cultural heritage.
Practitioners of Lāʻau Lapaʻau
In traditional Hawaiian society, experts in this field are known as kāhuna lāʻau lapaʻau. These practitioners were often chosen and trained from a young age by experienced kāhuna (masters) to become skilled in the use of medicinal plants and rituals. The training, which could last up to twenty years, included learning how to gather plants and minerals, perform the necessary prayers (pule), and execute the appropriate rituals for healing.
Family members also played a role in daily health care using lāʻau lapaʻau for minor ailments and preventative care. Children were taught to gather and use medicinal plants, promoting self-sufficiency. If home remedies were insufficient, families would seek out a kahuna lāʻau lapaʻau for more serious issues. This personal knowledge and close relationship with patients is similar to the role of family doctors today.
Specialized experts, such as kāhuna lāʻau kāhea, focused on specific types of healing, such as bone setting. They were required to demonstrate their skills by performing complex procedures on family members.
Types of Sicknesses
Hawaiian traditions recognize three categories of ma‘i (sickness):
Ma‘i of the Body: Physical ailments treated with medicinal plants and traditional practices.
Ma‘i from External Forces: Illnesses believed to be caused by gods, spirits, or curses.
Ma‘i from Within the ‘Ohana: Sicknesses stemming from familial conflicts or emotional distress.
For conditions not alleviated by medicinal plants, specific pule and restorative processes were employed to address spiritual and familial issues.
Gathering and Using Lāʻau
The process of gathering lāʻau involves a respectful and intentional approach. Practitioners must gather plants with a loving heart and positive intentions to ensure the effectiveness of the medicine. A pule is recited to prepare the mind and spirit for the task. For instance, a pule for eye conditions might request healing powers from the deity Kāneikapōpolo and ask for the medicinal plant to provide restoration and health.
Common Lāʻau and Their Uses
Many plants are utilized in lāʻau lapaʻau. Here are a few examples:
Kukui: Used to keep the skin soft and prevent dryness. The oil extracted from roasted kukui nuts is applied to the skin, often for newborns.
‘Ōlena (Turmeric): Known for its anti-inflammatory properties, it is used to reduce swelling and ease arthritis symptoms. It can be consumed raw, dried and ground into powder, or made into a tincture.
Wai Niu (Coconut Milk): Used to treat diabetes, high blood pressure, and kidney and liver issues.
Pa‘akai (Salt) and ‘Alaea (Red Clay): These ingredients are frequently combined with other plants in treatments.
Modern Practice of Lāʻau Lapaʻau
Today, lāʻau lapaʻau is practiced by some families and individuals who have been taught by their ancestors or trained practitioners. These practitioners continue to apply traditional knowledge and methods, preserving and adapting the practice for contemporary use.
