Statewide County HI Archives News.....Wiki Mo'olelo - Part 16 - Ancient Folk Medicine and Healing. December 3, 2008 ************************************************ Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/hi/hifiles.htm ************************************************ File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Darlene E. Kelley donkeyskid@msn.com December 17, 2008, 6:02 pm Keepers Of The Culture, A Study In Time Of The Hawaiian Islands December 3, 2008 Contributed for use in USGenweb Archives by Darlene E. Kelley December 3, 2008 ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Historical Collections of Hawai'I Keepers of the Culture A Study in Time, of the Hawai'ian Islands Wiki Mo'olelo - Part 16 - Ancient Folk Medicine and Healing. by Darlene E. Kelley ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Wiki Mo'olelo Part 16. ANCIENT FOLK MEDICINE AND HEALING. The Hawai'ian word for health is " ola." It also means " life." Ancient Hawai'ians obviously believed yo could not have health without life, nor life without health. The ancient Hawai'ian Health system was well developed. They had a medical profession, medicines, treat- ments, a lengthy apprenticeship program for medical specialists ( kahuna ) and training facilities located in special healing heiau ( temples ). They also had designated places of healing, such as Coconut Island (Mokuola ) at Hilo on the Big Island of Hawai'I, which was famous for its curative spring waters. There were specialists as: Kahuna haihai iwi, who were skilled in setting broken bones. Kahuna haha, who diagnosed illnesses by feeling with the fingers. Kahuna hoohanau keiki, who delivered babies. Kahuna hoohapai keiki, who induced pregnancy. Kahuna laau lapaau, who treated patients with herbs; they were the general practitioners. Kahuna lomilomi, who were physical therapists and also skilled in massage. Kahuna paaoao, who diagnosed and treated illnesses of infants Kahuna aloha, specialized in inducing love. Kahuna anaana, (witch doctors ) both healed and prayed people to death. To the ancient Hawai'ians, mana ( spiritual power ) was necessary to be a truly successful practiioner. Education was sacred as knowledge was a way of achieving this power. If a parent sensed a child had a " healing spirit " enabling them to become a doctor, the child would be sent to live and study with a Kahuna from as young as five years of age and they would spend upwards of fifteen to twenty years in training. During this time they studied anatomy, learned how to diagnose disease, how to choose the right cures of medicines ( particularly the use of medicinal plants ), and learned sacred prayers and chants. They also learned how to perform simple surgical procedures, set bones and perform autopsies. They employed the use of steam baths, massage, and laxatives and undertook empirical research. Since the Hawai'ians viewed the body, mind and spirit as one, Hawai'ians believed that the body could not be treated without healing the spirit. Accordingly, they used a combination of psychic, spiritual, and natural treat- ments to cure illnesses. In particular, before a patient was treated, the Kahuna performed a ritual of hoopono- pono ( making things right ), a type of counseling with the aid of prayer to cleanse the mind and heart of nega- tive thoughts and feelings. Banned by the early missionaries as pagan ritual, it is still included in the traditional Hawai'ian Healing program now implimented by Hawai'ian Health Care Centers serving Native Hawai'ians. This program which is offered at Waianae Coast Comprehensive Heath Care Center on O'ahu's leeward coast ( home to many native Hawai'ians ) includes; Hooponopono - Traditional Hawai'ian family problem solving process making things right. Lomilomi - Traditional, spiritual and physical muscle stress relaxation by licensed therapists. Lau Lapaau - Healing with the use of compounding herbs and other traditional remedies. Pale Keki - Mother and child care, before, during, and after birth. Laau Kahea - Spiritual or faith healing through prayer and chants - a form of exorcism. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++ COMMON CURATIVE PLANTS. The vast majority of Hawai'ian remedies were from plants. It was no different than today, since most of our modern pharmaceuticals are based on substances derived from plants. Here are a few botanical based remedies; Aalii ( Hopseed Bush ): The leaves are used to treat rash, itches and other skin diseases. Awa ( Kava ): Used in treatment of headaches, muscle pain, and to induce sleep. It is also a treatment for general debility, chills, colds, and other lung problems, such as bronchitis and asthma. Awapuhi ( Shampoo Ginger ): Ashes of the leaves are used to treat cuts and sores. The root is used in the treatment of ringworm and sprains and bruises. The root is also used in treatment of headche, toothache and stomach ache. Kalo ( Taro ): It is the single most important plant in Hawai'ian culture. The raw cut rootstock is rubbed on wounds to stop bleeding and the cut raw petiole is used to relieve the pain and prevent swelling of insect bites and stings. The corm is used to treat indigestion and as a laxative. The leaves are used in the treatment of asthma. Ko ( Sugarcane ): The sap is commonly used to sweeten herbal preparations and the juice from the shoot is used to treat lacerations. Mamaki : The inner part of the fruit is used to treat thrush and to cure general debility. The leaves are sold as tea in Hawai'I and an infusion made from the leaves is used to treat generalized weakness. Noni ( Indian Mulberry ): The leaves and bark are prepared as a tonic, and to treat urinary disorders and muscle and joint pain. Either the ripe fruit or the leaves can be used as a poultice for boils, wounds, and fractures. A tonic prepared from the immature fruit is used to treat diabetes, high blood pressure and loss of appetite. Ohia lehua: The flower is used to ease childbirth and leaf bud tea is used as a tonic and to treat colds. Olena ( Turmeric ): The root is used to treat earache, and nose and throat discomfort. Pia ( Polynesian Arrowroot ): The raw starch was used in water for diarrhea and when mixed with a red clay for dysentery. The starch was also applied to wounds to stop bleeding. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++ IMMIGRANTS MEDICINE Most ethnic groups who migrated to Hawai'I brought their own cures. The Chinese and Japanese are especially known for their effective treatments, such as herbal medicine, acupuncture, shiatsu, and tai chi. The time honored treatments are still available throughout the islands. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Next - Part 17. 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