Variable Relaciones interpersonales

This chapter has presented the results of the third step of the rourou MĈori method of analysis. This provides a comprehensive exploration of the perspectives of all participating MĈori healers and collates their individual stories into a collective story on RM healing practices. It fulfils the research purpose by answering the research question of “What are the underlying philosophies of rongoĈ MĈori͍”

The analysis of healers’ views has revealed the following findings showing that RM healing is a continual ongoing process of life. RM is primarily based on relationships between the healer and the client that assists to co- construct the healing based on aroha. RM utilises whĈnau values to describe the collaborative relationships between healers and the

community which assists the client to receive the healing they require. The potency of herbal remedies is increased by the alliance between people and plants as an integral aspect of the healing. RM utilises the assistance of tţpuna to facilitate healing throughout the healing session that provides information on the client’s healing needs. Diagnosis involves locating where healing needed to be directed in the past of the client which could be found in distant generations when illness is passed down to

descendants. A major cause of illness is the emotional state of the client that may surround catalysts that caused illness in the past of the client. RM is characterised as facilitating a process of change for any client to achieve a different state of being. This includes clients who have passed away as well as the land. MĈori healers discussed the way that RM aims to heal MĈori of colonisation by holding MĈori knowledge, values and

traditions as tapu.

A summary look over the analysis of all the findings reveals an intricate system that interconnects and overlaps each other. In particular, perhaps the key aspect of the RM healing process involves the negotiation and

mediation of interrelated relationships that are facilitated by the healer. There are relationships between the healer and themselves firstly, the client, the herbs and the natural environment, the spiritual world of tţpuna, guides and other spiritual sources and entities, other healers, the whĈnau and the wider community, as well as between client and the issues or unresolved emotions in their lives, past and/or present. The healer is the central figure throughout all these interactions and acts to mediate and negotiate all of these relationships on behalf of the client. Significant relationships in RM are the connections with nature, with the spiritual dimension and with people, however, these connections are not limited to the healing session only but appear to be a part of a broad perspective of a MĈori way of being. Perhaps it is the way that these relationships are operationalised and focused on the healing of the client that demarcates them as unique to the RM healing process. Underlying these relationships are the findings that have emerged from healers’ stories which unite these connections together to support and assist the process of healing for the client. Without acknowledgement of each of these philosophies, the full value and potential of RM may not be able to be fully understood, realised or acknowledged.

These findings align with MĈori philosophy that states that MĈori are interconnected with nature, humanity and the natural world (Henare, 2001) and spirituality is an intrinsic aspect of the MĈori worldview (Valentine, 2009). RongoĈ MĈori is conceptualized as being a form of healing that is continuously happening everyday for healers. It is a people- based form of healing that relies on values such as aroha, relationships with people such as the healer and the client, plants and the tţpuna. RongoĈ MĈori reflects the MĈori worldview about connections between the physical and spiritual world (Valentine, 2009), and negotiates time to identify illness from past generations in order to conduct healing for the client (Loesel, 2006). RM focuses on the metaphysical aspects of human

client. RM is characterised as having the function of healing, but is also capable of holding MĈori healing knowledge and wisdom which contributes to the continued survival of MĈori culture.

RongoĈ MĈori is characterised as an intricate and dynamic system of healing relationships negotiated by the rongoĈ MĈori healer. This comprises relationships between the healer and people, the spiritual dimension and plants in order to co-construct beliefs about emotions, illness and healing based on values such as aroha, whĈnau and wairua. RongoĈ MĈori is championed as a vehicle of MĈori cultural sovereignty which is cultivated by hope for the improved future of MĈori. RongoĈ

MĈori is intrinsically based on MĈori cultural values and beliefs that provide a culturally appropriate form of holistic healing treatment for MĈori.

CHAPTER SIX: FINAL JOURNEY INTO THE LIGHT OF UNDERSTANDING – TE