Rongoā ~ how we sense the world

Rongoā is usually understood within the context of Māori medicine and traditional healing with Rongoā herbal medicine through teas, poultices, balmes for physical ailments. How I came to learn my Rongoā mātauranga was through Mātua Robert McGowan, Pā Ropata whilst being immersed in te ngāhere of the Kaimai ranges near Tauranga. He welcomed my fellow students and I into the tapu space of learning this sacred knowledge with deep karakia. We walked among ngā tipu, the plants to identify and kōrero about how these plants are used for healing. I wrote notes and took samples to press – kawakawa, karamu, mahoe, kumarahou, manuka, pukatea.

Since then, these plants have become my friends in the bush when I’m out walking. I stop and admire the untidy bush of karamu with its orange berries ripening in late summer, kai for the birds. Sometimes I pick some leaves to take home with me to make a tea for later – to cleanse the kidneys and detoxify when I’m feeling congested. Always asking for permission first with karakia and waiting for a tohu, a sign that it’s ok to take some leaves for rongoā.

Rongoā is more than plant medicine

I often walk by myself in nature. The immersion for me is important for re-balancing and connecting to myself, grounding to Papatūānuku. Rongoā is more than plant medicine. At its root – rongo means to sense – how we listen, how we see, how we feel, how we are present with what is. Rongoā is a way of being with the world when we are seeking a way of restoring right relationship ~ with ourselves, with each-other and with te Taiao, our natural environment.

For me, this practice of rongoā connects me even deeper to the things that matter most. It’s a way of listening deeply, following the wisdom that comes from within, tending to what needs care and attention. This is why I choose Rongoā Māori bodywork as a way to express this practice in a therapeutic sense. It informs me of how to stay in connection with my senses, with the whenua ki raro, with the stars and Ranginui ki runga. I feel deeply held with the powerful protection and resource of karakia. I trust myself to be present and listen well for each client that comes for Rongoā. What happens is more than just me. It’s a relationship to all we are, becoming embodied to experience all our senses.

“E kore au e ngaro, he kākano i ruia mai i Rangiātea”
~ I will never be lost for I am a seed sown in the heavens