30 Aug 2013

Traditional Maori healing technique revived in Rotorua

6:35 am on 30 August 2013

Romiromi, the traditional Maori healing technique, is being revived in Rotorua, by two practitioners who run sessions at Kuirau and Owhata Marae.

One of them, Rawiri Te Kowhai, said the practice is similar to mirimiri (massage) but karakia are also performed to drive out bad energy and ancient makutu (spells).

Mr Te Kowhai said people are made of molecules of their ancestors, and any makutu placed on them can continue to effect today's generation.

He said the introduction of the Tohunga Suppression Act in 1907 drove the practice underground, but says it is important to keep it alive.

Mr Te Kowhai said removing makutu through romiromi can break bad cycles for whanau, such as addiction or violence.