Kia ora koutou katoa, (greetings to you all). As someone of Māori heritage, I feel privileged to work with practices that connect us to our whenua (land), our ancestors, and our wellbeing. Today, I want to share a little about the sacred Māori healing arts I offer—romiromi and mirimiri—and how they are making their way back into our lives with love and respect.
A Little Background on Māori Healing
Long before Western medicine, Māori communities used a holistic approach to health that embraced hinengaro (mind), tinana (body), wairua (spirit), and whenua (land). Their healing included rongoā (traditional medicines), karakia (prayers), and bodywork techniques like mirimiri and romiromi. These practices created balance within the person and fostered a deep connection to ancestors, land, and spiritual wellbeing.
Mirimiri is a gentle, nurturing touch that involves soft hand movements. It works by calming the nervous system and helping process emotional and physical tension—what some describe as working with the body’s “cellular memory.” Its purpose is to restore harmony and support emotional and physical healing, often accompanied by karakia (prayers) to invite spiritual cleansing.
Romiromi is deeper tissue work that targets muscles and connective tissues, helping to release tension and support physical recovery. Both are performed with great respect for tapu (sacredness) and mana (dignity).
A Resilient History
Like many cultural practices, Māori healing arts faced suppression during colonisation—most notably through laws like the Tohunga Suppression Act of 1907, which targeted Māori spiritual healers (tohunga). Since mirimiri, romiromi, and rongoā are so closely tied to land and spiritual traditions, many practitioners had to hide their practices or perform in secret to protect their tapu.
Fortunately, the resilience of Māori kaumātua (elders) and tohunga (healers) kept these practices alive, quietly passing down knowledge so they could be shared openly again in more recent times.
Today’s Revival
Now, Māori healing arts are experiencing a revival, appreciated by people of all backgrounds who seek holistic, culturally rooted ways to support their health. I am honoured to offer mirimiri and romiromi, practicing these from a place of deep respect for tikanga (protocols) and the sacred knowledge handed down through generations.
Through gentle touch, karakia, and genuine connection, I support your body’s natural ability to heal, helping you relax, release tension, and find balance—regardless of your background or culture.
Why It Matters
Practicing mirimiri and romiromi is about more than physical relief. It’s about reconnecting with traditions, honouring resilience, and nurturing the whole person— hinengaro (mind) tinana (body), and wairua (spirit). These arts remind us of our shared capacity for healing and wellbeing, rooted in connection and respect.
An Open Invitation
If you’re curious to experience these ancient Māori healing arts, I warmly welcome you to explore mirimiri and romiromi. It’s a journey of restoring balance—an opportunity to honour your body, your spirit, and your connection to the land, wherever you come from.
Thank you for allowing me to share this part of my whakapapa (heritage). It’s a privilege to carry these sacred arts forward and share their benefits with everyone who seeks healing, peace, and connection. 💗
As the Māori saying goes:
Ko te ora te hauora o te tangata — Health and well-being are the life force of a person.
This reminds us that true healing begins from within, and caring for ourselves with respect nurtures our entire being.
Ngā manaakitanga (best wishes),
Pamela 💗