Māori rongoā

What is rongoā?  Rongoā is the holistic approach Māori have to healing. It is primarily made up of three aspects: 

- rongoā rākau (healing through herbal remedy)

- mirimiri (healing through massage)

- karakia (healing through prayer)

Ina Rawa focuses on specifically incorporating the rongoā rākau aspect of Māori healing philosophy. Centre to rongoā philosophy is balance. Although healing is important, this is not the primary focus, rather finding balance between our bodies different aspects creates the holistic approach.

How does Ina Rawa use rongoā?  The ingredients Ina Rawa uses such as kawakawa, mānuka honey and kūmarahou have a special place within rongoā. It is important to recognise this, as well as understand the role these botanicals have, after all restoring balance in rongoā is what we create in skincare...

Why is it important?  Aotearoa, New Zealand was colonised over the course of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries by Europeans. Under colonisation, Māori were stripped off their right to self-expression and identity. As a result, much Māori knowledge has been lost, along with depleting the state of the language and culture. Ina Rawa aims to contribute to embracing Māori knowledge and culture to help progress towards a prosperous and thriving Māori population. Spreading awareness around rongoā helps legitimise and share the benefits of integrating indigenous knowledge. After all, it is at the core of our beliefs and philosophy, and although our impact may be small, we are part of a larger progressive movement. Join us as we share and embrace the full story of Aotearoa, New Zealand.