Adapting Traditional Healing Values and Beliefs into Therapeutic Cultural Environments for Health and Well-Being

Abstract

Although research has long established that interaction with the natural environment is associated with better overall health and well-being outcomes, the Western model mainly focuses on treating symptoms. In Aotearoa/New Zealand, the Indigenous Māori have long demonstrated significantly more negative health outcomes than non-Māori. Little research has examined the causes compared to Western populations or the role of the natural environment in health outcomes for Māori. An exploration of rongoā Māori (traditional healing system) was conducted to ascertain the importance of landscape in the process of healing. Eight rongoā healers or practitioners took part in semi-structured narrative interviews from June to November 2020. Transcribed interviews were analysed using an interpretative phenomenological analysis and Kaupapa Māori techniques. The findings show how rongoā is underpinned by a complex set of cultural values and beliefs, drawing from the connection to wairua (spirit), tinana (body), tikanga and whakaora (customs and healing), rākau (plants), whenua (landscape) and whānau (family). Incorporating such constructs into the landscape can foster our understanding of health and well-being and its implications for conceptualising therapeutic environments and a culturally appropriate model of care for Māori and non-Māori communities.

The Role of Courtyards within Acute Mental Health Wards: Designing with Recovery in Mind

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Contemporary issues in acute mental health facility design: insights from the Aotearoa-New Zealand experience

“…Design that provides for cultural and spiritual needs and family/whānau visitors Much work needs to be done to incorporate cultural and spiritual needs in the architectural design and the models of care, especially for Māori who are overrepresented amongst mental health service users. This should include careful consideration of how family and whānau can be appropriately accommodated (Marques et al 2022a). This includes the redesign and greater allocation of space on units for improved whānau rooms to allow the family to stay connected to tangata whaiora, with provision for sharing kai/eating, sleeping, children and play space.…”

The Christian Spiritual Perspective of Healing in the Psychological Therapeutic Process

“…Priests are considered frontline workers in the fight against mental disorders. Religious experience does not qualify them to diagnose and treat mental illness, but it helps (Marques et al, 2022) them become better front-line workers in identifying mental health problems in the community they shepherd.…”