The Kuleana Curriculum

Lā‘au Lapa‘au

Part of "Growing Food"

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     Lā‘au lapa‘au is solving the problems of body, mind and spirit. In Hawaiian healing the mental is not separate from the spiritual and physical. Rely on spiritual insight and most of all, guidance from Akua.

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      -Traditional healer “Papa” Henry Auwae

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Lā‘au lapa‘au (medicinal plant treatment) is one of several traditional Hawaiian healing arts. Other healing arts include ‘ai pono (healthy eating), ho‘oponopono (emotional/spiritual balance), and lomilomi (massage therapy).

As with many traditional Hawaiian practices, lā‘au lapa‘au requires a holistic approach of body, mind, and spirit for optimal healing results. The knowledge of lāʻau lapaʻau is shared by past generations that can be traced back over a thousand years.  

Today the techniques and plant-based remedies are used by many as alternatives and complements to western medical approaches.  

In this segment you will hear from cultural practitioners of lā‘au lapa‘au, and learn which plants to include in your garden that have healing properties. 

To start this segment visit the video link to Aunty Lynette Paglinawan's presentation at UH West O‘ahu and continue on with the links that follow.

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