Maori philosophy towards health is based on a wellness
or holistic health model. Maori see health as a
four-sided concept representing four basic beliefs
of life: Te Taha Hinengaro (psychological health),
Te Taha Wairua (spiritual health), Te Taha Tinana
(physical health) and Te Taha Whanau (family health).
This is known as Te Whare Tapa Wha.
The Whare Tapa Wha can be applied to any health
issue affecting Maori from physical to psychological
The following dimensions of Te Whare Tapa Wha are
is acknowledged to be the most essential requirement
for health. It is believed that without a spiritual
awareness an individual can be considered to be
lacking in wellbeing and more prone to ill health.
Wairua may also explore relationships with the environment,
between people, or with heritage. The breakdown
of this relationship could be seen in terms of ill
health or lack of personal identity. When confronted
with a problem Maori do not seek to analyse its
separate components or parts but ask in what larger
context it resides, incorporating ancestors or future
generations to discussions. This may mean the discussion
goes off on a tangent but the flow will return to
thoughts, feelings and behaviour are vital to health
in Te Ao Maori (the Maori world). Maori may be more
impressed with unspoken signals, eye movement, bland
expressions, and in some cases regard words as superfluous,
even demeaning. Maori thinking can be can be described
as being holistic. Understanding occurs less by
dividing things into smaller and smaller parts.
Healthy thinking for a Maori person is about relationships.
The individual whose first thought is about putting
themselves, their personal ambitions and their needs
first, without recognising the impact that it may
have on others is considered unhealthy. Communication
through emotions is important and more meaningful
than the exchange of words and is valued just as
much, for example, if Maori show what they feel,
instead of talking about their feelings, this is
regarded as healthy.
is the most familiar component to all of us. For
Maori the body and things associated with it are
Tapu (sacred/special). There is a clear separation
between sacred and common. For instance the head
is regarded as tapu and Maori do not pat each other
on the head, nor should food be anywhere near a
persons head. When this happens it can be perceived
as unhealthy. Hairbrushes should not be placed on
tables nor should hats.
Food is kept away from the body and so are utensils.
A common thing that is observed in Maori households
is that tea-towels are not placed in a washing machine
but always washed by hand. Kitchen sinks/tubs should
not be used to wash personal items either. When
a laundry is in close proximity to the kitchen this
can pose problems as well.
There is also the question of personal space to
take into account. Maori consider stepping over
someone as rude and demeaning to that person's mana
(personal authority/power). However there are different
ways in which respect is shown to another person.
For example Maori tend to have minimal eye contact
and respect each other's space in formal situations.
Body language is also an important feature to note.
is the prime support system providing care, not
only physically but also culturally and emotionally.
For Maori, whanau is about extended relationships
rather than the western nuclear family concept.
Maintaining family relationships is an important
part of life and caring for young and old alike
is paramount. Everyone has a place and a role to
fulfil within their own whanau. Families contribute
to a person's wellbeing and most importantly a person's
identity. A Maori viewpoint of identity of identity
derives much from family characteristics. It is
important to understand that a person carrying an
ancestral name will often be seen as having the
qualities of their namesake.
It is important to be aware for Maori, a persons
identity is gleaned by asking "Where are you from"
rather than "What is your name?" Maori identity
is based upon an ancestral Waka (canoe) a physical
landmark, which is usually a Maunga (mountain),
a body of water Awa (river), Moana (sea) and a significant
Tupuna (ancestor). Once this is known people can
share a common bond.
Check out these websites for more info on Maori
Health and connections to good Maori web resources: