Contemporary health practitioners emphasize on the effect of the traditional philosophies & practices do have a positive effect on our health. The Kanaka Mauli Lapauu, one of the ancient healing methods followed by the Hawaiians; it includes everything from herbal healing to massage. This method is attracting a lot of attention these days.
Various centers in Oahu offer services of the traditional healing practices of Hawaii. The Waimanalo Health Center offer holistic services to prevent primary health diseases. This non-profit organization aims at improving the lives of the people. The Integrative Health Institute of the Waianae Coast Comprehensive Health Center also looks forward to do the same. Traditional Hawaiian healing methods like Hooponopono, lomi lomi & laau lapaau are all provided by the Waikiki Health Center’s Hoola Like Program. These methods include the use of medicinal herbs, spiritual counseling & healing by the laying of hands.
It is pertinent to note that five traditional Hawaiian Health centers were opened. Here western medicine is combined in the traditional methods. Over $2.3million has been spent by the Congress to establish these centers. It is largely believed that the success of a treatment is determined by a persons’ spirituality. The different traditional methods used by them pertain to healing different systems of the human body. The circulatory, muscular & nervous systems are energized using the special lomi massage. The hono hono grass acts as an herbal medicine & helps in stopping bleeding. Lauae is used to treat stomach, colon & bowel movements, apart from treating liver & bladder related problems. Another method is the ihi, which relieves people suffering from cancer & kidney problems to some extent. The healing techniques are extremely traditional & are used to by healers from Ke Ola Mamo & Malama Ka Ohana A Pau Loa.
The Hawaiians also consider two sites to be healers. The Keaiwa Heiau situated at the top of Aiea Heights Drive once flourished as the Hawaiian medical center & school. This apart, two official websites are run that guide the people about the relation between the spirituality of the island & natural well being of man.