Hui Malama Ola Na ‘Oiwi announces the 2019 series of la‘au lapa‘au workshops for Hawaii Island.
The “Ho‘omana Ke Ola Na Kanaka ‘Oiwi” (“Empowering the Health of the Hawaiian People”) workshops provide the opportunity to learn about the ancient Hawaiian healing practices of la‘au lapa‘au, ho‘oponopono, lomilomi ha ha and la‘au kahea.
The workshops are led by Po‘okela Ikaika Dombrigues, who emphasizes the importance of empowering people to learn to improve their health with a focus on mind, body and spirit.
“Illnesses stem from stress, depression, cultural conflict and lifestyle choices,” said Dombrigues. “The goal is to remind us of resources all around us that can help people take better care of themselves.”
Workshop participants will learn about la‘au lapa‘au, the ancient Hawaiian practice of using herbs and plants to heal the body. There are more than 3,500 different types of la‘au that can be used to treat a multitude of health conditions, including hypertension, diabetes, cancer, arthritis and stress.
The practice of la‘au lapa‘au has existed for thousands of years, but in modern day, the ancient knowledge is quickly disappearing. Without a commitment to sharing the ‘ike (knowledge), la‘au lapa‘au is at risk of being lost forever.
Dombrigues began learning about the healing powers of la‘au lapa‘au from a young age, with knowledge passed on from his kahuna and ancestors.
“La‘au lapa‘au is a practice that’s been in the Hawaiian Islands for thousands of years,” he said. “It has to do with natural herbs from the land, plants, animals, and minerals from the ocean. Through the power of pule (prayer), we apply it to our bodies. It’s a very spiritual connection that falls upon the person who needs help.”
While learning to use la‘au for healing is a lifelong lesson, starting with basic concepts and common la‘au with the community will increase the chance of preserving the important cultural health practice.
The free workshops are open to the public and offered from March through July in Hilo, Waimea, Kona, Ka‘u and Puna. The workshops will be at the following times and locations:
• 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday (March 9), Aunty Sally’s Luau Hale, Hilo.
• 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, April 6, Waimea Park Community Center, Waimea.
• 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, May 4, Old Kona Airport Park special events pavilion, Kailua-Kona.
• 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, June 1, Ka‘u District Gym, Pahala.
• 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, July 13, Pahoa Gym patio area, Pahoa.
Light refreshments are provided. Participants are encouraged to bring their lunch.
The la‘au lapa‘au workshops are part of Hui Malama’s efforts to preserve and share traditional Hawaiian health practices. The Traditional Health Program is dedicated to sharing the knowledge of Hawaiian cultural values, beliefs, history and the practice of traditional kanaka maoli lapa‘au (Hawaiian medicine).
To learn more about upcoming workshops and classes, contact the Hui Malama Traditional Health Program team at 969-9220.
