Chinese medicine (CM) has a similar worldview to Mason Durie’s Te Whare Tapu Wha (Te Ara Encyclopedia of New Zealand, n.d.) and Fuimaono Karl Pulotu-Endemann’s Fono Fale (Pulotu-Endemann, 2021) models of health.
CM is whole system and considers all aspects of self as well as environmental/contextual aspects which can influence the physical, mental and spiritual realms, including family and ancestral influences. Diagnosis’ is determined according to the Chinese medicine view and then advised/treated depending on what is appropriate from various modalities which may include Acupuncture, Acupressure/Tuina (massage), Moxa (Moxibustion), Cupping, Guasha, Diet, Lifestyle, Managing Environmental factors etc

Lee-Ana’s focus in whole system health focuses on physical health, mental health, spiritual health and healthy connection in all realms. One part of Chinese medical theory uses 5 motions or elements to categorise and understand the interactive nature of our various organ systems and how we interact with the world around us. For example the Spleen and Stomach are a part of the Earth element, Heart and Small intestine are Fire, Kidneys and Bladder are Water, Liver and Gallbladder are Wood and Lung and Large Intestine are Metal. These motions have a ‘season’ according to the rythms of nature i.e. Metal = Autumn, Earth = Late Summer, Water = Winter, Wood = Spring, Fire = Summer, Earth = Late Summer. All these systems interact with each other and our aim is to keep these systems in balance so our entire being can easily harmonise within our own being as well as our relationships with our family, community and environment.

Consultations can involve guidance on an emotional, spiritual and/or physical level using bodywork and/or qiwork techniques along with relevant Chinese medicine food tips and/or lifestyle suggestions. A working partnership is always much more beneficial than if you are simply looking for someone to fix you. Sessions can be in person or online using a range of tools to guide you.

Food is medicine in the Chinese medical system so incorporating herbs and ingredients to the diet for particular health conditions based on diagnosis is common practice in consultations with sessions being highly individualised.

References

Pulotu-Endemann, F. K. (2021). Fonofale Model Pacific Health & Wellbeing Ministry of Pacific Peoples (Issue May). https://www.mpp.govt.nz/assets/Resources/Pacific-Wellbeing-Strategy/Fonofale-presentation-to-Pacific-Wellbeing-Talanoa-May-2021.pdf

Te Ara Encyclopedia of New Zealand. (n.d.). Māori health: te whare tapa whā model – Public health – Te Ara Encyclopedia of New Zealand. Retrieved November 7, 2024, from https://teara.govt.nz/en/diagram/31387/maori-health-te-whare-tapa-wha-model