New Zealand -Journey to Health
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New Zealand Psychologies feature Jini Reddy
It is in Rotorua, a landscape of lakes and bubbling geysers,that I experience the hongi, the traditional Maori greeting. Nose to nose, forehead to forehead, this exchange of the breath of life is initiated with the utmost gentleness – in my case, with a man sporting a face full of tribal tattoos. We meet in a Maori village, Ohinemutu, on the shores of Lake Rotorua, the ancestral home of healer and guide Wikitoria Oman. I am over the moon to spend time with Wiki, for I have a deep interest in healing. She drives me to Okere Falls, on the shores of Lake Rotoiti. Here I learn about Maori medicine. ‘Plants are all brothers and sisters,’ she says, as we explore, sniff and taste our way through the bush. Next, we head to Wiki’s home, where she gives me a romi romi massage.
‘My ancestors are working with your ancestors,’ she explains.
