Beginning Your Journey – Rongoā Māori

A Kōrero from Usha

Tēnā koe, welcome,

before we begin, it’s important to understand that Romiromi is not just a massage, especially if you’re coming through ACC, please know that this is not the same as visiting a physiotherapist, chiropractor, or acupuncturist. Each person’s experience is different. We work at a pace that respects your body, your wairua, and your readiness.

Rongoā Māori is a healing tradition that stands on its own, and is recognised by ACC under rehabilitation services. It follows a unique kaupapa that honours all parts of your being: your body (tinana), your mind (hinengaro), your spirit (wairua), your family and community (whānau), and your connection to the land (whenua).

Step One: Whitiwhiti Kōrero

Every session begins with whitiwhiti kōrero, a meaningful conversation. This is not rushed. It is a sacred time where you are invited to share what you’ve been carrying: the pain, the stress, the trauma, and the impact it may be having on all areas of your life. This kōrero helps us see the whole picture, not just the surface injury.

You might come in with a sore hip, but I will look beyond that. I observe how your body is compensating, how your energy is responding, and how your whole system is coping. Often, I will begin by working with the foundation of your body before moving to the site of pain.

For your first appointment, you will need to book a 120 double session with any additional sessions available to be scheduled in line with your progress and wellbeing outcomes. It is important to book these weekly sessions as part of your rehabilitation plan with us, which is discussed in your initial appointment. 

 The Boiling Pot Analogy 

Imagine yourself as a pot on the stove. Over time, life adds heat, stress, unresolved emotion, injury, and trauma. The pressure builds, the lid starts to rattle, and eventually, if nothing is done, it spills over.

Romiromi is like gently lifting the lid, allowing the steam to escape in a safe and intentional way. That pressure (emotional, physical, and spiritual), begins to release. You may cry. You may feel tired. You may feel unwell. But that is not harm; it’s the body letting go of what it has held onto for too long.

Some whānau might say, “You made me feel worse.” But in truth, those feelings were already there, held quietly beneath the surface. Now, they are simply rising to be released. One kiritaki once shared that after their first session, they cried for five hours plus. It was deeply challenging for them, facing the weight of over 50 years of stored emotion. But this was part of their journey. Their tinana (body) had held that mamae for so long, and now it was finally beginning to release, to clear, and to heal.

“Through Romiromi, no substance enters,
only the layers within are stirred,
and what has waited in silence finds its path to release.”

What Rongoā Māori, is and is not.

• It is not a quick fix or a spa-style massage.

• It is not clinical in approach, but it is safe, intentional, and grounded in holistic care.

• It does not just treat the physical symptoms, it addresses your whole being.

• It may not bring instant results, as healing unfolds over time.

• It is a return to your natural state of balance, your mauri, and your sense of connection.

“Romiromi is not the tide that brings things in,
it is the current that draws old weight to the surface.
It moves through you like water through the ocean floor,
lifting what rests in the deep,
so you may breathe freely once more.”

Aftercare: Let the Steam Settle

After a session, rest is essential. Avoid returning immediately to intense environments; such as the gym, stressful work, or emotionally demanding situations. Your tinana (body), hinengaro (mind), and wairua (spirit) need time to integrate what has been released.

Just like the pot taken off the stove, your system needs time to cool, settle, and return to stillness. You may feel emotional or tired for a few days, even physically tender – that’s part of the journey.

Nothing is wrong – your body is unwinding and returning to balance. This is deep mahi, and every step you take is part of your healing.

Support the process by drinking plenty of water over the next few days. Your body is releasing not just physical tension, but stored energy and cellular memory. Hydration helps flush these energies and toxins from your system. Choose water, herbal teas, and nourishing kai – whole, unprocessed, and life-giving. Avoid alcohol and other substances that may slow or disrupt the healing process. Your body is working hard to restore balance; support it with care.

“He manawanui, he atawhai mōu anō”.
Be patient, Be kind to yourself.