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 including the environment which can influence the physical, mental and spiritual realms, This includes family and ancestral influences that might have been handed down. Diagnosis’ is determined according to the CM view and then appropriate modalities are used and might include Acupuncture, Acupressure/Tuina (massage), Moxa (Moxibustion), Cupping, Guasha/Stone work, Qigong, Diet, Lifestyle, Managing Environmental factors etc

CM is based around cycles and a part of the theory uses 5 motions/elements to categorise the way the organ systems work together and how we interact with the world around us as a result. 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’ i.e. Earth = associated with all seasons, Metal = Autumn, Water = Winter, Wood = Spring, Fire = Summer. Our aim is to keep these systems in balance so we can easily harmonise and shift within our relationships with our family, community and environment (the changes of it).

Consultations can involve guidance on an emotional, spiritual and/or physical level using bodywork and/or qiwork techniques along with relevant CM food tips and/or lifestyle suggestions/qigong. Lee-Ana finds a working partnership is always much more beneficial than a quick fix. Sessions can be in person or online using a range of tools to guide you.

Food is medicine in CM so incorporating herbs and ingredients to the diet 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