Polynesian medicine
The experts (kahuna) for medicine were skillful in many domains:
- Kahuna ho’ohanau: childbirths, children’s diseases (midwifes, gynecology, pediatrics)
- Kahuna ha’i’wi: merge bones (surgery, orthopedics)
- Kahuna Lomilomi: massage (physical therapy)
- Kahuna la’au lapa’au: herbology (naturopathy)
- Kahuna Kahea: psychotherapy
In the traditional Polynesian medicine, chaplain and secular aspects are equal. So a kahuna uses magical and profane practices and methods as well.
Most often this therapy is part of a ritual act where the invalid’s family and tribesmen are present.