28/07/2026
Mirimiri and Romiromi: A Whānau-Friendly Introduction
Mirimiri and romiromi are traditional Māori healing practices that support the person as a whole - tinana (body), hinengaro (mind), wairua (spirit) and mauri (life force). They are hands-on bodywork practices, which are deeply connected to wairua and whakapapa. They help bring balance between the physical and spiritual, especially when stress, mamae (pain), tension, grief or trauma has been carried in the body for a long time.
What is Mirimiri?
Mirimiri is a traditional Māori healing practice that supports the restoration and re-balancing of the tinana. It involves targeted pressure applied to the body, muscles, joints and tissues through a range of hands-on techniques to help release stress, anxiety and tension, alleviate pain and promote overall well-being. A session may also include kōrero, karakia, breathwork, waiata, gentle hands-on touch or other practices that help settle and prepare you for healing. Mirimiri supports the connection between tinana and wairua, helping the body soften while the spirit feels acknowledged, grounded and safe. It recognises that well-being is not only physical, but also spiritual.
What is Romiromi?
Romiromi is the deeper hands-on bodywork. It may involve firm pressure, stretching, alignment work and stimulation of pressure points to help release tension, improve movement and shift blockages in the body. Practitioners may use hands, forearms, elbows, bodyweight, kōhatu (stones) or rākau (wooden tools), depending on what is needed and what the person is comfortable with. While romiromi works through the physical body, it also supports the movement of energy and wairua, helping restore flow and balance.
Benefits for whānau:
🌿 Supports relaxation and helps calm the mind and body.
🌿 May ease muscle tension, aches, pain and restricted movement.
🌿 Encourages better circulation, breathing and body awareness.
🌿 Supports emotional release where stress, grief or trauma may
be held in the physical body.
🌿 Helps restore balance to tinana, hinengaro, wairua and mauri.
🌿 Can support recovery, rest and reconnection with self,
whakapapa and whānau.
What is provided in a session:
🌿 A safe, respectful space where the person remains in control of
what they are comfortable with.
🌿 Initial kōrero to understand what is happening physically,
emotionally and spiritually.
🌿 Kiritaki rights
🌿 Karakia or grounding practices, if appropriate and agreed to.
🌿 Mirimiri to settle, calm and prepare the body and wairua.
🌿 Romiromi bodywork to release tension, support alignment and
encourage energy flow.
🌿 Use of breath, gentle guidance and aftercare advice to support
the healing process.
🌿 Time afterwards to rest, drink water and allow the body to
ground and recalibrate.
How to prepare for a session:
🌿 Come with an open mind and allow yourself time before and
after the session so you are not rushing.
🌿 Wait in car until someone comes to get you, with limited space
there is no waiting area.
🌿 Wear comfortable clothing that allows the body to move and
relax.
🌿 Drink water beforehand and avoid coming on a very full
stomach.
🌿 Think about what you are carrying physically, emotionally or
spiritually, and what you may be ready to release.
🌿 Let the practitioner know about any injuries, health conditions,
pregnancy, recent surgery or areas of the body you do not
want touched.
🌿 You can bring a support person if that helps you feel safe and
comfortable.
🌿After the session, give yourself time to rest, drink water and
notice how your body and wairua feel.
If this sounds like something you would like to try, feel free to leave a comment below, message through my page or message on 0210596470. I look forward to hearing from you.
