The ancient Hawaiians believed in a corporeal and spiritual realm which harmoniously co-existed to perpetuate fulfillment and prosperity. Their view of life was metaphysical, filled with the teachings passed down from the early Polynesians who saw man as being intrinsically connected to two planes of existence. The immaterial world was just as important as that which could be seen and felt. Subsequently, in times of illness the ancient Hawaiians relied on the expertise of a human spiritual guide and healer, the Kahuna. In him were passed down the generational secrets or huna which served to preserve the balance between both aspects.

A part of the process of healing involved the realignment of energy through restoring the natural harmony of spirit and body. When disease occurred, the Kahuna's main target was not simply the symptoms of disease but its source. While his specialization area in herbal medicine allowed him to treat physical complaints it was his ability to connect with the spiritual realm which was most revered.

Today, the secrets of the ancient Hawaiian healers have been passed down to modern practitioners. The practice of energy healing is still widely carried out on the islands and a few other regions throughout the world. It is considered a branch of alternative medicine which derives best results when a candidate is open to the experience. Its main purpose is to restore physical, mental, emotional and spiritual interconnectedness, thereby, relieving chronic and acute illnesses.

A Brief Look into the Past
The ancient Hawaiians used the word ola or life to refer to health. This meant that health could not be achieved without life, nor life without health. Thus maintaining one's health was an important part of living to these early people.

The practice of healing was one which was given serious focus and weight in society. A medicine man, or Kahuna, went through a rigorous process before becoming eligible to perform his duties. He was generally trained at a heiau, or a large temple, and was also known to travel to other islands to gather greater expertise, specifically Coconut Island and Hilo located on the Big Island.

The organizational structure of the Kahuna system was not unlike today's stratified medical profession. They had specialists for different areas, who were given titles in accordance with their abilities.

Kahuna Haihai Iwi "mended broken bones"
Kahuna Haha "diagnosed illnesses through touch"
Kahuna Hoohanau Keiki "delivered babies"
Kahuna Hoohapai Keiki "induced labor during non-progressing pregnancies"
Kahuna Laau Lapaau "used herbs in treating a variety of illnesses"
Kahuna Lomilomi "massaged and offered physical therapy"
Kahuna Paaoao "treated illnesses of newborns and infants"
Kahuna Anaana "used prayer to heal or allow peaceful transition in death"
Kahuna Aloha "dealt with matters of love"

Each Kahuna had the gift of mana or spiritual power that allowed him to become a successful practitioner. Often the sacred gift was passed down only to young boys who appeared to have the potential to heal and use the spirit wisely. Once the young person was seen to have the gift, he would be sent to live with an experienced Kahuna who would train him and share his knowledge. The child was eligible to start the process once he attained the age of five years. For fifteen to twenty years he would be apprenticed, learning how to use plants, herbs and prayer, details of anatomy, primitive surgical procedures, bone repair, massage forms, applying steam baths and how to perform autopsies.

Healing could not occur if the spiritual aspect was not addressed. Thus treatments delivered by the Kahunas were of a psychic, spiritual and physical nature. By employing all the techniques learned, a healer, could then successfully treat a wide array of ailments.

Hawaiian Energy Healing
The Kahuna used a system of energy healing which primarily focused on the spiritual aspect of disease, that which went unseen. The life force energy was corrected by intervention that aimed to eliminate the source of the problem. The Kahuna manipulated three levels of life force to induce healing.

Mana "used to correct the subconscious"
Mana Mana "used to correct the physical consciousness"
Mana Loa "the divine consciousness"

Modern Day Practice of Hawaiian Energy Healing
The first principle that guides the energy healing process is that of finding the source of illness or disease. The modern day healer or Kahuna first treats the person as a whole, that is, his or her spiritual, physical, emotional and mental aspects as one unifying force. By attacking these core areas the elimination of symptoms becomes a distinct possibility. The process is guided by a skilled practitioner who has been submerged in the lessons passed down for centuries. It is categorized into three distinct areas: talk story, divine healing and clearing. Once the session has been completed most patients will report a sense of well being and reduction in the treated symptoms.

Phase 1 - Talk Story
A consultation is performed with the patient. During this period the practitioner gets to know the person and see how well he or she will comply with therapy. The therapist discusses at length the areas of concern and identifies what the possible problem may be to restore oneness of self. The practitioner then puts the patient's mind at ease by preparing him or her for the path ahead, this often involves altering the patient's perception to enhance trust and promote better results.

Phase 2 - Divine Healing
The patient is asked to relax while the therapist connects to the power of the spirit or divine. During this part of the process the body, mind and spirit are placed in a harmonious state which allows high levels of energy to enter the body, releasing tension and facilitating healing. Most clients report feeling calmer and more rested during this stage. The power of the vibrational energy is said to be affected by how much the patient is willing to receive and how ready he or she is for true healing with this life force energy. Like other forms of energy healing the power is being directed by the practitioner on behalf of the patient.

Phase 3 - Clearing
The final stage of the process involves the renewal of the seven energy centers or chakras. These exist in the physical, emotional and spiritual bodies. It has the power to remove blockages between the divine source or Ke Akua that is said to be a part of all humans. Once the natural energy flow is restored the person becomes more likely to heal. The success of this technique lies in part with the practitioner and also with the client. If the client is not highly receptive the process will fail. Much can be achieved with one session depending on the patient. However, it is not uncommon for an individual to visit the therapist more than once.

Advantages of Energy Healing
There are several advantages to be derived from a single session with a practitioner of Hawaiian Energy Healing.

• Reduction in the symptoms associated with disease.
• Alignment of body, spirit, mind and emotions.
• Restoration of inner peace and calm.
• Reconnection of the outer and inner self.
• Clearance of the energy centers, allowing balance of each distinct yet unifying layer.

The Ancient Hawaiians were quite notable for their strong beliefs in divinity and its connection to the physical world. Healing was not simply considered a matter which involved treating the apparent symptoms. It depended largely on addressing an area beyond the visible, which though intangible had the power to mold physical reality. These practices have thrived because of their continued relevance and their ability to produce total peace of mind for the users and therapists involved. Hawaiian energy healing has much in common with other alternative healing forms including Reiki. Through the practitioner the life-force energy is restored and re-balanced to promote overall health and clarity.

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