Romiromi Pop-Up Koha Community Clinic

As part of Mental Health Awareness Week, AWHI is opening its Wānanga studio (Studio B) as a pop-up koha romiromi clinic!

Each session will run 20-30 minutes; no bookings - drop-ins only! Our cozy lounge will be open for you to enjoy complementary cups of tea or a read from our pae pukapuka if there’s a small wait.

Romiromi is a form of traditional Maori bodywork that provides deep physical, emotional and spiritual healing (Ro- to stimulate Mi - organs). Using haemata (pressure points) these are the gateways for removing stored trauma and energy blocks providing both a physical & emotional release so you can move forward into your unlimited potential. Romiromi is safe for all bodies, ages and abilities.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is romiromi?

A traditional form of Maori Bodywork - romiromi uses haemata (pressure points) to release trauma, emotions and dense energy stored in the body.

Does it hurt?

The pressure for romiromi is often deep as the kairomiromi will use elbows, forearms and sometimes hands and the tips of fingers to place firm pressure on haemata. The kairomiromi will generally stay on a haemata until there is a shift or detox. However the depth of pressure is only possible if the whaiora (person seeking wellness) is willing to receive it and ready for the release. As romiromi works at your own pace it is not possible for any energetic block to be released without full permission from the whaiora at both a physical and spiritual level. Romiromi is not designed to cause pain and the kairomiromi will never take the pressure beyond what is comfortable. It is important during the session to use breath work to aid in the release and you are encouraged to make as much noise through the mouth as this is predominantly the escape route for dense energy.

Will I be sore after?

It is usual to feel a bit ‘tender’ after the romiromi but this is usually only in certain areas that are not often worked on or stretched like the calves and hips. This usually lasts for no more than 1 day after the romiromi and the feeling is often aided by drinking plenty of water after your session.

Can I go to work straight after my session?

It is advised you have some space after your romiromi session to process. Allow yourself at least a few hours of quiet time to relax particularly if it is your first romiromi session. Some whaiora can feel quite tired after romiromi but others can feel very energetic! So this very much depends on your personal processing style and your body’s response to romiromi. It is recommended to have some grounding kai once you get home.

Do you use oils?

No. Romiromi is done with the whaiora fully clothed so it is best to wear your most comfortable clothes.

Do you use a massage table or do you do traditional floor work?

I use a combination depending on the whaiora I am working with. Both have the same wonderful benefits the only difference is that for floor work our feet are also used to target the haemata and there is some “tramping of the Tinana” where I will stand on the whaiora’s back to target specific areas. I also use a rakau and there will be some tapping of the rakau on the floor to encourage vibrations from papatūānuku to aid in the healing process.

Any other questions? Please get in touch!