HAPŪTANGA
Hapūtanga sessions offer māmā a sanctuary where they can completely relax, release tension, explore their relationship with their growing pēpi, and allow themselves to be pampered for a full 90 minutes.
In this modern day and age, wāhine hapū are often leading busy, fast-paced lives, and rarely have the time or space to truly, deeply connect with their bodies or pēpi. Our Hapūtanga treatments allow you to do that.
Within te ao Māori, hapūtanga (pregnancy) has always been acknowledged as a tapu (sacred) state and time for wāhine and pēpi. Traditionally, wāhine hapū were always rightfully honoured as the carriers of the next generation and they were protected and nurtured, receiving regular rongoā Māori treatment throughout pregnancy. This was not only to ensure wāhine and pēpi remained physically well, but also as a way of deepening the connection between māmā, pēpi, tūpuna and atua. Any psychological, emotional, energetic, or ancestral blocks to a smooth labour and birth were identified, and in doing so, an opportunity was created for these to be acknowledged and healed.
What to expect
Unlike a regular romiromi treatment, hapūtanga bodywork involves massage. A specially prepared balm is applied to the skin, so māmā will be asked to undress down to underwear, and large towels will be used for comfort and cover.
Throughout the session, any tension, stress or blockages that may be present in the physical, emotional or energetic bodies are gently encouraged to shift as the legs, hips, back, shoulders, arms and neck are massaged. Pressure points are activated on the face/around the jaw, and the session ends with a gentle massage of māmā’s puku/kōpū, which also serves as a gentle massage for pēpi.
A purpose-fit hapūtanga table means māmā can lie on their puku - even in the final weeks/days of pregnancy - and feel completely held and supported while receiving treatment.
Māmā leave these sessions feeling more tau (settled), and often notice their pēpi relax into the treatment too.
Meet Danielle
Hapūtanga treatments are offered by our hapūtanga/maternal birth injury specialist Danielle.
She loves seeing māmā connect to the mātauranga within, activated through these traditional practices that belong to them, and looks forward to connecting with you and your pēpi soon.
FAP - Frequently Asked Pātai
P. From what gestation can I receive hapūtanga treatment?
W. Hapūtanga work can be commenced after 20 weeks’ gestation
P. What if I have a medical condition/complication of pregnancy? Can I still receive this treatment?
W. There aren’t any contraindications to receiving rongoā Māori. It is a gentle treatment, but if the condition/complication is severe, or you’re unsure, call/txt us on 022 369 6761 to have a kōrero before we book you in.
P. I had a traumatic previous birth and I’m currently pregnant. Can this treatment help reduce the anxiety/fear I’m feeling about the next birth?
W. Absolutely. During your sessions, your practitioner will be holding space for you to acknowledge whatever comes up emotionally/psychologically/spiritually/energetically. This is an opportunity for you to attend to your own healing and we encourage any emotions that might arise during a session to be expressed and released.
P. My baby is breech. Is this treatment safe for me and/or can this modality help to turn my baby head down?
W. This treatment is absolutely safe for pēpi in the breech position! We would love to support you and your pēpi to connect on a deeper level and explore why they might be breech. From here, we can discuss what might help your baby to turn head down.
P. I’m not Māori. Can I still receive this treatment?
W. Āe! All māmā and pēpi are welcome in our whare hauora, whether you whakapapa Māori, or your ancestors hail from the other side of the world. An open heart and mind are the only pre-requisites.
P. How many treatments will I need?
W. This is entirely individual and will depend on what you are wanting to achieve. For some wāhine, these sessions are about pure relaxation, whereas others may be coming along with a particular issue they’d like to address. There is no minimum or maximum number of treatments and we encourage wāhine to feel into this for themselves.
P. How much does a treatment cost?
W. We are lucky to be supported to provide all haputanaga and post partum treatments free of charge. If you are looking for a gift we do also have vouchers $150 for a 90 minute treatment.
Get in touch
If you're interested in finding out more or would like to make a booking please call/txt 022 369 6761 and request a hapūtanga treatment with Danielle.
Alternatively, fill in your details below and we'll get back to you.