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Background:

Chronic pain/mamae is a major public health problem worldwide, and disproportionately affects indigenous populations impacted by colonisation. In Aotearoa New Zealand, indigenous Māori experience a greater burden of chronic pain than non-Maori. However, pain services based on Western models are unlikely to meet the needs of indigenous peoples well. Little is published about traditional Māori views of, or approaches to, managing mamae/pain, knowledge that is traditionally held by kaumātua/elders. This study therefore aimed to understand kaumātua (Māori elder) views on the effects of pain, traditional pain management practices, and mātauranga (Māori knowledge) relating to managing pain.

Methods:

14 kaumātua participated in interviews or a hui/focus group. Methods honoured tikanga (Māori protocol) and centralised whanaungatanga (relationships). Interviews and the hui/focus group were transcribed, and reflexive thematic analysis was conducted.

Results:

Three themes were developed: 1. The Multidimensional Aspects of Pain: Pain stretched beyond the physical and encompassed emotional and mental trauma, wairua/spiritual pain, grief from the loss of loved ones, contamination of the environment or breaches of tikanga/protocol. Some mamae/pain was described as everlasting, passing between people or generations. 2. Whakawhanaungatanga/Relationships: Healing through Connection. Healing of pain was seen to occur through strengthening connections with people, the spiritual realm, the natural world, and with papakāinga (one’s ancestral homeland). 3. Tino Rangatiratanga/Self-determination: Strength to …