Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 24, Number 1, 1 Ianuali 2007 — Follow the mana to better health [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

Follow the mana to better health

Ho'ona ke ola i ka hale o ke Akua The gods help man Our Hawaiian ancestors believed that all things, animate and inanimate, possess mana - the life force that represents the spiritual side of our universe. All around them they recognized the kinolau, or body forms, of the gods in plant, tree, rock and animal form, and they were reassured that assistance and strength from the gods were always near. Great respect and reverence was shown for all things and all beings because of

the mana that is present. Based on this belief, Hawaiian foods are infused with mana, the spiritual essence that transmits heahh, builds strong bodies and heals illness, in addition to establishing a connection with the spiritual world. In the past, Hawaiians were very mueh aware that the foods they ate represented the gods. Eaeh of the four major gods has more than one kinolau, in whieh he dwells at all times. Kalo, kō (sugar eane), and 'ohe (bamboo) are the kinolau of Kāne, the giver of life. Kanaloa, the god of the sea, is present in the banana, octopus, large fish and marine mammals. The kinolau of Kū, the god of war and building, is found in the niu (coconut), 'ulu and most large trees. Kū is also the protector of all plants. The eel and sea cucumber are further kinolau of

Kū. Lono, the god of agriculture, water, fertility and peaee, is embodied in the kalo leaf, 'uala (sweet potato), ipu (gourd), the mullet or āholehole and pua'a (pig). Lono is also found in the rain clouds. The two gods who were most dominant in days gone by were Kāne and Lono. Pōpolo, one of the kinolau of Kāne, is still used as a healing herb and ean still build strong bodies. In the old days, pōpolo greens were steamed separately or with other greens and eaten as part of daily meals. The mana of Kāne is found in drinking water and the water used in agriculture and home gardens. Traditionally, Hawaiians eooked foods very simply by steaming or baking. When foods are wrapped in ti leaves and cooked together, the flavors that develop are 'ono. Water was always their

drink of ehoiee. Our ancestors practiced healthy eating and living; as parents, they knew that the health of the coming generation depended on their own heakh. They worked hard producing their own food and livelihood. No one could afford to miss days of work due to illness. Today, the Hawaiian heahh status is dismal and has been so for quite a while. It would behoove us to spend time thinking about the foods that we eat and feed our families with. Nothing will change unless

we make the change. If we are to elaim our inheritance as natives of this land, we need to be healthy enough to work, organize and manage that destiny. Let's pledge to make 2007 far healthier than 2006 and 2005. You know the mantra. Eat less fat and sugar; eat more vegetables, cut way back on the bakery products and drink the gift of Kāne, fresh water. And get some good athletic shoes and be active. Be assured the mana of the gods will support you and your family in 2007. E1

OLAKINO • Y0UR HEALĪH

By Claire Ku'uleilani Hughes, Dr. PH„ R.D.

Manū-filled foods of our ancesfors, like poi, are a fime-proven way fo improved health.