THIS QUALIFICATION WILL NOT BE OFFERED IN 2013
The Courses
Semester 1
Living Healthily
This paper will focus on healthy living including the physical, emotional and spiritual well-being of the body, concepts of holistic health, prevention of disease and a balanced lifestyle to assist in disease prevention and improving health.
Students will be given opportunities to study the significance of diet in relation to health and wellbeing. Traditional Pasefika diets and food preparation techniques will be analysed, compared and contrasted with dietary recommendations.
Traditional Practices
Students will explore a range of world views and healing and sickness concepts by studying the history, philosophy and practical applications of traditional Maori and Pasefika medicines, and other holistic healing traditions. These will be compared and contrasted with traditional and current naturopathic practices. Some current health issues and provision of, and influences on, health care for Maori and Pacificans and some other groups will be investigated. The Treaty of Waitangi, cultural sensitivity and safety will be addressed.
The Body
In this course students will undertake a study of the structure and functions of tissues, organs and systems of the human body, especially of the skin, muscular, skeletal and digestive systems.
Common Diseases
In this course students gain an understanding of some diseases which are common in New Zealand and the Pacific. Safe practices, including those identifying symptoms which indicate a need for referral, and first aid measures, will be explored as will some prevention measures .
Semester 2
Therapeutic Massage
In this course students will be given an opportunity to learn professional and ethical therapeutic/relaxation massage/fofo. Case-history taking skills and safety issues will be practised including contra-indications of massage and risk management, and dealing with clients in a safe and professional manner. There will be opportunities throughout the sessions to master massage strokes. To broaden students’ experiences there will be a range of body types to practise on so that they can develop their own massage style.
Healing Herbs
This course provides students opportunities to understand the principles and the applications of herbal medicine as practised in the Pacific region by traditional healers. Exploration of the goals of herbal treatments - both physical and spiritual will be undertaken. Students will build an understanding of herbs commonly used throughout the Pacific and those used by Pacific healers in New Zealand, including how the herbs have been used traditionally, and are currently used medicinally. Any alternative plants used by Pasefika healers workers in New Zealand will be investigated.
Healing Observation
Students will have opportunities to reach an understanding of authentic healing practices by observing Pasefika healer/s. They will work alongside a healer, observing and recording techniques and approaches. In addition, they will explore influences on the healer, motivation, knowledge acquisition and apprenticeships and sharing of knowledge. An exploration of current research about traditional healing practices will be undertaken.
Practising as a Healer
Building on their knowledge and skills in the traditional use of herbs, fofo, and food, students will explore treatments for a range of health conditions relevant to Pacific peoples. The advantages, limitations and co-existence of Pasefika healing treatments and other treatments will be analysed. The skills of advising on treatment options including nutrition and lifestyle changes will be developed.