BY JOHN HOUANIHAU
TRADITIONAL massage is a therapeutic practice that has been passed down through generations within the ancestral bloodline of Godfrey Hokemae, a traditional massage practitioner from the Solomon Islands region of West Are’are in Malaita province.
Gedfrey has preserved and practiced the art of traditional massage for many years and has dedicated himself to mastering the techniques that have been passed down through his ancestral bloodline. His expertise has gained recognition throughout his home village of Waisisi in West Are’are, with people traveling from far and wide [other neighboring villages] to experience his healing touch.
He believes that the ability to perform traditional massage is passed down through the bloodline. He believes that his ancestors bestowed this gift upon select individuals within the family, who then trained rigorously to become skilled practitioners.
“I acquired my love for massage from my mother, who inherited it from my grandfather from Simbo, Western Province. I began practicing in 1998 and successfully treated several individuals, helping them regain their physical well-being,” Gedfrey told SUNDAY ISLES.
Godfrey comes from a mix of the provinces of Western and Malaita in the country.
Traditional massage, an ancient healing technique, is believed to treat illnesses and improve health. It’s a daily practice in many cultures, connecting with heritage and ancestors, and has evolved over generations. However, the overarching goal of this practice remains the same: to restore balance and harmony within the body. Traditional massage often involves the use of pressure points, stretching, and massage of muscles in order to relieve tension and promote relaxation.
“In 2008, I had my first encounter with a major case. I was asked to provide a massage to a young woman who had fallen from a tree while trying to climb the Korokua fruit. This incident took place in Uhu village, located in West Are’are.
“The woman had broken her lower back, and unfortunately, my mother was not present at the time as she was in the Western province. I felt overwhelmed and nervous since it was my first time dealing with such a serious situation. The woman was experiencing intense pain and couldn’t stop crying.
“It took me seven days to heal the injured woman,” he recalled his first-time experience.
Arthur has been working as a traditional oil massager for both men, women, and children over the past years and has occasionally incorporated herbal remedies into his treatments. While his work proves to be beneficial, it is just a continuity of experience and ancestral wisdom.
Apart from the physical benefits of traditional massage, Arthur heals broken bones, misaligned bones, and illnesses such as diabetes and the common cold through his traditional massage therapy, allowing for a more profound experience for both the giver and receiver.
“I treat broken bones due to various reasons, crooked bones, muscle injuries, and also illnesses such as diabetes, through my traditional massage therapy.
“Ever since I began massaging, I have successfully treated 34 patients from both the East and West Are’are regions. I have been recognized in 42 communities for my work including 20 communities in West Are’are, another 20 in East Are’are, and two small villages in South Malaita—Rokera and Parasi,” Arthur added.
In recent years, Arthur has managed to earn a little income from his work as a massage practitioner. However, he does not charge for his services, but he accepts any monetary gifts to support his family’s basic needs and other commitments, such as church tithes and offerings.
