POST 3
Tongans
The Tongan people occupy a cluster of Polynesian islands. Archeologists
believe it is likely early Tongans were horticulturists with a well-organized community
because of their impressive chief tombs. Much of their early customs are
remembered and practiced but influence and modernization has shaped the culture
over time. They have been led by various chiefs and kings as a governmental
structure. The Samoa people, Fiji Islands, and foreign visitors have both influenced
and disrupted the Tongans with formed relationships and objects such as
advanced weapons. Much of their history is recorded based on the line of rulers
and civil and external conflicts.
Involves holistic methods with physical, mental, and spiritual
aspects. Tongans incorporate both traditional medicine and some Western medicine,
but there are limited records of the traditional medicine they use and use of
Western medicine in general. Their approach focuses less on just the physical
bodily functions and takes in account the individual’s overall situation and
everyday life. They tend to avoid general practice doctors because of the
generic and complex language of a doctor’s office but are still open to it if an
injury is serious enough or needs more advanced treatment. If they are able to
function independently, they are well enough. There is a distinction between
being ill and being disabled. An illness is considered a disability if it is permanent
and can not be treated and cured. Disability is caused by illness, but they are
still separate entities. Treatments for illness include, massages; lekileki, a
tree bark liquid for stomach aches; moloki, pressure on fractured or sprained
areas of the body; the liquid from a Pacific fruit called nonu is used to treat
stomach ulcers and diarrhea; and reiki and shark liver oil for arthritis pain
relief; natopaths can administer acupuncture for various ailments. Some Tongans
prefer traditional medicine because it is natural and effective, but some complain
it didn’t cure their illness or tastes bad.
Citations
Claessen, H. J. M. 1968. “A Survey of the History of Tonga: Some New Views.” Bijdragen Tot de Taal-, Land- En Volkenkunde Vol. 124: 505–20. https://ehrafworldcultures-yale-edu.northernkentuckyuniversity.idm.oclc.org/document?id=ou09-095.
Basset, S. and Holt, E., 2021. New Zealand resident Tongan
people's health and illness beliefs and utilization of the health care system.
[online] Pacific Health Dialogue. Available at:
<https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Sandra-Bassett/publication/10769196_New_Zealand_resident_Tongan_peoples'_health_and_illness_beliefs_and_utilisation_of_the_health_care_system/links/0fcfd505a467850a98000000/New-Zealand-resident-Tongan-peoples-health-and-illness-beliefs-and-utilisation-of-the-health-care-system.pdf>
[Accessed 24 October 2021].
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