Pacific researchers test kava and talanoa therapy for PTSD

A group of Pacific researchers is investigating how traditional practices can enhance mental health treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and anxiety. By combining kava, a calming beverage made from the root of the piper methysticum plant, with talanoa, a method of open dialogue, they aim to explore indigenous alternatives to conventional therapies.

Kava, which can be consumed as a drink or supplement, is regulated in New Zealand and is considered safe for consumption. Dr. Sione Vaka, Associate Dean of Pacific at the University of Waikato, and Dr. Apo Aporosa, a senior lecturer, are leading the study. Vaka emphasizes that the research seeks to validate long-standing indigenous knowledge and demonstrate that effective solutions may already exist within Pacific communities.

Aporosa’s personal experience with PTSD after serving in the police inspired his involvement in the study. He struggled with heightened anxiety and disrupted sleep due to distressing dreams, and traditional medication proved ineffective. In his village in Fiji, he found relief through hours of drinking kava and engaging in talanoa with friends, including veterans from the British Army. Over time, he experienced significant improvements in his mental health, including better sleep and reduced panic.

The clinical trial, set to begin later this year, will involve both Pacific and non-Pacific participants. It will compare the outcomes of those who consume kava in a talanoa setting against those who take kava in caplet form. Aporosa argues that the combination of kava’s relaxing properties and the supportive environment of talanoa fosters a sense of equality and openness that is often absent in clinical settings.

Vaka notes that this culturally safe approach allows participants to feel more engaged and less constrained by social status. While Western PTSD treatments can be effective, he believes that integrating kava within its cultural context offers distinct advantages for Pacific communities. The study also aims to address misconceptions about kava’s safety, clarifying that safety issues typically arise from misuse rather than the plant itself. Aporosa asserts that when consumed appropriately, kava is safer than alcohol and some over-the-counter medications.

Both researchers stress the importance of respecting cultural protocols in their work. Aporosa highlights that kava should not be viewed merely as a beverage, but as part of holistic practices that nurture community relationships. He stresses the need to preserve the cultural significance of the rituals surrounding kava consumption, which include serving methods and the materials used.

As the study progresses, the researchers hope to demonstrate the effectiveness of kava and talanoa in alleviating trauma symptoms. Vaka notes that even non-Pacific populations are beginning to recognize the calming effects of kava in social settings. If proven effective, these traditional practices could be incorporated into mainstream mental health care without compromising their cultural authenticity.

Aporosa emphasizes that while kava is not a cure-all, it represents an important opportunity for Pacific communities to lead in the development of their own mental health solutions. He stresses that the time has come for these communities to be taken seriously in the design of wellness strategies that align with their cultural values.