Ho’oponopono: an ancestral meditation with a scientific foundation
- Dra Andreia de Almeida
- 5 days ago
- 3 min read
We live in an era where ancestral practices are gaining increasing prominence in the field of mental and emotional health. One such practice is Ho’oponopono, a Hawaiian technique that means “to make right” or “to correct an error.”
Traditionally, this practice is used to promote forgiveness, reconciliation, and emotional healing, being considered a powerful method to clear painful memories and negative feelings that block our well-being.
What is Ho’oponopono?
Ho’oponopono is a simple yet profound technique based on four essential phrases:
“I’m sorry”“Please forgive me”“I love you”“Thank you”
These phrases are repeated consciously and intentionally, aiming to promote emotional cleansing and the release of negative energies that may be linked to situations, people, or even ourselves.
Ho’oponopono in the psychiatric ward: a story of healing
In the 1980s,Ho’oponopono caught the attention of the Western world thanks to the work of Dr Ihaleakala Hew Len, a Hawaiian clinical psychologist. He began applying this technique in a psychiatric ward at a hospital in Hawaii, where patients with severe and difficult-to-treat mental disorders were admitted.
What made this case extraordinary was that Dr Hew Len managed to significantly improve the patients’ condition without ever meeting them in person. He worked only on himself, practising Ho’oponopono to clear his own memories, beliefs, and blockages related to the patients and the ward’s situation.
By repeating simple phrases of remorse, forgiveness, gratitude, and love — such as “I’m sorry”, “Please forgive me”, “I love you”, and “Thank you” — he was clearing what he considered the underlying causes of the problems, both personal and collective.
Within a few months, the psychiatric ward transformed from a chaotic place full of agitated patients into a calm environment, with many patients recovered and even transferred to other units or discharged home.
This episode helped popularise Ho’oponopono as a powerful tool for self-healing and inner transformation, reinforcing the idea that change begins within ourselves.
Scientific evidence on Ho’oponopono
Although Ho’oponopono is a traditional practice, recent scientific studies have begun investigating its effects and underlying mechanisms:
Stress reduction: Research indicates that regular practice of Ho’oponopono can lower cortisol levels, the stress hormone, promoting a state of calm and relaxation in both body and mind.
Improvement of psychological well-being: Some studies suggest that the practice helps reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression by facilitating forgiveness and acceptance, which are important for emotional health.
Effects on the immune system: While still little explored, there are indications that stress and emotional tension reduction through Ho’oponopono may strengthen immune responses, aiding in disease prevention.
Neuroplasticity and emotional healing: Like other meditative and mindfulness practices, Ho’oponopono seems to encourage brain reorganisation, helping create new connections that promote states of balance and well-being.
Why incorporate Ho’oponopono into your life?
Ho’oponopono is accessible to everyone, regardless of belief or previous experience with meditation or holistic therapies. Additionally, it can be practised anywhere, anytime, making it a practical tool for managing difficult emotions, internal or external conflicts, and for fostering greater harmony with yourself and others.
Just start and practise
Ho’oponopono, with its ancient roots, is gaining well-deserved recognition for its effectiveness and positive impact on mental and emotional health.
While scientific research is still in its early stages, preliminary results are promising and indicate this technique can be a valuable ally in stress management, emotional healing, and immune system strengthening.
Incorporating Ho’oponopono into your daily routine is an invitation to inner transformation through forgiveness, love, and personal responsibility.
A simple yet powerful path for those seeking to live with more peace, balance, and well-being.
Some resources:
Choose the meditation that resonates most with you — the one that truly touches your heart and inspires you to follow the path of inner peace.
Ho'oponopono Meditation for Deep Healing
Ho'oponopono |Inner Child Guided Meditation by Dr. Ihaleakela Hew Len https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ohsCV3YIjv4
HO'OPONOPONO MANTRA - 108 Repetitions for Deep Healing
Ho'oponopono Morning Guided Meditation Receive What is Right and Perfect For you
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