In the serene suburb of Newtown, Nasinu, resides Levani Tabuavulavula, a man whose exceptional abilities have brought healing to thousands. Originating from Bucalevu, Korowalau in Cakaudrove, Levani carries a cherished legacy—a practice known as solisoli, or traditional bone healing—handed down through generations of his family.
Levani’s journey into healing began when he was merely three months old, after an incident involving his uncle, who returned home with broken ribs. With Levani’s father, the family’s traditional healer, absent, his mother placed the infant’s hands on the uncle’s injury in a moment of faith. Remarkably, the uncle woke from a deep sleep completely healed, marking the onset of Levani’s calling.
His family is connected to the well-regarded traditional bone healers of Vunidogoloa, also in Cakaudrove, a region renowned for its solisoli practice. Although he was born and raised in Nayavu, Wainibuka, Levani maintains a strong connection to his paternal heritage and the responsibilities it entails.
Over the years, more than 17,000 individuals have sought Levani’s help, all recorded meticulously in his books, documenting their names, villages, tikina, and provinces. “I did not receive any medical training but got this gift through my ancestors,” Levani explained, reflecting on the belief that God bestowed gifts upon communities to aid them in addressing ailments long before the advent of modern medicine.
His healing approach is personalized, relying on his intuition and experience rather than conventional medical training. Levani employs various methods depending on the type of injury; for instance, he may use his elbow for ankle injuries and apply pressure to the back for rib issues.
Though there was a phase when Levani hesitated to embrace his healing practice due to concerns about its alignment with his Christian beliefs, support from a pastor helped him redefine his role. He now sees his work as complementary to modern medicine rather than a replacement.
Today, Levani welcomes patients daily, beginning around 10 am, dedicating his mornings to his family and household. His reputation has drawn individuals from across Fiji and beyond. “I am not here to displace modern medicine but to complement it,” he asserts.
Crucially, Levani’s commitment to preserving the solisoli tradition extends to his family. His daughters are now learning the art of healing to ensure the practice continues within the family. “This solisoli is not for me only,” he emphasizes. “It is for my whole family. That is why it is important that my children continue my legacy after me.”
In a world increasingly dominated by modern science, Levani Tabuavulavula’s healing hands serve as a powerful link between tradition and faith, demonstrating that some gifts are not merely inherited but felt through a lineage that values healing and community.
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