Taupā is a term for the sacred hymen, that protects the vulvic passage – te ara tangata - from infection. This karakia refers to the qualities of the hymen to protect a person’s physical and spiritual aspects and to consume any external negative entities/influences that may be  interfering with the whakapapa line.

These kinds of purificatory karakia were often performed by the water at dawn and facing east. Submerge in water at the recitation of this karakia to purify, protect and clear the way.