Lomilomi Massage

*** Ads from aligned people and products ***

How can Lomilomi Massage help you?

Lomiomi Massage includes many different techniques—some of which are similar to Swedish Massage and Asian bodywork techniques. It can build strength, focus, endurance, and discipline.

Lomilomi Massage includes:

Range-of-motion work.
Deep-tissue techniques.
Creating movement in the spine.
Increasing the circulation of all fluids in the body.
And, perhaps most importantly, the full presence of loving touch.

The nervous system is encouraged to slow down and you might experience unwinding similar to that which occurs in myofascial release.

Lomilomi massage on the abdomen is always emphasized in traditional teachings, in order to help the elimination process and improve the energetic function of the organs. (Massage Magazine)

Overview

Lomilomi Massage is an ancient Hawaiian restorative healing system, one component of which is the art of compassionate touch. The massage strokes are typically done by the Practitioner in long sweeping strokes with their hands and forearms—like rolling waves travelling along the body.

Lomilomi goes beyond massage in that it also reflects the connection we have with the land (‘aina), the spirit guides or ancestors (‘aumakua), and the breath of life (aloha).

Lomilomi, sometimes called Hawaiian Massage, is beneficial for many ailments and is said to increase spiritual energy and personal power (mana). The nurturing strokes are relaxing and can be therapeutic on many levels.

Lomilomi kumu (master) Brenda Ignacio of Oahu, Hawaii, describes lomilomi as being a distinctly Hawaiian healing art form that is passed down through the generations by master practitioners. She says the basis of this spiritual work is the “embodiment of reverence of life, wisdom, knowledge, and compassion.”

Lomi Lomi is now popular throughout the world but it is often in a ‘diluted’ form from the traditional methods. (Massage Magazine)

College Definition

Lomilomi Massage is an indigenous Hawaiian healing practice which usually includes massage – but not always. Many believe that this art was brought to Hawaii by the earliest Polynesian settlers while others believe that this beautiful art, so deeply infused with the practice of ‘living aloha’ is a carry-over from ancient Hawaii and the mystical land of Mu.

Lomilomi encompasses many different ‘styles’ each unique to their geographical location and/or their family of origin. Lomilomi was practiced by the native healers (Kahuna lā’au lapa’au) and was used as a restorative health practice within families. This rich tradition is still being passed down and practiced today.

There are primarily two styles of Lomilomi that have become more well known on the mainland US and in Hawaii: the “Temple Style” and the “Auntie Margaret’s Style”/”Big Island Massage.”

Temple Style Lomilomi uses primarily forearm runs integrating movements that are circles and figure eights. The movements are designed to confuse the thinking mind and invite the client to surrender, letting go of anything that is no longer serving them and to receive more of their soul energy.

Auntie Margaret Machado is known as one of the first Hawaiians who taught Lomilomi outside her own family. Her style of Lomilomi is known by the following quote:

“Your hands reveal your heart. If your hands are gently and loving, your patient will feel the sincerity of your heart and the Lord’s healing will flow through you both. Remember, Lomilomi is praying work.”

All styles of Lomilomi integrate some form of movement, chant (mele), prayers (pule) as well as the core intention of aloha. (Sacred Lomi)

Native Hawaiians continue to pass down this knowledge via families and practice Lomilomi in the home today. This living practice is even stronger today since Hawaiian elders and kahunas like Aunty Francine Dudoit Tagupa lobbied the US government to allow lomilomi to be covered by healthcare. She now runs a clinic in Waikiki that is free and provides native Hawaiian medicine alongside allopathic medicine.

Oahu Spine and Rehab Definition

Prior to the advent of western medicine, cultures from around the world practiced their own forms of healing. For most, this included a combination of nutrition, herbs, plants and bodywork. Indians practiced Ayurveda, the Japanese studied Shiatsu, the Chinese used Tui Na and Acupuncture, and Hawaiians named their healing arts, Lomi Lomi.

The literal translation of Lomi Lomi is ‘to rub.’ During the arrival of missionaries to The Hawaiian Islands, the healing practices of Lomi Lomi were ceased because the missionaries thought that the Hawaiian people were performing sorcery. During this time, Lomi Lomi was taught in secret from family elders to their descendants. (Oahu Spine and Rehab)

Lomi Lomi Massage is an ancient Hawaiian healing art, incorporating rhythmic movements and long forearm strokes that soothe from light to deep to realign the body, improve circulation, and induce overall well-being. (Hoomana Spa Maui)