Lomi Lomi Massage

Massage is such an ancient healing therapy it's no surprise there are so many variations from around the world. One of the most traditional is the Hawaiian Lomi Lomi Massage.

Massage is an important element of Native Hawaiian medicine. Traditionally the skills were passed down through certain families but this changed in the 1970s. It was at this point that some Lomi Lomi Massage therapists started teaching the technique to non-Hawaiians.

Secret Technique

As you might expect there are several variations even within the one therapy. This is probably due to the fact that every traditional family had its secret techniques. Today, some therapists base their technique on Auntie Margaret Machado's training. She taught the skills right up to her death in 2009. Others follow the technique taught by Abraham Kawai'i.

Whilst some massage therapies are based purely on bodywork, like the Swedish massage, Lomi Lomi Massage has a very spiritual component. This doesn't mean you have to be religious to enjoy it or benefit from it. It is a spiritual experience for the masseuse and is designed to help you on all levels.

Lomi Lomi Massage is closely connected with the Hawaiian greeting 'aloha'. Aloha has several meanings, including love, unification and breath. Lomi Lomi therapists believe the treatment should be given with love. In fact, Auntie Margaret Machado described the difference between Swedish massage and Lomi Lomi as the 'loving touch'.

Breathe Deeply

Lomi Lomi Massage is full of rituals. At the start of the session, the therapist will place his or her hands on you and breathe deeply for a few minutes, or even sing or chant. You may also be asked to breathe deeply.

Unlike a Swedish massage, where the therapist works on one area of your body at a time, Lomi Lomi Massage is all-encompassing. The movements are long and flowing, often going from your shoulders right down to your feet.

Most Lomi Lomi sessions involve a generous amount of massage oil to help keep the movements smooth and flowing. The therapist uses hands, forearms, elbows, fingers, knees and even feet and may incorporate gentle stretching and joint rotations.

Harmony and Balance

It is not unusual for the therapist to massage two different areas at the same time. This is said to promote greater harmony and balance in your body.

Lomi Lomi Massage is therapeutic in so many ways. Physically, it does what all massage therapies do. It soothes sore muscles and joints, boosts blood flow, expels toxins and creates an overall feeling of wellbeing.

Like ancient Chinese massage techniques, it is also designed to release mental, emotional and spiritual blockages.

Healing Massage

Sometimes called 'Kahuna' or 'Temple Style' massage, Lomi Lomi forms part of the Hawaiian Rites of Passage. Believed to be both healing and transformational, it balances a person physically, emotionally and spiritually.

Kahuna means healer and this type of massage is excellent for people suffering from stress, depression, grief, exhaustion and physical discomfort or injuries.

For this reason, your therapist may ask you questions about your mental, emotional and physical state. This enables them to tailor the massage to your particular needs. Breathing is an important part of the treatments, designed to expel negative thoughts and energy and inhale inspiration.

Deeply relaxing and rejuvenating, Lomi Lomi Massage is brilliant for:

• Releasing muscle tension

• Boosting the immune system

• Stimulating the lymphatic, circulatory, respiratory and digestive systems

• Detoxification

• Improving flexibility and muscle tone

When you book, you may be offered the option of having two practitioners work on you at the same time. This is quite traditional and is really up to you. One thing's for sure, once you try a traditional Lomi Lomi Massage you'll be hooked.

Let Bookwell help you find the best Lomi Lomi Massage therapist in your locality.