Lomi Lomi massage, also known as loving hands massage, is a traditional Hawaiian massage that combines massage techniques, nut oils, breathing and dance to soothe the body. It is based on the Huna philosophy and how it is related to our bodies work and its healing process.
“Lomi is a Hawaiian name. It means to knead, rub, soothe, and work in and out like the paws of a contented cat. Repeating the word "Lomi" for emphasis shows how special it is.”
Lomi Lomi massage was made famous around the world by Hawaiian tourism. The massage is like a dance around the patient and its technique is different from other types of massage. Practitioners make use of their palms, fingers, knuckles, elbows, knees, and feet during the massage to make broad, flowing strokes.
It is more than just a physical massage; it is a healing experience that harmonizes the body, mind and spirit. It has a positive effect on all body systems. It improves flexibility, reduces stress, balances the body and mind, and helps you reach clarity and relaxation. Once you experience it, you might not want to try any other traditional massage again. Find out what to expect at a Lomi Lomi Massage:
History of Lomi Lomi Massage
To understand the modern practice of the Lomi Lomi massage, you must understand its origin.
The Lomi Lomi massage was brought to Hawaii by early Polynesians. The Hawaiians then created their unique style. It was a practice that spiritual healers, Kahuna and Shama, used to exorcise spirits. It evolved for over a 100 year in an isolated valley throughout the Island chain with different approaches and techniques.
Traditionally, the Hawaiian lomilomi massage was practised in four contexts:
As a healing practice for native healers
To aid digestion, especially by ruling chiefs
As a restorative massage within the family
By Olohe Lua (masters of Hawaiian martial art)
“People who performed lomilomi were called Ka po’ e Lomi Lomi (the massage people) or Kanaka lomilomi. Kauka Lomi Lomi was later coined in 1920, to describe osteopathic physicians”.
It was banned in the 19 century (1820) by colonial masters who saw the massage as heathen practice. But Lomi Lomi Massage as a restorative massage remained popular not only among natives of Hawaii but among foreign residents. In 2001, the law was revised and amended to ensure only native practitioners certified by the Hawaiian medical board could perform this massage.
The structured technique taught and practised today was created by Hawaiian Massage masters, Abraham Kawaii and Magaret Machado. Instead of prayer and chants, Lomi Lomi massage therapists were asked to offer calm mental space and nurturing touch to their clients. This adaptation has helped Lomi Lomi Massage gain worldwide popularity.
What To Expect from a Lomi Lomi Massage Session
As Margaret Machado said, the difference between Lomi Lomi massage and Swedish massage is the"loving touch". Its holistic approach creates a connection between your mind, body, emotion and spirit.
The massage therapist begins the Lomi Lomi massage session by placing their hands gently on the client and staying still for a while. They might also ask you to take deep breaths to help you relax. Traditional Lomi Lomi practitioners might add music and chanting of prayers.
Unlike the Thai or deep tissue massage, during the Lomi Lomi massage more of your body is uncovered. This is because the massage therapists move in long flowing motions rather than working on one body part at a time. Some therapists use massage sheets, exposing larger areas of your body at once.
The massage therapist makes use of the forearms and the hands in a fluid, rhythmic motion, massaging different parts of the body at the same time. This helps the client relax as the brain can't focus on two different areas at once. By not working on areas in isolation, a deep sense of stability and peace is achieved. Traditional Lomi Lomi massage technique includes abdominal massage as this is traditionally considered the colon part of a person's soul or heart.
If you wish to discover the benefits of the Lomi Lomi massage for yourself, you can book a Lomi Lomi Massage session here
Benefits of Lomi Lomi Massage
Lomilomi massage therapy has many health benefits. It can cure a wide range of health conditions and imbalance. The fluid-like movements of the hands and attention around the joints helps break down any blocked energy that you may be experiencing physically or mentally. This massage therapy has proven to be beneficial for:
Increasing blood circulation
Removing toxins
Reducing the chances of stroke
Relieving pains in the muscle
Building up the muscles
Increasing the muscle’s flexibility and motion
Stimulating the lymphatic drainage system
Removing lactic acid build-up
Breaking down calcium deposits
Boosting Immune response
Lowering Blood Pressure
Reducing tension, headache and migraines
Quickening ligament and tendon healing after an injury
Improving skin health and appearance
Increasing metabolic rate
Releasing emotional tension during and after the massage session
Cleansing the mind of fear, worry and negative thought patterns
Instilling a sense of well being in the body, mind and spirit
The Lomi Lomi massage therapy takes you to a state of relaxation and stillness that frees your mind from blockage and stabilizes the mind to face new possibilities. A cleansing process also takes place, releasing toxins, cleaning up the body, releasing body tension, healing pain and boosting the immune system.
Conclusion and Closing Thoughts
One of the secrets of the Lomi massage is the joyful sharing of life energy in the present. It has the power to create an altered state of consciousness and sacred experience for the giver and receiver. Its potential for reconnecting with the body, mind and soul is endless.
If you wish to discover the benefits of the Lomi Lomi massage for yourself, you can book a Lomi Lomi Massage session here
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