A rather popular choice in the massage community worldwide, the Lomi Lomi massage has taken the world by storm. That said, for many, this will be the first time they are hearing about this style of bodywork originating from Hawaii. Lomi Lomi massage has become quite a trend and many variations have come about recently. Finding a Lomi Lomi practitioner who observes and respects traditional values is important not only to preserving cultural values, but also in regards to the quality of Lomi Massage you will receive.
For those who are yet to book a session for a Lomi Lomi massage, this blog is a great read. Here you will find many questions about Lomi Lomi answered before you book a session.
What Is Lomi Lomi Massage?
To start with the basics, Lomi Lomi massage is a technique therapists use to release stress and muscle tension, open energy pathways and clear blockages. This massage is performed by combining free-form instinctive techniques and breathing. In it, the whole body is massaged with rhythmic, long, sweeping strokes using the therapist’s forearms and hand.
Unlike conventional massage therapies, which focus on a particular area, in Lomi Lomi, different parts of the body are sometimes massaged simultaneously. Done well, Lomi Lomi massage therapy can help improve posture, alignment, blood circulation and reduce high blood pressure. It also helps enhance the immune system and increase flexibility.
The concept of Lomi is to create space in the joints so that the muscle belly can heal itself. Often patients report feeling taller and more structurally aligned than they were previously. This practice lends wonderful results for those struggling with scoliosis and alignment issues. Often times, patients find that they need less chiropractic work done while receiving Lomi treatments, as well as complimenting current chiropractic work to help it become more effective for a longer period of time.
A Brief History Of Lomi Lomi
‘Lomi Lomi’ is a Hawaiian word, translating to ‘soothe, rub or knead.’ it also signifies the sacred shift inspired by the healing kahuna. The word ‘kahuna’ comes from ‘huna’ which means ‘secret knowledge.’ The tradition of Lomi Lomi massage that we know today is derived from the spiritual traditions of pre-Polynesian Hawaiians who had inhabited the islands for thousands of years.
It encompasses Bodywork, Spirituality and energy work, plant medicine, prayer, and even martial arts. There are very few Kahuna elders who still carry the ancient knowledge of this tradition. Originally the practice was called ‘Ke Ala Hoku’ (Pathway to the Stars) and sessions lasted a minimum of 10 hours. These sessions were believed to bring the initiate into an expanded experience of the universe and more in alignment with themselves, their family, the environment and their community.
Kahuna practitioners would master their ability to work with the various access points of energy, spirit, light and information in their own bodies, allowing a pathway of transformation to open so that they could hold more space for others to heal themselves through the sacred exchange created by the practitioners work. Abraham Kawai’i revived this ancient knowledge in the last century and today a few teachers exist that still keep his “temple-style” Lomi Lomi massage alive.
Today, a Lomi Lomi Nui Session or “great massage session” often lasts 2-3 hours. There are 2 or 3 schools that teach what has been able to be kept of this knowledge from hundreds of families. However, many schools claim to teach Lomi Lomi massage and many have changed the essence or have not observed a respect for protocols and the culture that is needed to keep this practice authentic.
While you can now find Lomi Lomi Massage Honolulu ? and many other places, it is often a combination of traditional practice derived from the many Polynesian cultures and islands. Most forms are hundreds of years old and have been passed down from generation to generation through oral tradition and often kept secret. It includes aspects of spiritual healing, psychology, energy work, plant medicine and massage. Now many Hawaiian teachers are allowing foreigners to learn and perpetuate their teachings in hopes to help the world heal and spread the concept of Aloha with respect for their culture and values.
What to Expect In a Lomi Lomi Session?
It will not be wrong to say that each Lomi Lomi session is different. There is no set format or sequence to the massage. However, the ultimate objective remains the same, which is to relax and recharge the mind, body and spirit.
In the massage tradition, the client is always viewed as someone looking to return to harmony and balance than someone who needs to be fixed. This makes holistic treatment a lot more wholesome and positive. In this style of massage it is believed energy moves from one part of the body to another.
For instance, the therapist might need to massage the neck and move the energy to the shoulders. This is also why, in this approach, the whole body is massaged, including the back, arms, feet, front and face.
The technique balances the nervous, respiratory and venous systems through lymphatic drainage and toxin release. So the process encourages the nervous system to slow down, creating space for these techniques to be effective. This further unblocks and returns the body to its natural state and homeostasis so that the body can heal itself.
What Are Some Health Benefits Of Lomi Lomi Massage?
As already mentioned, Lomi Lomi massage therapy has a number of health benefits. In addition to curing a variety of conditions and injuries, it also helps with discomforts that arise from general health imbalances.
Any other massage that uses free-flowing strokes, like Swedish massage, might have similar benefits. Some common reasons why people opt for Lomi Lomi massage therapy include:
- Enhanced immune response
- Better blood circulation
- Blocked energy release
- Muscle relaxation
- Better posture
- Quicker healing
- Calmer heart rate
- Controlled blood pressure
- Better flexibility and range of motion
- A more holistic approach to addressing ailments
How Do You Choose The Best Lomi Lomi Massage Therapist?
Lomi Lomi massage Oahu is a popular experience which has led to several new facilities offering this modality. However, to witness the true benefits of massage therapy, you need to ensure that you choose the right service. Fortunately, there are certain rudimentary guidelines you can keep in mind to make your choice easier.
- Look for the right certifications and therapist qualifications
- Make sure they sit for a consultation to understand the specific problems correctly
- Make sure they are clean and safe
Checking all the right boxes and with some of the best reviews in the community, Lono’s Wellness Group is a great option for booking Lomi Lomi Massage. They have some of the best professionals who are well-trained, experienced and qualified. They also ensure that you receive a personalized experience that targets your specific issue. Rest assured, with them, you will have no complaints about the service.
