Lomi lomi is the word used today to describe Hawai’ian massage, traditionally called lomi. Lomi lomi practices varied greatly by family, ahupua’a (region) and island. Like all endeavors in old Hawaii, lomi lomi was conducted with prayer and intention.
The early Polynesian settlers brought their own form of massage, and it evolved to become something uniquely Hawai’ian. It was practiced by everyone, from child to chief.
Today, lomi lomi or “loving hands” is a common and popular form of massage throughout the world,especially in Hawai’i, Japan and Europe.
Traditionally taught lomi lomi massage practitioners are generally unwilling to work at just any spa or massage parlor. They prefer to treat selected clients quietly and privately, often in home settings. lomi lomi practitioners may also ask their clients to pray, meditate, change their diets, and engage in other selfhelp activities usually believed to lie outside the scope of massage. Lomi lomi is a holistic healing tradition beyond simple massage.
Before a Lomi Lomi massage begins, the massage therapist will say a quiet prayer to request effective healing. Then the ancient wisdom and Spirit of Aloha will guide, heal and inspire you towards your true potential. It is an experience that overwhelms the mind with sensation as the lomi lomi masseuse uses intuitive movement, breathing, rhythm and focussed intention in long, flowing strokes.
Lomi lomi massage technique covers a broad area of the body and works the muscles often simultaneously to encourage the continuous flow of love and harmony, and to wash harmful thoughts, patterns, memories and behaviors out of the cells of our bodies to make way for more beneficial modes of thought.
Once positive energy is permitted to flow unhindered, total body healing is accomplished. This is the goal of every lomi lomi massage, returning to our natural state.