Lomi Lomi Hawaiian massage

Lomi Lomi is an ancient Hawaiian healing art that translates to rub rub. It is characterized by continuous flowing wave-like strokes using the forearms and elbows which mimic a rhythmic dance. It was brought to Hawaii by early Polynesians and each village had their own version of Lomi Lomi. It was a communal family based healing practice. Children would learn to walk on adults’ backs to access deep muscles and family members would exchange Lomi Lomi when needed. However, in the late 1800’s, missionaries came to Hawaii and tried to get rid of Hawaiian culture and customs because they thought Lomi was heathen worship. If anyone was caught practicing Lomi Lomi, they would be severely punished. But, the Hawaiian people kept Lomi Lomi a secret and passed it down within the family lineage. One family member was chosen at a young age to be the healer and the techniques were passed down orally and experientially. Then, in 1972 Aunty Margaret Machado, a well known Hawaiian Kahuna or healer felt that Lomi Lomi needed to be shared around the world. Although there was much controversy over this decision, she began to teach non Hawaiians lomi lomi to keep the precious teachings and techniques alive. Today, it is more accessible to learn about this beautiful healing modality. What makes Lomi Lomi a beautiful healing modality? Lomi Lomi is accompanied by prayer (pu’le) and intention setting ensuring the recipient is open to receiving healing on a physical, emotional and spiritual level. Traditional healers believed that unresolved emotional stress, trauma, and strained relationships manifest physically as muscle tension. Healers might help clear emotional burdens before performing physical body work. This is done through a practice called Ho’oponopono. What is Ho’oponopono? It is an ancient Hawaiian practice of reconciliation and forgiveness. It is also a practice of being in alignment or in balance with yourself, with others, and with the divine. The four steps are: I’m sorry, Please forgive me, Thank you, and I love you. Before a lomi lomi session the practitioner and client can openly discuss emotional and physical tension. Then during the Lomi Lomi session, the physical flowing forearm strokes can help unblock the emotional tension and bring balance to body, mind, and spirit. How is aloha incorporated into a lomi session? Aloha means the breath of God is in our presence. Practitioners view themselves as a conduit for aloha. They approach the session with focused, loving presence and perform the flowing ocean wave strokes with deep reverence and care. The unconditional love brought by aloha is believed to melt away not just physical muscle tension but also emotional, mental and spiritual blockages. Breath is also incorporated into the sessions and is called the Ha breath. It describes a deliberate process of breathing in through the nose and out of the mouth deeply and making the Ha sound on the exhale. It is very powerful and cleansing to breathe with the practitioner and stay connected with the breath during the session. Lomi Lomi focuses on nurturing the whole body rather than just targeting specific muscle groups. The rhythmic flowing strokes mimic the motion of the ocean waves and help the client reach a blissful state of relaxation and letting go. This beautiful Hawaiian modality has been practiced for many years and thanks to Aunty Margaret Machado, we can experience this joyful energizing bodywork in today’s society. May the healing power of Lomi Lomi unblock emotional tension and bring balance to your body, mind and spirit. Mahalo nui loa! (thank you very much). Alexandra Thiem (Lomi Lomi Practitioner) joyfulhealingarts.com