Hawaiian Lomilomi Massage

The history of this massage is over hundreds of years old. It is an integral part of a nation’s culture. It is of family origin deep in tradition, respect and family values. Ancient Hawaiian belief is that touch is a language used to show feelings to demonstrate to others that they are loved, wanted and appreciated. It is used to comfort emotional pain conveying understanding and reassuring. Lomilomi is a two way flow of touch and response, a mutual exchange of energy. The hands, arms, elbows and fingers are the instrument of communication. Lomi treats the individual as a whole, rather than concentrating on a physical condition. It seeks to find the cause rather than the symptom. The movement is slow and deep, extremely simple, but amazingly complex.

(1) On a physical or body level the benefits include relaxing, softening and toning the muscles, assisting the flow of blood, increasing the hemoglobin level, encouraging the lymphatic flow and stretching the connective tissue of bones and joints. Lomi aids the circulation by assisting venous flow to the heart and the elimination of waste, thus lowering blood pressure and increasing the percentage of oxygen in the tissues. For those who need deep tissue, Lomilomi will help to dispel the hard knots of muscular spasm, caused by chronic tension or emotional or physical trauma.

(2) On a mind level, Lomilomi not only relieves stress and anxiety, it also helps you to become more aware of your body, particularly the parts that you are in touch with and those that feel "cut off". Once you are aware of where your energy blocks lie, you can begin to integrate with your body and develop greater self image and responsibility for your own happiness and health. You are then able to embark on a voyage of self-discovery, to know your body, how it feels to be relaxed and in tune and to experience the pleasure of moving freely, standing straight and tall and breathing the breath of life.

(3) On a spiritual level the benefits of Lomilomi are hard to describe, for I am referring to something that is indefinable, the essence, the life force. It is within the massage and within you, but only when you speak your truth, speak from your heart, and void your mind from rightness and judgmental interference. It is not uncommon that during a Lomilomi treatment both body worker and client may attain a state of heightened awareness.