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FAQs:

What is Lomi Lomi Massage?

Lomi lomi is a traditional Hawaiian massage that uses a combination of massage techniques, nut oils, and sometimes elements of prayer, breathing, and dance to restore energy and soothe the body. It is also known as the 'loving hands' massage. This name helps to explain its principles - the massage works gently yet deeply into the muscles with continuous, flowing strokes, allowing the recipient to relax and give in to the nurturing touch. Lomi lomi works from the belief that memories are not just stored in the brain and mind, but also in every cell of the human body. The long, continuous strokes of the massage are designed to help the body let go of its old patterns and behaviors, which can cause as many stresses and strains as muscle tension.

What Does Lomi Lomi Mean?

Lomi Lomi means “loving hands,” or “rub,” or “massage.”  This type of massage is intended to be both relaxing and therapeutic; its freeform technique is often compared to Swedish massage, but the two styles are quite different. Lomi Lomi is a form of bodywork that uses loving touch to promote healing. The massage techniques work on the Hawaiian belief that everyone has a life force energy, or “mana.” When this energy is blocked, it can lead to illness. “Huna” means “secret” and is the basis of a broad set of beliefs and customs that includes massage. Lomi Lomi practitioners believe that they can unblock this energy using the techniques of Huna, restoring balance, and promoting healing by massaging the body.

What is the Goal of Lomi Lomi Massage?

The goal is to create a deep state of relaxation while also relieving tension in tight muscles. Therapists may use pressure points throughout the session to help release stress held in specific parts of the body and long gliding motions that aim to connect physical ailments with emotional ones through a healing touch. This connection between mind and body is an integral part of traditional Hawaiian beliefs that come alive through this experience.

How is Lomi Lomi Massage Conducted?

A Lomi Lomi massage is conducted by using long, flowing strokes by a trained professional. A lomilomi massage is traditionally performed by using the forearms, but can also be done using the hands and elbows. The strokes are usually directed towards the heart and are aimed at being both relaxing and invigorating. During a session, it is common for the therapist to use coconut oil, almond oil, or an oil-based lotion to help reduce friction. This helps to create a more gliding motion and also allows the therapist to work more deeply into the muscles. Lomi Lomi massages are typically longer than other types of massages, lasting 90 minutes to 2 hours. Lomilomi massage therapists and clients alike find that allowing time for a longer session offers an opportunity for the receiver to really ‘drop into’ the session, letting go of their mind’s wanderings about the shopping and their work troubles, and to receive more fully. Many people find that Lomi Lomi massages provide unparalleled relief from stress and tension.

How Long Does a Lomi Lomi Massage Last?

A Lomi Lomi massage can be booked for one hour (or even longer if you would like). Some spas and massage centers will offer an option of two practitioners working on your limbs. This can create a deeper and more intense experience. Your massage therapist will use long flowing strokes with hands and forearms, like those used in a Swedish massage. Lomi Lomi also includes gentle stretches and rotation of joints, which you might find similar to a Thai massage. Still, there are several ways in which Lomi Lomi massage differs from the other varieties out there. In the traditional form, Lomi Lomi requires the healer to pray or sing with the recipient. At a spa or massage center, your massage professional may hum softly or spend a few moments of silence with you to help you disconnect from the everyday world. At the end of your Lomi massage, you should feel more flexible and refreshed, as if any tension in your body has been loosened.

Will the Massage Therapist Use Oils?

This massage traditionally uses nut oil. Walnut oil and Brazil nut oil are two options for Lomi Lomi. The oil aids with the long strokes that the masseur or masseuse uses. Nonetheless, the therapy may be performed dry or with other forms of oil. If you have a specific type of oil you’d prefer the therapist to use on you, you should check with your practitioner to ensure they can accommodate this before booking.

What Makes a Lomi Lomi Massage Different?

The distinction between a Lomi Lomi massage and other types of massage (such as a Tui Na massage) lies in the rhythmic nature of the strokes; rather than using kneading techniques or vigorously pressing into the skin, each stroke has its own flowing style that works with your body's natural rhythms. This helps to release emotional tensions as well as physical ones - making it a wonderfully holistic experience that aids both physical and emotional health. Another distinction between other forms of massage and a lomi lomi massage is that a massage therapist will only use oils when performing the treatment, as opposed to lotions and creams. The oils tend to be either Macadamia oil, walnut oil, palm oil, or coconut oil - so make sure to inform your massage therapist if you have any nut allergies! Plus, unlike a deep tissue massage (which is often uncomfortable) a lomi lomi massage is designed for relaxation, making it the perfect choice for a massage.

What is the Difference Between Deep Tissue Massage and Lomi Lomi Massage?

Lomi Lomi massage is often confused with deep tissue massage, which is not uncommon. While both massages work to achieve similar goals, key differences set them apart. Lomi Lomi massages use long, fluid strokes that are soothing and relaxing to guests.

During a Lomi massage, therapists often massage the entire body simultaneously in movements based on the Hula. These Hawaiian-based massages promote healing and the proper energy transfer through the body. Many would consider these types of massages mystical since they involve prayer and the movement of energies throughout the body.

On the other hand, Deep Tissue massages use short, concentrated strokes that target specific areas of discomfort; these massages work out knots and relieve pain in the muscles. Deep tissue massages can be quite intense and are not recommended for those with sensitive skin or who bruise easily. However, a deep tissue massage will also help those who don’t often stretch because of the deeper pressure. Therapists even use deep tissue massage techniques to help open up areas with old injuries or scar tissue.

What is the Difference Between Lomi Lomi and Thai Massage?

A Hawaiian Lomi Lomi full body massage is just as beneficial as a classic Thai massage, but they do have some differences which might be important to you when it comes to booking therapeutic spa time. ‍Lomi Lomi massage originates from ancient Polynesia, the style took root in Hawaii and is considered by many to be a sacred practice. Traditional Hawaiian Lomi Lomi is distinguished by its rhythmic flowing strokes that gently rub and knead the body. While a Thai Fusion massage came by way of India and has ties to Buddhism; it’s an ancient therapy that dates back more than 2,500 years. Thai full-body massage is distinguished by its bendy yoga-style technique, as the body’s core and limbs are actively pushed and pulled during treatment. Much of the difference between Thai and Lomi Lomi has to do with the style, level of energy, and massage therapist technique. Overall, Lomi Lomi Hawaiian massage is more passive and relaxed; it involves calming smooth therapeutic touching with gentle pressure. Thai Fusion is more active and energetic; the limbs will be stretched and bent to increase the maximum range of motion in the body.

What to Wear to Lomi Lomi Massage?

A Lomi Lomi massage usually requires oils. So, yes, you will need to undress, but you keep your underwear on if preferred. Your practitioner will use towels to cover the parts they are not working on. This way, you can feel comfortable during the massage. However, if you are booking a massage with two practitioners, you may be fully uncovered as they work on both sides of your body. It is best to check with your practitioner before booking so you know what to expect. Please note that some oils can stain your clothing and underwear. A sensible strategy is to wear darker-colored items of clothing for your Lomi Lomi massage.

How Much is Lomi Lomi Massage Therapy?

The cost of a session of Lomi Lomi massage can range between $60 and $120, as is for traditional massages as well. However, you can consult a therapist about the Lomi Lomi massage price if you are interested in getting one. This relaxing massage can be shorter sessions of half an hour or one hour or can be longer as well, i.e., 1.5-2 hours.

History of Lomi Lomi Massage

The practice of Lomi Lomi massage originated in ancient Polynesia. When Polynesian settlers first came to Hawaii, Lomi Lomi came with them. In the 19th century, however, thanks to the wonders of colonization, Lomi Lomi became viewed as a heathen practice by American missionaries.

The Native Hawaiian spiritual practitioners, or kahunas, continued to use Lomi Lomi as a means of restoration and healing, in concert with other herbal and ritual medicinal techniques.

The theory behind Lomi Lomi is similar to the concept of qi found in Traditional Chinese Medicine – connecting the mind and body to maximize healing potential. Traditional Lomi Lomi practice includes chants (mele) and prayers (pule) as part of the session, though this is fairly rare among modern massage therapists.

What Exactly is Lomi Lomi About

The individual who receives Lomi-Lomi is the focus of the massage. There is no set format and no two massages are identical. Lomi-Lomi is a very identifiable tradition, however. Some main themes are:

1. Spirituality. This is an important component. The massage should take place in a quiet, still location, so both the practitioner and the recipient can calmly focus on the comprehensive healing ritual they are undertaking. People who wish to receive Lomi Lomi should have pure intentions and be open to receiving the message, not just submitting to it. The difference here is their active mental and spiritual participation, even if they are not moving a muscle themselves. Likewise, the therapist is not a healer working on a patient; they accompany the recipient in their pursuit of healing. It is the practitioner’s responsibility to use a loving touch to assist the healing process.

2. Both people must do their parts. Lomi lomi uses long, sweeping strokes, that traverse the body, rolling across you like waves. This technique helps to move toxins out of the body, taking the form of the beautiful natural phenomena found across the Pacific. The massage may involve humming, dancing techniques, or chanting, which all have their raison d’etre in spiritual healing. Lomi-lomi may also entail joint rotation to help prevent blockages and improve circulation. This is a delicate maneuver that requires special prior training, so it may not take place in all sessions. The therapist will use their own body, elbows to fingertips, to pound, tap, rub, or knead in a variety of motions. Multiple parts of the body are sometimes massaged simultaneously so the recipient doesn’t focus too much on one part, which helps them to relax. Another distinctive tendency is that minimal cover is used to reduce any ebb to the continuous whole-body flow of the massage. Traditionally, towel coverage only extends to necessary body parts, freeing the masseuse from having to constantly stop to move it.

7 Facts about Lomi Lomi Massage

Lomilomi is a traditional Hawaiian massage that devotees say is extremely spiritual. But what is it and how does it work? Here are seven facts you might not know about this massage technique.

1. Loving hands

‘Lomilomi’ means rub or massage, but is also known as ‘loving hands’ because it’s meant to be a nurturing, healing practice done with love and good intentions. It’s rooted in the ancient Hawaiian philosophy of Huna, which says that the mind, body, and spirit are all connected, and so works on the whole person, not just the muscles.

2. Use your intuition

There’s no set format or sequence in Lomilomi; no two massages are the same, just as no two clients are the same. Instead, therapists work intuitively to meet the needs of each individual person. Because Lomilomi was traditionally passed down within families in Hawaii, different strands have developed that use different techniques, but they all agree that you need to take a slow, meditative approach to put your client completely at ease.

3. (Not just) Hands On

To perform Lomilomi properly you need to use more than just your hands. Therapists use their forearms and elbows, and even their knees and feet. The technique is to work gently yet deeply with long, flowing under, and full body strokes. These rhythmic movements often remind clients of gentle ocean waves washing over them.

4. Energy flow

Hawaiians traditionally believe that the flow of energy through the body is extremely important and that blockages can occur in both the mind and muscles. Because Huna says everything is connected, if the mind is blocked by stress or you have muscle tension, it will affect the whole person. With Lomilomi, the goal is to put clients into a deeply relaxed state so they can let go and any blockages can be released. It’s just as much about releasing a client’s mental anxiety and tension as it is about massaging their muscles.

5. The more the merrier

If you want to give your clients an amazing Lomilomi experience, consider working with another therapist. According to experts having four or more hands working together sends the client into an even greater state of relaxation, as the brain can’t focus on all the hands at the same time. Therapists working alone often mimic this by massaging two different parts of the body at once, for example, one hand working on a shoulder and the other on the opposite hip.

6. Do a little dance

While channeling your good intentions and performing Lomilomi in a loving way, you also need to maintain your own energy. This is done through your movements – therapists perform a hula dance around the table as they work, which assists the energy flow in the room. Therapists also usually start the session by saying a short ‘pule’, a blessing or prayer, to ask for healing to take place, and talk to clients about incorporating things like meditation or a change of diet into their routine.

7. Show some skin

Clients should be prepared to show a bit more skin during Lomilomi than in other massages. Because it focuses on the whole body, with multiple areas being worked on at once, clients generally lie directly on the table with only a small towel covering them. This makes it easier to perform under-body and full-body strokes without interrupting the flow, but might be too much for prudish patrons!

Lomi Lomi Techniques

Lomi Lomi is a freeform massage; therapists do not use a set routine or sequence of strokes. Every Lomi Lomi massage is a unique experience. The massage therapists follow your breath and energy to determine what type of touch is needed. In addition, family members and massage professionals will often utilize several more distinct techniques if necessary.

1. Kuikui – form fists with both hands and Kui (pound) up and down the back with the fleshy side opposite the thumbs. Taking extra care to avoid the spine and any sensitive areas.

2. Okioki – using an alternative chopping motion, okioki (chop) involves moving up and down the back. We can easily adjust the speed or strength of the chopping based on your specific preference.

3. Pahupahu – with cupping hands, we strike your back in a specific way to help your mana flow.

4. Kikokiko means to “type”, like on a computer keyboard. Using the fingertips, our masseuse creates five different points of “pecking” with each strike.

5. Kahi – is a great technique that often comes at the end of a Lomi Lomi massage session. The therapist rubs your entire back from top to bottom with hands that are open and flat. The pressure can vary on the client’s comfort level.

Generally, traditional techniques often include breathing techniques, various massage strokes, and even breathing techniques. The practice works to rid the client of any physical and mental stresses.

Rhythmical Hand Techniques Used in Lomi Lomi

There are some unique rhythmical hand techniques original to Lomi lomi: stroke, Weggly wiggly, Arna press, Arna e fraraju, double elbow, lomi lomi hula. Like the wave or wind, natural and rhythmic motion massages are known for its feature. These living, healing massage techniques were passed down from the ancient days of old Hawaii. In these modern times, lomi lomi is sometimes applied in combination with techniques of the Swedish massages, Efra Lage and PetraSage.

1. Stroke

This technique uses palms and elbows to pressure your body.

2. Weggly Wiggly

This technique uses palms and elbows to swing your body into relaxation.

3. Arna e fraraju

This technique uses rejuvenating oils throughout the body by applying to the soft part of the forearms.

4. Lomilomi Fula

This technique loosens the muscles by sliding the back on the soft part of both arms, so as to draw a circle.

5. Arna Press

This technique uses the soft part of the forearms to pressure your body.

6. Double Elbow

This technique eases the stiff parts of your body by applying pressure along both forearms, firmly attached.

Benefits of Lomi Lomi Massage

​Lomilomi massage therapy has many health benefits. It can cure a wide range of health conditions and imbalances. The fluid-like movements of the hands and attention around the joints help break down any blocked energy that you may be experiencing physically or mentally. This massage therapy has proven to be beneficial for:

1. Increasing blood circulation

2. Removing toxins

3. Reducing the chances of stroke

4. Relieving pains in the muscle

5. Building up the muscles

6. Increasing the muscle’s flexibility and motion

7. Stimulating the lymphatic drainage system

8. Removing lactic acid build-up

9. Breaking down calcium deposits

10. Boosting Immune response

11. Lowering Blood Pressure

12. Reducing tension, headache, and migraines

13. Quickening ligament and tendon healing after an injury

14. Improving skin health and appearance

15. Increasing metabolic rate

16. Releasing  emotional tension during and after the massage session

17. Cleansing the mind of fear, worry, and negative thought patterns

18. Instilling a sense of well-being in the body, mind, and spirit

What to Expect from a Lomi Lomi Massage

Traditionally, lomi lomi massage is performed with the recipient lying on a hand-woven mat on the floor. However, you may find yourself on a conventional massage table, or lying directly on the vinyl of it. Instead of being covered with towels, you might just have one towel or a small sheet to preserve your modesty. These steps are taken to avoid interrupting the continuous flow of the massage.

The Lomi Lomi healing practice usually begins with a period of stillness between therapist and recipient, sometimes with the therapist's hands resting lightly on the recipient's back. During this moment of stillness, a traditional lomi lomi practitioner would say a blessing or prayer, asking for whatever healing is needed.

The therapist will work intuitively with your body, with fluid, rhythmic strokes to release and shift tensions. There is no set format for the massage itself, so no two Hawaiian massages are the same. The treatment may be slow and relaxing or faster and more invigorating, depending on how your body responds. You might find that the therapist massages two different parts of your body simultaneously - this is to stop your brain from focusing on any one area and therefore helps to aid relaxation. Sometimes, lomi lomi is carried out by two therapists at once to intensify the effect.

Your masseuse may make full-body or under-body strokes, lightly stretch your limbs and carefully rotate your joints. These techniques are thought to free up your energy flow, and she will perform them very gently, staying within your comfort zone and level of resistance.

Don't be surprised if your therapist - particularly if she is a traditional lomi lomi practitioner - hums at various points during your massage. Humming is supposed to create amplified and vibrating energy, promoting the release of blockages within the body. Dance techniques and hula movements are important, too, in keeping the energy flow high.

How to Choose a Lomi Lomi Massage Therapist

Choosing to have a lomi lomi massage can be challenging, especially if you have never received the treatment before.

Here are some guidelines to follow:

1. Qualifications: Ensure you select a qualified lomi lomi massage therapist with formal qualifications. 

2. Current knowledge: Check whether your lomi lomi massage therapist is well-versed in current research. Make sure your chosen therapist is up-to-date on the latest techniques and practices. 

3. Expertise relevant to your condition: Lomi lomi massage therapists will complete an assessment before applying any treatment. This will ensure that they target and address any specific problems quickly. 

4. Cleanliness: Ensure your lomi lomi massage therapist’s treatment room is clean and presented professionally. 

5. Comfort: With lomi lomi massage most of the body is exposed to optimize the therapist’s use of underbody and full-body strokes. However, clients can of course request a number of small towels for modesty.

Questions to Ask Your Lomi Lomi Massage Therapist

Once you’ve found a potential lomi lomi massage therapist, it is worth asking them the following questions to ensure they are credible and a good fit for you.

1. Do you abide by the current industry regulations? Therapists generally need to be over 18 years of age and have previous experience in natural health and/or massage. Lomi lomi massage itself does not have requirements for licensure, however, practitioners must follow the industry’s Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice.

2. What was involved in your training? Programs for Lomi Lomi massage training can vary somewhat based on the school and the philosophy of the teacher. However, at a minimum, they typically include the study of the seven Hawaiian principles of lomilomi.

3. How long did you study? Courses vary in length and can involve hours or even days of study in a workshop setting. Some workshops run longer and may provide advanced-level training as well as the opportunity to learn other forms of Hawaiian traditions and massage.

What You Should Know Before You Book an Appointment  

How to Prepare

Unlike a Thai or deep tissue massage, the full-body nature of Lomi Lomi means that more of your body must be uncovered. Your massage therapist will work in long, flowing strokes, so too much clothing can get in the way. However, your comfort is always our top priority, and you can discuss your comfort level by removing certain clothing with your therapist.

Avoid eating right before your Lomi Lomi massage, as this might upset your stomach during the massage. Drink plenty of water beforehand, but avoid caffeinated drinks like coffee or pop.

Safety and Risks

Be sure to talk to your massage therapist about your medical history prior to your appointment. If you have high blood pressure or varicose veins, Lomi Lomi massage may not be suitable for you. If you are pregnant, Lomi Lomi could be beneficial depending on the current stage of pregnancy.

Sources:

Good Spa Guide

Zeel

Carisma Spa

Avaana

Hawaii Massage Clinic

ANTA

Hawaii’s Best

AIRE

The Urban Alchemist

Spa Theory

Kona Hawaii

Self Growth

ESTE

Professional Beauty

Urban Massage

 

The content herein is provided for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Medical information changes constantly, and therefore the content on this website should not be assumed to be current, complete or exhaustive. Always seek the advice of your doctor before starting or changing treatment. If you think you may have a medical emergency, please call your doctor or 9-1-1 (in the United States) immediately.