Posts Tagged ‘healing’

Lomi Lomi Massage






Press ‘Play’ to view a short demonstration of the Lomi Lomi


Beautiful to watch, wonderful to give and magical to receive, Hawaiian Lomi Lomi has been described by many as the most amazing massage on Earth!

So what exactly is Lomi Lomi?

In basic terms, Lomi Lomi in Hawaiian language means, ‘to knead’, ‘to squeeze’, ‘to make soft’ among other similar definitions. Most non-Hawaiians know ‘Lomi Lomi ‘ to refer specifically to Hawaiian ‘massage ‘ but it originally refers to traditional Hawaiian food or dishes such as ‘Lomi-Lomi Salmon ‘ that is prepared by ‘Lomi-ing ‘ (kneading with the hands and fingers) the ingredients to soften, marinade and mix them together.

This same motion is also used to ’soften ‘ the muscles of the body, which is why they also refer to massaging / softening the body as ‘Lomi Lomi ‘. The Hawaiians believe that where there is ’softness ‘ there is no ‘tension ‘, and tension on some level they believe is the root cause of illness.

Though there are varying techniques used and philosophies taught among the different schools, the same ‘flow ‘ and healing intention exists in all lomi styles of Lomi Lomi.

What makes Lomi Lomi so special?

Lomi Lomi is a powerfully healing style of massage that uses the forearms in addition to the hands and fingers in long-flowing strokes along the body to remove layers of tension, not unlike the waves of the ocean. This constant flow makes it very difficult for the reciever ’s mind to follow the movements and therefore encourages them to ’switch off ‘ and enter into deeply healing states of relaxation.

Contrary to popular belief, Lomi Lomi can be a soft, relaxing massage or it can be very deep and ‘remedial ‘ depending on the needs of the client.

The belly too is gently massaged to balance the stomach and internal organs (Opu Huli) and the limbs are rotated and stretched in ways so subtle, yet focused, that the receiver can feel the release of tension deeply within their muscles and bones.

The unique flow and pressure of the Lomi Lomi, both soft and deep appropriate to the receiver ’s needs, used in combination with the breath, encourages the body, mind and spirit to heal, leaving both the giver and the receiver feeling relaxed yet alive and energized. In my own practice and in that of many of my students, seemingly ‘miraculous ‘ results have been achieved.

For example, chronic pain has been completely alleviated in one or two sessions, limbs that could barely be moved (i.e frozen shoulder) have been completely freed up and on a spiritual level, clients have reported experiencing profound personal realizations including the release of old emotional blocks, and even contact with loved ones who have passed over. So Lomi Lomi is much, much more than just a ‘physical ‘ massage. It is deeply powerful.

How to get the most out of a Lomi Lomi session.

If you‚’ ve ever had a Lomi Lomi massage from a skilled and caring practitioner you‚’ ll know very well the deep levels of relaxation and rejuvenation that can be achieved. However, as deeply relaxing and healing as Lomi Lomi massage is, there are a few things that we can do before and after our Lomi Lomi session to ensure that we get the absolute most out of the experience.

To follow are my 5 suggestions for getting the most out of your lomi lomi session.

1) Make your Lomi Lomi session the number number 1 priority for your day.

On the day of your Lomi Lomi booking, make sure that you organize yourself so that the most important thing in your day is your Lomi Lomi session. This means making sure that you clear your schedule so that you are free at least 1 hour either side of your Lomi Lomi session.

This will give you enough time to slow down and relax before your treatment, it will ensure you arrive on time without stress, and at the end of your Lomi Lomi, it will give you time to more slowly integrate back into your world, without having to rush back in and pick up where you left off.

2) Make sure you are clean and comfortable before your Lomi Lomi.

When we get onto a massage table, it‚’ s only natural that we can become somewhat self-conscious about our bodies, especially in the heat of summer. So you can just relax without needing to give this a second thought, it‚’ s a great idea to have a shower before your Lomi Lomi session.

This will not only make sure that you are clean, smell nice and feel comfortable on the table, but will also begin the process of warming up your muscles and relaxing your system. It is also a good idea for men to have a shave a couple of hours before-hand, so that the face massage is enjoyable (i.e. not rough) and for women, you may feel more comfortable if you have performed your hair removal routine a day or two before your Lomi Lomi session.

3) Make sure you drink water throughout the day, prior to your Lomi Lomi session.

A Lomi Lomi massage can be an intensive treatment in terms of detoxifying the body, so it’ s a good idea to make sure that you are well hydrated before your treatment. Now this doesn’ t mean that you need to flood your body with water, but rather it means keeping a water bottle with you all day, and taking regular mouthfuls to keep your water levels topped up.

However, you shouldn’ t drink anything at least 30 minutes prior to your Lomi Lomi session, otherwise you may find yourself needing to go to the bathroom in the middle of your treatment. In regards to food, it’ s good idea to avoid eating heavy food, such as meats, pastas and dairy at least an hour before your Lomi Lomi session.

This will help your system relax and ensure that your body‚’ s energies are free for healing and not spent on the digestion process.

4) Create a special healing intention for your Lomi Lomi session.

As Lomi Lomi works on treating the ‘whole’ person, and we each create our own reality with our thoughts, creating an intention for how you would like the Lomi Lomi to help you is a powerful way to actually ‘make it happen’ . In fact, it turns the Lomi Lomi into a powerful ‘prayer’ for calling what you want into your life, whatever that may be. ‘ Ask, believe and you will receive! I have experienced this to be so true in my life.

5) During your Lomi Lomi session, breathe ‚’ into‚’ your tension and let go!

A skilled and intuitive Lomi Lomi therapist will naturally be drawn to your areas of tension in your body and although they will never ‘force’ their way into these areas, you may feel your body muscles wanting to ‘resist’ which can result in a little discomfort. The way to alleviate this is simply to breathe. When your Lomi Lomi practitioner finds an area that is particularly tense/painful, you should take a deep breath, and visually your breath going into that area. Then, as you exhale you will feel the tension/pain dissolve as that area relaxes.

The key is to ‚’ work with‚’ your practitioner and let them ‘ into’ your body as they peel back the layers of tension, like removing the layers of an onion.

The philosophy behind Lomi Lomi is where there is ‚’ relaxation‚’ there can be no illness! After your Lomi Lomi, it‚’ s really nice to have a cleansing warm shower to wash away any lingering ‘energy’ . It’ s also a good idea to go and sit somewhere peaceful, preferably in nature and allow yourself some time to ‘come back to earth’ and integrate the Lomi Lomi experience. This is especially so before getting behind the wheel and driving anywhere.

It‚’ s also a ‘must’ to drink plenty of water afterwards as the effects of the Lomi Lomi in detoxifying/healing your body will continue to work well after the treatment.

If you ‘ve never actually experienced a Lomi Lomi massage before, you owe it to yourself to give it a try at least once in your life.

It is truly a healing gift from Heaven and we are so blessed and privileged that the beautiful Hawaiian people have chosen to share their wonderful ‘Touch of Aloha ‘ with the rest of the world. Mahalo Nui Loa (A very big thank you)!

If you’d like to experience an amazing Hawaiian Lomi Lomi here on the Gold Coast, please give me a call on 040 777 4552.

I’d love to share this wonderful hawaiian bodywork with you and help you to restore balance and harmony in your body, mind and spirit. Aloha!

Massage - Ancient Art in Modern Hands

Massage - Ancient Art in Modern Hands
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Patty_Mooney]Patty Mooney

Touch is one of the highest expressions of love, and love is our purpose for living. What we strive for in life is emotional comfort (serenity, relaxation). Massage can be cathartic in this regard. When the body is relaxed, the mind can let go. As the mind opens, self-awareness begins.

Massage is a valuable tool in learning about yourself. It is a means of obtaining love and comfort, feeling your own skin through another person’s hands, balancing and relaxing your body, loving yourself.

Massage can be a brief yet powerful vacation. It soothes the nerves, makes aching muscles feel better and gets the blood flowing. A massage can wake you up, or put you to sleep.

Massage is a way to gain happiness through healthiness. Allow yourself to concentrate more on the pleasures of receiving massage rather than on anxieties — the mind chatter that could become obsessive, if you let it.

What to Expect

No two massages are alike. Each is as unique as the person who gives it. When you seek a massage, know what kind you want. Massage is simply a variety of strokes and pressures. Swedish massage employs any combination of oils (creams are acceptable, too, but require repeated application); in it, one kneads the body like bread, using “petrissage,” and uses long, firm strokes called “effleurage.” Shiatsu, jin shin jiutsu, reflexology and acupressure are zone therapies concentrating pressure or energy on various points along your body’s “meridians”. Rolfers give a deep massage reaching behind muscles for joints, bone origins and cartilage (i.e., that between the ribs and up the nasal cavity) sometimes leaving bruises. The desired effect after ten sessions is a structural realignment of your body.

You have a right to expect what feels best for you. This is where communication comes in. Know where your pains are (if you have any) and describe them to your practitioner. S/he can easily modify a general body massage to fit your needs.

Where to Get a Massage

A quick glance through the yellow pages will tell you where to find a massage. Look for massage schools and therapeutic massage services. A school may offer massage on their premises (by students or instructors) or can refer you to graduates with private practices. If you wish, the practitioner can come to your home. Certain health clubs employ massage therapists who specialize in half-hour “slap-down” rubs after your workout.

A good, thorough session lasts from forty-five minutes to one hour or longer, and costs $30 to $50 and up. Some establishments offer a sauna, Jacuzzi and/or steam bath; most facilities have showers.

It is important to feel comfortable with the massage therapist. Any feelings of discomfort from the beginning will only increase during the session and you will not enjoy the massage. Better to walk the yellow pages again than submit yourself to someone you cannot trust. Remember that massage uniquely is an art expression. The giver must be clear about why s/he does what s/he does; this becomes evident in her “handiwork.”

The massage environment — preferably a small, warm, darkened room — is also important. You will not be able to relax if you can hear someone working out with weights in the next room. If possible, there should be complete silence or meditative music that allows the mind to relax.

Self Massage

In case you are in need of healing touch and no one is readily available to help you, try self-massage. This can entail a “spot” rub, such as the feet, hands, head, face, back, neck; or a full-body massage. It’s as simple as applying your favorite lotion or oil to your body, really getting into the warmth and healing energy of your hands and varying the pressure. Experiment with your technique. Try pinching, kneading, rolling the skin between thumb and fingers and patting. Locate “trigger” points, where muscle attaches to bone, and rub deeply in a clockwise direction. You might be surprised at how relaxing just five minutes of self-massage can feel. Of course, your self-massage can last as long as you desire.

The more you learn of yourself through massage and/or self-massage, the better you will feel, the more self-confidence you may exude in the outside world.

Patty Mooney has been writing since the age of 16. Her favorite topics include women’s issues, homelessness, homeless veterans, the arts, cinema, biographies, nature and video production. Her work has appeared in many publications around the world, including the Los Angeles Times, The San Diego Reader, Create Magazine, Post Magazine, Women’s Sports & Fitness, Yoga Journal and others. You can read her blog, “A Diary Left Open” at http://www.sandiegovideoproduction.blogspot.com Her business site is http://www.crystalpyramid.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Patty_Mooney http://EzineArticles.com/?Massage—Ancient-Art-in-Modern-Hands&id=2140075

Massage Gold Coast

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