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 receiver’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 energised. 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 realisations 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 Lomilomi 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, pasta, 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 Lomilomi 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 or you might like to gift this amazing experience to a loved one with one of my beautiful massage gift certificates.
It is truly a healing gift from Heaven and I am 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!
