Lomi Lomi

Lomi Lomi is a traditional Hawaiian massage that uses a combination of massage techniques, nut oils, and sometimes elements of prayer and breathing to restore energy and soothe the body. It is also known as the ‘loving hands’ massage. At core, it is a traditional healing practice from Hawaii, and also has roots in the neighbouring Polynesian Islands of Tahiti, French Polynesia, Samoa and Tokelau. Today, Lomi Lomi is mostly referred to as a luxury massage treatment, the true roots of this ancient practise having been somewhat forgotten. The word ‘lomi’ in the Hawaiian and Samoan languages means ‘to knead, to rub, or to soothe’. Hence its modern day association as purely a massage treatment. However, the word ‘lomi’ may also mean ‘to take and turn, to shift’. In this context Lomi Lomi is considered to support ‘a sacred shift within you that is inspired by the healing Kahuna’, the Kahuna being a spiritual healing practice of the native and indigenous shamans of these regions. ‘Lomi Lomi’, said twice, is a prayer, which strengthens the positive intentions of the practitioner towards the receiver. In a physical way, practitioners use their palms, forearms, fingers, knuckles, elbows, knees, feet, even sticks and stones whilst giving a Lomi Lomi treatment. The effects of this kind of physical massage treatment are deeply relaxing, transporting the recipient to other heavenly realms. In a spiritual way, practices vary by Ahupua’a (traditional region) and family. Although the term kahuna lomilomi is widely used in contemporary terms, traditionally the people who performed Lomi Lomi were called ka poʻe lomilomi (the massage people) or kanaka lomi (massage person). As in many indigenous ancient Shamanic practises, future practitioners were selected in childhood, around age 5, based on birth signs such as weather events, birthmarks (especially on the head), and naturally compassionate behaviour. After many years of study they would begin to practice their healing art