History of Lomi Lomi

More than the name of a place in the South Pacific, Hawai’i is also the name of a sacred place inside oneself. The ancient people of this island identified and described themselves in relationship to each other, nature and their Gods as ‘Hawai’i’. They called themselves ‘Hawai’i’ and they also called their island ‘Hawai’i’.

Ola I Ka Ha                              Life is in the Breath

Ola I Ka Wai                             Life is in the Water

Ola I Ka I                                 Life is in the Spirit

Hawai’i, Hawai'i, Hawai'i         Hawai’i, Hawai'i, Hawai'i

E Ola Ka Kou E                         Let there be life for all

Hawaii is alive inside everyone who connects with the Mana held in the breath. This can be accessed anywhere and at anytime.

A highly respected tradition of healing

Hawai’i developed a unique system of massage over the centuries. Expressing their deep appreciation of the cosmic nature of the physical body, their massage was naturally imbued with reverence, generosity, love and spiritual wisdom.

Just as there are many different modalities of classical massage, there are many styles of Lomi Lomi, each one passed down from generation to generation, unique to its lineage, through Hawaiian chants, oral history and the sacred dance of Hula. One form of Hawaiian Massage is known as ‘Ke Ala Hoku’ meaning ‘Pathway to the Stars’. You may also find the name ‘Huna Massage’, because of its roots into the Huna wisdom and the esoteric knowledge of the ancient Hawaiians.

Lomi Lomi was usually practiced at home by a gifted member of the extended family or a local healer for relaxation or the restoration of general well-being following illness or injury. Before to take up their worldly roles, a very important form of abdominal Lomi was regularly given to the Ali’i, tribal leaders who protected the people, to help them ‘process the Mana’.

Kahuna bodywork, a more specialized and ritual massage, was practiced in the ‘Heiau’ (healing temples) by the Kahuna priests, who were revered as keepers of the esoteric knowledge of life - in the modern world, this is now called Huna Wisdom. These sacred and formal rituals were given primarily as ‘rites of passage’ to key members of the community and young adults, to develop a strong sense of social and family responsibility with expanded awareness and spiritual empowerment.

The Kahuna were experts in their chosen profession, from canoe building to stargazing; these skills were chosen in childhood and mastered through training. The Kahuna priests were masters of body manipulation and healing massage. They practiced their ancient art with a deep connection to nature, surrounded by ocean breezes, colorful sunsets and unpredictable volcanoes.

Their knowledge and mastery of mental and spiritual powers enabled them to take massage into higher dimensions for extraordinary healing and transformation on all levels of being. They had a natural ability to communicate deep to the bones of their patients via their touch through soft tissues, yet being non-invasive and connecting it all with spirit.

They believed that physical discomfort and disease were the results of suppressed emotions, mental disturbances or spiritual disharmony.

Prior to give the massage, a ritual incorporating fire, drumming, chanting, and shamanic movement was performed. The Kahuna would call on the wisdom of their ancestry and request a vision so they would know who was next to receive this sacred rite of passage. The ritual was designed to awaken and enlighten the being in the physical body; to awaken one’s true calling in life and to provide a space for them to receive visions and transformation. In preparation for the massage, the recipient would undergo a deep cleansing process which included prayer, fasting, taking herbal preparations, sweats in the steam vents of the volcano and bathing in the mineral enriched ponds of Hawai’i.

The traditional Lomi Lomi healing session began with a thorough investigation into the nature of the dysfunction. Once the malady was identified, the treatment would often begin with heated stones and herbal poultices. Then the Kahuna would massage and use particular Lomi Lomi strokes necessary for that individual, combining whole body rhythmic movements with chanting, incorporating deep breathing and application of different types of oils.

The Lomi Lomi technique focused on finding congested areas in the body and dispersing them, by moving the palms, thumbs, knuckles and forearms in rhythmic, dance-like motions. Setting the intention for healing, the Kahuna would also utilize breath (Ha), prayer (Pule) and energy (Mana).

Early visitors to Hawaii noticed and commented on this healing art. In the 1820's early missionaries to the Hawaiian Islands found the native healers to be accurate in their diagnosis and treatment of illness, and in mending broken bones. However, they considered the Hawaiians to be heathens and in 1893, after years of political upheaval, the new government outlawed all spiritual traditions, including healing arts, the study of the Hawaiian language, and hula dancing. But the sacred traditions did not die; they were hidden and practiced in secrecy, passed down only within the Hawaiian community (Ohana), through "Iki maka lihilihi a maka alawa", which means ‘to do by observation and insight’.

It wasn't until the 1970's that the laws were changed and Hawaiians were free to pursue their native heritage and spiritual traditions, without fear of punishment. This freedom rekindled a flame in the heart of many native people, and led to a resurgence of interest in their cultural heritage.

Maka'ala Yates, a Hawaiian medicine specialist, says: "The depth of true Lomi Lomi was virtually limitless in terms of its ability to offer potential for healing to each patient; however, the government of the time had to label it and put in a category, which is not the Hawaiian way. It is correct to say that Lomi Lomi encompasses a massage, but it is not limited to it. Native Hawaiians say the true definition of Lomi Lomi is reconnecting with spirit."

Whilst Lomi Lomi is often refered to as a spiritual massage, the technique is also practical and specific, combining strokes with the healing power of Aloha.

During a session, the practicitioner is aligned with divine energy, and keeps his or her heart and mind clear for Spirit to move through them as a conduit for healing energy. Proper breathing and pure thoughts are important.

Lomi Lomi, Kahuna massage can also be received by multiple practitioners working at once. This allows the recipient to enter a deep state of relaxation, bringing clarity to the mind and awareness to limiting beliefs and emotions that can cause illness and disease in the body.

Bringing together past and present, Hawaiian Lomi Lomi Massage meets the needs of the people today that seek greater health and well-being. Lomi Lomi recaptures the forgotten wisdom of the ancient people of Hawaii, transcending the stresses and strains of modern living.

More than a relaxation for the body, it is a balm for the soul…