Never Mind the Bus Pass

When the Polynesians came to Hawaii, around 1000 years ago, they brought with them the ancient knowledge of their healers. This knowledge was passed on to the islanders who held it in high regard. Each family group adopted their own variations which developed into what is now called Lomi Lomi

Lomi lomi means massage or ‘to shift’, which may be translated by many into a variety of styles and techniques. Hawaiian healing is a tradition that is handed down for generations to family (‘ohana) and varies among islands and families, many of which are still secret. This is what differentiates this traditional form from contemporary and other styles of massage; the essence of a culture of healing as opposed to simply a technique

The theory

Since ancient times, before entering a new and important phase of life, Hawaiians have traditionally gone to therapists (Kahunas), to relive their fears, tension and egocentric perceptions with the help of Lomi Lomi. They want to reach a state of physical, mental and spiritual cleansing and healing. The body is known to have it’s own soul, and its own consciousness. It stores all memories, accumulated tension and pain.  The role of a Lomi Lomi practitioner is to remove anything that blocks the individual’s ability to live up to their full potential through the massage. They are considered to be a clear channel of a higher power. The effective practitioner has to be intuitive and devoted

The practice

In this unique flowing style bodywork the practitioner uses long, fluid rhythmic strokes over the whole body with the hands, fingers, forearms and elbows. The practitioner moves around the table in a dance like movement applying soft and deep tissue massage. The rhythm is very relaxing. The strokes sometimes goes all the way from the neck down to the foot. It works gently but deeply into the muscles with continuous, flowing strokes, totally nurturing the body and, enabling the recipient to relax, give in and simply be

The massage goes as deep as the recipient can tolerate, so it can be very powerful.  Hawaiians believe that negative energy can cause blockages in your ‘mana’ (life force or spiritual power).  These blockages can become trapped in joints, so various stretches and rotations are performed during the massage to ‘release’ these negative energies.   The massage is fluid, rhythmical, communicative and nurturing which evokes trust with the patient

Benefits

Most massage techniques work only on the physical level. Lomi lomi massage is not just a physical experience, but, according to practitioners, also facilitates healing on the mental, emotional and spiritual levels

On a physical level: It increases circulation and lymphatic drainage ridding the body of toxins.  Transverse strokes and stretches relax tight, tense muscles.  Deep tissue work breaks-up muscular adhesions which cause restricted motion.  For the nervous system it can reduce pain and nervous tension.  Stretches and rotations improve the elasticity of tendons and increases mobility.  Realignment of muscles, bones and tissue ensures a complete therapeutic treatment. It’s beneficial for a number of conditions:  restricted movement, sport injury, work related tension, stress, dull aches and pain, arthritis, depression and insomnia

On an emotional level: The nervous system and the senses or awareness are tuned. Lomi lomi may also release old family memories, stress and trauma locked away in the subconscious mind

On a spiritual level: You achieve harmony between the body, mind and soul through energy activated in the body

Four Handed Lomi Lomi Nui

Administered by two experienced and devoted massage therapists. It’s hard to describe the deepness of what it gives. It provides pure comfort, while increasing (doubling!) the wonderful effects of Lomi lomi. According to devotees you’ll feel totally re-charged, relaxed and rejuvenated. Your aches and pains will be lifted away, your circulation improved, your stress levels lowered, your soul relieved and your mind clearer!

Can’t be bad!

Aloha!

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