Jason Storm - Date:

Lomi Lomi is the word used today to describe Hawai’ian massage,traditionally called lomi. Lomi lomi practices varied greatly by family, ahupua’a (region) and island. Like all endeavors in old Hawaii, Lomi lomi was conducted with prayer and intention.

The early Polynesian settlers brought their own form of massage, and it evolved to become something uniquely Hawai’ian. It was practiced by everyone, from child to chief.

After American missionaries arrived in 1820 and converted many in the “Kingdom of Hawaii” to Christianity, traditional healing arts were scorned as heathen and primitive. Various laws prohibited "heathen" worship and any related Native Hawaiian healing practices. Lomi lomi as part of medical practice went underground. But lomi lomi as restorative massage remained
popular not only among the Hawaiians, but among foreign residents and visitors as well.

Although the Legislature of the Kingdom of Hawai’i banned curing through "superstitious methods" in 1886, massage was not subject to legislation until 1945. In 1947, the Board of Massage was established to regulate lomi lomi and massage. The law required practitioners to pass a written test on anatomy, physiology and massage theory. Many renowned native healers were unable or unwilling to pass the test, and thus lomilomi as restorative massage was forced underground.

Today, Lomi lomi or “loving hands” is a common and popular form of massage throughout the world, especially in Hawai'i, Japan and Europe.

Traditionally taught Lomi lomi practitioners are generally unwilling to work at just any spa or massage parlor. They prefer to treat selected clients quietly and privately, often in home settings. Lomilomi practitioners may also ask their clients to pray, meditate, change their diets, and engage in other selfhelp activities usually believed to lie outside the scope of massage. Lomilomi is a holistic healing tradition beyond simple massage.

Before a Lomi Lomi massage begins, the massage therapist will say a quiet prayer to request effective healing.

More than a massage, the ancient wisdom and Spirit of Aloha will guide, heal and inspire you towards your true potential. It is an experience that overwhelms the mind with sensation as the Lomi lomi masseuse uses intuitive movement, breathing, rhythm and focussed intention in long, flowing strokes.

Lomi Lomi technique covers a broad area of the body and works the muscles often simultaneously to encourage the continuous flow of love and harmony, and to wash harmful thoughts, patterns,
memories and behaviors out of the cells of our bodies to make way for more beneficial modes of thought. Once positive energy is permitted to flow unhindered, total body healing is accomplished.

If you would like to learn more about the Hawaiian Islands and their
customs visit Hawaii Explorer or Go Hawaii - both great sources of info for Hawaii.