The art of Lomi Lomi is a massage therapy that has been practiced by the Hawaiians for many centuries. Much more than simply a physical technique, Lomi Lomi involves a holistic approach to the person and seeks to heal and promote wellness in body, mind and spirit. In the Hawaiian language Lomi Lomi literally means "to and from," referring both to the massage motion as well as to the healing energy that passes between the practitioner and the receiver. There are various kinds of lomi massage including "polole lomi," the mother's gentle hand; "oluea lomi," harmonizing body, mind and spirit; and "oluli lomi," igniting the life force.

Lomi Lomi has traditionally been passed down in families from one generation to another. The practitioner of this ancient treatment is often the "tutu" (grandmother) or another revered family member. Though the style of massage can vary, traditionally one lies on a woven mat on the ground while the massage is carried out with a combination of thumbs, knuckles, palms, arms and elbow motions, though another form of Lomi lomi can involve the practitioner walking on the body. Oils obtained from native products such as palm or kukui or macadamia nuts are used as massage lotions and to nourish and moisturize the skin.

Lomi Lomi is part of a broader Hawaiian belief system that embraces the body, spirit and healing. Therefore it traditionally includes the elements of prayer, breath and energy, rooted in the ancient Hawaiian philosophy known as Huna. Some knolwedge of Huna helps in understanding how Lomi Lomi relates to healing of the whole person. Huna teaches that all things seek harmony and love - in fact, another name of Lomi Lomi is the "loving hands" massage, involving deep but gentle strokes that nurture the body and allow the receiver to relax and simply be.

Lomi Lomi combines the use of prayer (pule), breath (ha), and energy (mana) with a variety of massage strokes to release areas of congestion in the body. Lomi Lomi improves physical and athletic performance through the rhythmic application of thumbs, knuckles, forearms and elbows to specific areas of tension.

Lomi Lomi relaxes the nervous system, increases circulation and creates a tangible sense of well being. It is useful for maintaining health, and relieving pain from injury and debilitating illness. It is the "dance of massage," and is as wonderful to give as to receive.

An ancestral medicine 

     Although today Lomi lomi massage is used to knead the tissues, it is, as we have pointed out, much more than simply a spa treatment. Deeply rooted in ancient traditional Hawaiian medicine, Lomi lomi has been used from time immemorial to promote and maintain wellness, decongest the body, relieve pain and treat various ailments including fractures, dislocations, and internal conditions such as stomach upsets, as well as to aid in childbirth.

     Hawaiians believe that the back of the body represents the future and the front carries the past.  The massage clears the path toward the future by working on the back and then resolving the issues of the past on the front of the body. 

Tandem Lomi Lomi

     The feeling of four hands on your body at once is intoxicating.  Ali’i massage was for royalty and always included more than one person on the body at once.  When practicing Tandem Lomi Lomi, the practitioners are completely tuned into the rhythm of the partner.  It is believed that following the cleansing process, Lomi Lomi massage sometimes performed by multiple practitioners working at once, would allow the recipient to receive a vision for recognizing their life's purpose.

Lomi Lomi massage work can bring up a lot of deep-rooted issues held in the mind and body.  With the highest of intentions, the practitioner provides a safe space to release all that comes up – being supportive and nurturing.