FAQ - Why Aren't All Hawaiian Massages The Same?

/ True Nature Hawaiian Massage and Healing/

Traditional Old Style Hawaiian Lomi Lomi is system of Hawaiian Healing, called bodywork, which is hundreds of years old.

Hawaiians divided the land into districts called ahupua'a and that's why there are many diffferent styles of Hawaiian Lomi Lomi Massage. It was also distinct to families - so what might be done in one family in a particular land district might be different to another family in another area or on another island (Moku). So that’s why there’s different styles and ways to “do Lomi Lomi”.

With the coming of the Missionaries, the practice of Lomi Lomi (and other Traditional Hawaiian healing practices) was forbidden. And it's for this reason that some forms of it have been either lost, distorted or changed along the way.

Not so with Traditional Old Style Hawaiian Lomi Lomi, it's stood the test of time and remained PURE - which makes it very special indeed - AND it's taught as close as possible to the "old way". Practitoners strive to ensure that it is given exactly as it has been taught - you won't see it modified or mixed in with other "modern" styles of massage. (if someone tells you they're mixing it or if the style of Lomi Lomi you've chosen is "based on..." then you know it's not the real deal).

It's purity is it's strength, along with the commitment to maintaining it's strong underlying spiritual tradition.  Lomi Lomi - whilst you experience it physically - is spiritual healing through the practice of touch.

Traditional Hawaiian Lomi Lomi is system of Hawaiian full body work (which we informally call massage, but that word is not used in Hawaii) which is hundreds of years old, and until relatively recently only practiced in Hawaii - it has been a protected, sacred practice, kept strict in its content to ensure that it remains unchanged from its original form.

An integral part of Polynesian society, practitioners would work alongside other healthcare providers - a practice which still occurs today. It cannot be learned in "massage schools" like other massage therapies - although very watered down versions sometimes appear on a massage school curriculum because of it's increasing popularity. It is taught strictly by the Lineage Holder who travels the world teaching.

Whilst 95% of most massage therapies focus on teaching only technique Old Style Lomi Lomi teaching focuses on much more - students learn how to work from the heart, bringing this through the hands resulting in healing and bonding at a level beyond comprehension by the mind. They learn how to be humble and without judgement and to bring through movement of pure, unconditional love and grace through Pule (prayer) and maintaining their correct alignment with Spirit.

As such it is said that to even to observe a “treatment” is to receive it...this is the way of traditional Lomi Lomi in the old style. The word "Lomi Lomi" simply means “to knead, to squeeze, to make soft, to break down” and is practiced entirely with the open hand – no forearms or elbows are used.

One part of the teaching is to work with the body, to understand it and gently coax it to open so tight spots, soreness and knots can be worked on once the body is warmed, trusting and receptive. Another is to understand mental, emotional and spiritual entanglements to restore the correct alignment of Spirit-Mind-Body so healing can occur. And yet another dimension is to study the workings of the Universe so you can understand how the Universal elements are woven into and through Lomi Lomi.

The Benefits of Traditional Hawaiian Lomi Lomi Massage

Traditional Old Style Hawaiian Lomi Lomi aids in relieving physical pain and emotional distress - such as stress, worry and anxiety. Through its rhythm and patterns it activates meridians and energy points, releases energetic blocks and allows the body's own healing process to take over.

It's a restorative Hawaiian Massage that works gently yet deeply into the muscles with continuous, flowing strokes which allows you to deeply relax due to the hypnotic, rhythmic effect, bringing your mind to a place of absolute stillness. Therapeutic touch, rhythm and ancient wisdom come together allowing healing to occur:

  • Relaxation, stress and tension release

  • Improves circulation

  • Releases soft and deep tissue

  • Lymphatic drainage and cleansing

  • Detoxifies the body

  • Pain relief

  • Rejuvenates vital organs

  • Emotional healing

  • Instils a sense of peace, harmony and wellbeing

Traditional Old Style Hawaiian Lomi Lomi Massage is well known for its relaxation effects. If you've only ever experienced western style massages, that's usually Swedish Massage or Remedial Massage, you'll soon find out the whole approach is very different and much more deeply nurturing than any of the other styles.

Underpin all of that with generations of deep spiritual understanding and teachings about healing and how to heal, and you'll begin to understand why it takes you way beyond the physical experience of massage.

Come on in for a treatment and you'll feel the tradition flowing to you - go here to make an appoinment.