Lomi Lomi as a therapy for Relaxation and Stress
Lomilomi has been practicing massage therapy since the beginning of the 1900s. "Tikilapa", a technique she invented, is based on Oceania's massage technique. Her aim as a massage healer is to get the massage therapist to a high-energy state that allows greater spiritual awareness. It is said that when she is in this state she can do deeper, more meaningful massages. Many of her patients can confirm this.
Lomilomi works with both conscious and subconscious states using various massage strokes to stimulate the body, eliminate blockages, ease tensions in muscles and promote healing. The session progresses according the client's desires: the massage is gradually moved from gentle to deeper work using a combination of the massage strokes. The massage therapist will work slowly to ensure that the client feels at ease while they massage. After the massage the therapist will continue with breathing exercises, such as free-body massage.
Lomilomi believes that any illness and diseases can be traced to an obstruction in the natural flow of energy, known as the lymphatic system. The body uses the lymphatic system for removal of harmful substances, to control its temperature, to absorb nutrients, and to store chemicals and minerals to ensure health. If the lymphatic system becomes blocked or weakened it is possible for illness to occur. This is the reason why she is interested in understanding the connection between the lymphatic system and the human body, and how massage therapy can be utilized to help restore the lymphatic system to a healthy state.
Legend is that lomilomi was brought to Hawaii from India by an Indian medicine man on an excursion to the Hawaiian Islands. He met Kamehameha the native hawaiian healer. Kamehameha was the first person to utilize the "oceania" massage therapy to help the body. According to legend, he took his master's body from the mountains and performed a painful, but life-saving, massage on the man. The healing effect of this treatment was quickly spread throughout the Hawaiian Island villages and soon it was used by all inhabitants of the island.
Lomilomi also uses Hawaiian healing stones known as wi'a and o'a. These concave hula discs are heated by the hands and the therapist. The heat causes the stone to break and opens the way to communication with the body and spirit. If this happens, the therapist uses his/her special hands to massage specific feet and hands of the client in order to relieve discomfort, relax stiff muscles and increase energy levels, as well as stabilize the body.
Oceania Massage uses kneading in its method that is similar to that of lomilomi however, oceania makes use of circular motion using hands, not the heat of the lomilomi. In this technique the therapist will generally employ both fingers and thumbs in kneading each muscle of the body. The kneading action stimulates the lymphatic system. This method is also efficient in enhancing the flow of lymph fluid through the lymph nodes. Additionally, since the kneading action stimulates the lymphatic system, any toxins that were stored up in the lymph nodes are flushed out the body through the lymphatic drainage. This technique is also good for detoxifying the system.
Lomo-lomi can be described as a type of massage that is more than relaxing the client. It also performs a deeper work to restore the body's balance. The unique kneading movement in lomi-lomi boosts blood flow throughout the body, resulting in an overall feeling of relaxation. It's also a fantastic stress-reliever. Other massage therapies that are therapeutic such as ayurvedic massage and shiatsu employ just a few strokes to bring healing to the body.
Lomi-lomi is a classic form of massage therapy that has been utilized by the Hawaiian people for a long time. Its unique blend of massage techniques and healing properties have been extremely popular with the native Hawaiian people. This unique form of massage can now be enjoyed on vacation in Hawaii. Find a licensed, experienced massage therapist who knows how to perform this ancient art in the most safe and natural method.