In today's fast-paced world, taking time for self-care is crucial. Among the various methods available, massage therapies stand out. One particular type, the lomi lomi massage, goes beyond mere relaxation. Originating from Hawaiian culture, this unique bodywork offers a wide range of physical and emotional benefits. Lomi Lomi is an ancient Hawaiian massage style, and experiencing its effects will instantly transport you to the easy-going and relaxing nature of the Hawaiian Islands.
Understanding Lomi Lomi
Before exploring its benefits, it's essential to understand what lomi lomi massage is. The practice of Lomi Lomi was once outlawed throughout the Hawaiian Islands. Lomi Lomi, a traditional Hawaiian healing technique, was employed by indigenous healers as an integral component of a more comprehensive therapeutic practice known as la'au lapa'au. Lomi means “rub” or “knead” in a gentle manner. This ancient healing method transcended the boundaries of mere physical therapy; it was a holistic approach that encompassed various elements to promote overall wellness.
The essence of this traditional massage is focused on complete and total balance of self; connecting the body to the mind to achieve maximum healing potential. Lomi Lomi holds the belief that memories are not just stored in the brain and mind, yet in every cell of the body. Traditional Hawai’i culture focuses on the health of the entire existence, including spirit. A combination of massage techniques, nut oils, breathing, [often] dance to restore energy and ease the body. The massage works into the muscles with flowing strokes, creating deep relaxation for the client. The aim of Lomi Lomi is not for the therapist to heal you themselves, but rather act as a conductor to enable healing to occur.
The session typically began with prayer, setting the intention for healing and creating a sacred space for the treatment. Breath work followed, encouraging the release of negative energy and promoting relaxation. Music played an essential role in setting a soothing atmosphere and aiding in emotional release during the session. Dance, often in the form of hula movements, was also incorporated to enhance the flow of energy throughout the body. The flowing movements allow deeper work on the body. By creating a wave with the forearm, the body is distracted from the work being done on the shoulder or foot. It spreads the attention, so people don’t react by clenching up against it. Lomi Lomi works with the neurology of the body. The body goes into a shift with the alternating movements on the left and right.
Distinguishing Lomi Lomi from Other Massages
The lomi lomi massage stands out from other types of massages due to its distinctive approach. While most massages concentrate on one particular body part at a time, the lomi lomi massage breaks this norm by focusing on the entire body in one continuous motion. The practitioners of this Hawaiian healing tradition use long, flowing strokes that move rhythmically from your head all the way to your toes. What's more, these strokes are not just limited to the top surface of your body. In a unique twist, the underside of your body is also massaged during a lomi lomi session. This comprehensive and rhythmic technique sets it apart from other massage practices and offers an immersive experience that encompasses the whole body. A typical massage may start from the neck or head and move down the shoulders to the abdomen and then even the legs and feet. During your Lomi Lomi massage, the therapist will work deeply into the muscles with continuous and gentle, flowy strokes.
Read also: Hawaiian Healing: Lomi Lomi
Rather than being covered with towels or a full sheet, you may have just one towel or a small sheet to preserve modesty. These steps are taken to avoid interrupting the continuous flow of the massage throughout the body. There is no guideline or set of steps for this style; the therapist will work uniquely with your body, using rhythmic strokes to release and shift build up of stress and tension. Speed of the massage can vary depending on the response of your body. Music has been used as a powerful tool during sessions to guide choreography of hands during massage. You may hear your therapist humming during your session when tuned into the energy in the room.
Benefits of Lomi Lomi Massage
The Lomi Lomi massage offers a plethora of benefits, addressing both physical and mental well-being.
Physical Benefits
- Alleviate Muscle Tension: One of the primary benefits of a lomi lomi massage is its ability to alleviate muscle tension. The therapist uses long continuous strokes along with kneading techniques, that work deep into your muscles. The continuous, gentle strokes are designed to support the body as it lets go of its old habits and energies, which may be causing you stress and strains or muscle tension.
- Promotes Circulation: Another significant benefit is improved blood circulation. The long strokes used in Lomi Lomi make it particularly beneficial for improving circulation in the body. Increased blood flow may enhance detoxification and stimulate the lymphatic system.
- Lymphatic Flow: A lomi lomi massage promotes lymphatic drainage, which helps to cleanse toxins from the body. Improved lymphatic drainage is associated with healthy, glowing skin, reduced swelling, and can even break down the stubborn fat cells that contribute to cellulite and skin dimpling.
- Muscle Tension Relief: The deep strokes of a lomi lomi massage help to relieve muscle tension, which is great for those who exercise strenuously or often suffer with muscle tightness in the legs or lower body. Lomi lomi massage techniques help to loosen up the muscles, and can even help to reduce muscle spasms - this is achieved by directing tension away from the muscles using the traditional long strokes.
- Increased Range of Motion: On top of tension relief, other lomi lomi massage benefits include stimulating your body’s blood circulation and lymph flow, lowering blood pressure, increasing range of motion, and general detoxification.
- Myofascial Release: Stretching the connective tissue creates a gentle myofascial release, accompanied by a sense of deep relaxation.
Mental and Emotional Benefits
- Reduced Stress and Anxiety: Mental health is just as important as physical health, and lomi lomi plays a significant role here too. The serene environment coupled with soothing touch helps reduce stress levels significantly. A lomi lomi massage can also help to reduce your blood pressure and slow your heart rate, so it's ideal for those suffering from chronic stress or anxiety.
- Improves Sleep Quality: A relaxed body leads to a peaceful mind which subsequently results in better sleep quality.
- Emotional Wellness: Emotional wellness is a big part of Lomilomi massage. Many clients find this massage technique helps them process and release emotional blockages and feel more harmonious and peaceful.
- Holistic Experience: This helps to release emotional tensions as well as physical ones - making it a wonderfully holistic experience that aids both physical and emotional health.
Spiritual Aspects
The spiritual aspect of the lomi lomi massage is a crucial element that cannot be disregarded when discussing the multitude of benefits it offers. This unique form of therapeutic massage, originating from Hawaiian culture, is deeply rooted in spirituality and holistic healing. Practitioners often initiate the session by uttering a prayer. This prayer serves not just as a mere ritualistic practice but as an essential part of the overall therapy. It is believed to establish a spiritual connection between the practitioner and the recipient, setting a positive and healing ambiance for the session. The intent behind this spiritual invocation is to attract and channel healing energy during the session, thereby enhancing its effectiveness. Pules, or prayers, are used to create a sacred space at the beginning, and close it at the end. The essence of this traditional massage is focused on complete and total balance of self; connecting the body to the mind to achieve maximum healing potential. Drawing from the great spiritual masters of the Hawaiian Islands, Lomi-Lomi massage has been a technique passed down for generations. It focuses on the spirit of "Aloha" (respect, empathy) allowing to connect the body, the heart and the soul to the source of life.
What to Expect During a Lomi Lomi Massage Session
If you've booked your first ever lomi lomi massage, here’s a brief overview of what you can expect before, during and after your first lomi lomi massage experience:
Before the Massage
Before beginning, your massage therapist will most likely discuss any relevant medical history and any current injuries or issues you may be experiencing. This is to ensure that the treatment can be tailored specifically to your needs, and to ensure that it won't do more harm than good!
Read also: Summit Chiropractic: Holistic wellness solutions.
You'll be asked to undress, which typically means undressing down to your underwear (or a pair of shorts, if you prefer). Your massage therapist will then leave the room while you get undressed - they'll knock before re-entering so don't worry about feeling exposed! You can disrobe to your own comfort level and towels are provided to cover yourself. For a lomi lomi massage to be effective, the therapist will need to apply certain oils to your body; this means that you need to be undressed during the treatment. You can usually place a towel around your buttocks and simply unhook your bra if you'd prefer not to be fully nude.
During the Massage
Your massage therapist will apply oil to their hands and use long, sweeping strokes that are designed to relax the muscles and help promote circulation. The oils tend to be either Macadamia oil, walnut oil, palm oil, or coconut oil - so make sure to inform your massage therapist if you have any nut allergies! Once you're comfortably positioned on their well-padded table, cocooned in soft and soothing sheets, the process begins.
The massage itself will typically last for around an hour, excluding the time spent changing and preparing. A Lomi Lomi massage therapist is more than just massaging your body. Massage therapists take pride in creating a safe and nurturing space for their clients, using a nurturing touch and providing a calm mental space. But the therapist is not a healer; they want you to feel like they have helped you relax and harmonize in your body. A traditional Lomilomi body massage will be an hour or more and will involve long flowing strokes all over your body. Your massage therapist will also use gentle stretches to release tension and improve flexibility. The goal is to create an environment where your body, mind and soul can be in sync and relaxed.
A lomi lomi massage should feel soothing and calming, with no pain or discomfort - if it's too strong or painful, make sure to tell your massage therapist so they can adjust their technique accordingly.
After the Massage
Once the massage is finished, you're sure to feel relaxed, rejuvenated, and fully revitalized! Your massage therapist will leave to allow you to get dressed in privacy. It's likely that you'll feel tired and slightly disoriented after your massage, so make sure to take it easy for the rest of the day. It's also important to stay hydrated over the next couple of days - this will help to flush out any toxins released during the massage. Use this time afterwards to speak with your massage therapist about any issues - they'll be able to keep these in mind for next time. And make sure to book your next session if you enjoyed yourself!
Read also: Benefits of Foot Massage in Pleasanton
Techniques Used in Lomi Lomi
Several unique techniques define the Lomi Lomi massage:
- Long, Flowing Strokes: This is a full-body massage which includes: arms and hands, legs and feet, neck and back, as well as the stomach and buttocks (keep in mind areas of the body can be omitted based upon comfort level). The continuous, gentle strokes are designed to support the body as it lets go of its old habits and energies, which may be causing you stress and strains or muscle tension.
- Hula Movements: In an effort to enhance the fluidity of their strokes and make them as seamless as possible, they may incorporate hula movements into their technique. Hula dance movements are used to set the flow and pace of the massage and “generate electricity in the body.” Hula originates from the base of the spine, through the ribs, radiating through the arms and ribs, often in rhythm to chanting or drums. The energy created from the movements invigorates her, allowing her to stay energized throughout the session. Giving a massage “feels like a dance around the body,” she says.
- Use of Forearms and Elbows: They commence with long, flowing strokes that are expertly executed using not just their hands, but also their elbows and forearms. Occasionally, they might even utilize their knees to apply a different kind of pressure! It is a powerful practice that stands out from the others by its fluidity, its rhythm, and by the main use of the forearms of the masseur.
- Warmth: Keeping the room at least 85 degrees facilitates a better experience for her clients.
Integrating Lomi Lomi into Your Practice
For those who already run a massage practice and are considering adding lomilomi to your services, this section is for you. Before you commit to providing lomilomi as a service, you'll want to get set up with the right equipment - specifically, the right massage table. Lomilomi uses unique long strokes, and pressure points specific to this modality. Reifinger says the practice is easy to integrate with Swedish or deep tissue work, and clients notice the changed technique. She’s found that incorporating Lomi Lomi can rejuvenate an existing massage practice and enhance client loyalty.
Finding a Qualified Practitioner
A good way to find a certified and experienced massage therapist trained in lomilomi is to look for certification from the Hawaiian Medical Board or a reputable organisation. Also consider a few other things when looking for a therapist, how long they have been working and client feedback.