Lomilomi - The Art of Hawaiian Massage by Tanya Milne

What is Lomilomi?

Native Hawaiians, in their isolation from the world, developed profound skills in the areas of healing and relationships. One particular healing skill is Lomilomi - Hawaiian massage, also known as Kahuna bodywork. Literally translated Lomilomi means 'to rub’. It has been practiced for hundreds of years by Polynesian cultures and secretly passed down from generation to generation. This form of massage survived over time, by being practiced by Kahunas (Hawaiian healers or doctors). There are different forms and until recently, Kahuna bodywork techniques were only passed down through oral tradition from one generation in an Ohana (family) to the next.

The healing benefits of this treatment have become popular with the modern generation of islanders. Although now popular in many countries around the world, it is still relatively new to the UK, but when something is this good it cannot stay hidden for long.

In Hawaii where the therapy derives, Lomilomi massage is taught as an art. The techniques of this ancient form of massage differ from western massage through application of forearm movements and stretch techniques. The treatment goes as deep as the recipient can tolerate, therefore it can be a very powerful massage. Hawaiians believe that negative energy can cause blockages in your ‘mana’ (life force or spiritual power). These blockages can become trapped in joints; so various stretches and rotations are performed during the massage to ‘release’ these negative energies. The massage is fluid, rhythmical, communicative, and nurturing, which evokes trust with the patient.

Aloha - ‘in the presence of the Divine breath’

Whilst applying technique is an important part of the massage and associated healing, the practitioner works in harmony with the client with love and compassion to connect to their own self-love. A primary principle of Lomilomi is to encourage client self-awareness by encouraging them to listen inwardly to their own bodies and experiences, in order to assist them to accept their own bodies and love themselves. This, it is believed, strengthens the ability to recognise the beauty in our life and surroundings. One of the tenets of Lomilomi is everything seeks harmony and everything seeks love.

Lomilomi massage is generally deep and rhythmical. Warmed oils are applied with long forearm strokes going as deep as the recipient can tolerate. The rhythm is relaxing and works gently but deeply into the muscles. The energy comes from using this rhythm and movement, to create a continuous ebb and flow between practitioner and client. This full body massage also incorporates rocking, stretching, and shaking of the limbs. Realignment of the muscles, bones, and soft tissues, ensures a complete remedial massage.

Various massage techniques are employed including the use of the forearm, fingers, and heel and palm of the hand in long flowing movements in order to relax the muscles, increase circulation, break down adhesions and increase the vibrational rate of the cells of the body. This brings fresh oxygen to every cell. Acupressure points may also be used, plus breathing, chanting, music, visualisations, herbs, and aromas depending on the lineage of the practitioner.

To further enhance the treatment, hot basalt stones or hot towels (see below) may be used upon prior request. The heat penetrates to the core of the muscles, softening the tissue, allowing the therapist to sensitively increase the pressure where needed.

What are the benefits?

It is beneficial for a number of conditions - Transverse strokes and stretches relax tight, tense muscles. Deep tissue work breaks-up muscular adhesions, which cause restricted motion. For the nervous system it can reduce pain and nervous tension. Stretches and rotations improve the elasticity of tendons and increases mobility. Realignment of muscles, bones and tissue ensures a complete therapeutic treatment. It increases circulation and lymphatic drainage ridding the body of toxins. It is also effective in cases of restricted movement, sport injury, work related tension, stress, dull aches and pain, arthritis, depression and insomnia.

There are four forms of treatment:

• Lomilomi Massage - Using beautiful Hawaiian oils, suitable combinations of techniques are applied according to the clients’ personal needs, including traditional palm and forearm strokes, compressions, stretches, joint mobilisation and long soothing movements.
• Lomilomi ili’ ili’ (Hot Stone Massage) - Hot stones are gently smoothed onto the skin using numerous suitable Lomilomi strokes, reflecting the techniques that ancient Hawaiians have developed over many generations. This treatment is an exquisite method of deep relaxation; physically, mentally, and emotionally.
• Lomi Kupanaha (Hot Towel Massage) - Repeated application of hot steam towels are applied prior the massage. This will deeply prime a problem area of concern, ease stiffness quickly, and therefore get to the core of tension effectively and efficiently.
• Lomilomi Lole (Clothed Massage) - For those who are in need of a quick remedial massage. Attention is given to specific areas of concern, incorporating; stretches and joint mobilisation, which ease pain, tension and restricted motion.

Traditionally, Lomilomi was carried out on three consecutive days (often on Hawaiian royalty in special ceremonies). Each day was aimed at restoring balance and harmony to the recipient. The first day dealt with the physical level, the second day related to the emotionalself, and the final day, working at the 'bone level', was seen as an opportunity for new growth and spiritual aspects. Today, an average session lasts approximately ninety minutes.

Lomilomi is complementary to all who receive it.

Copyright Tanya Milne Dip STM, MISRM, MSMA. As a deep tissue massage practitioner Tanya has worked at the highest level with a wide variety of clients, both individually and as part of National Sports Medicine teams. She has provided massage treatments, First Aid/Injury cover, training courses and workshops for numerous organisations. Through her clinic, she now provides massage for local sports, as well as treatments for non-sporting persons and NHS patients.

Tanya trained with one of the world’s foremost authorities in massage therapy, and through her training courses at the Loughborough School of Complementary Therapy she passes on her skills to aspiring therapists. Some of her students have practised massage therapy through to elite sport (British Swimming, England Netball, UK Athletics, Premiership Rugby/Soccer, etc).

For further information please contact Tanya through info@activerecovery.co.uk or visit the web site www.activerecovery.co.uk