Aloha Kakou! Traditionally a part of Hawaiian’s ancient shamanic and spiritual healing practice (huna), Lomi Lomi is much more than just a massage therapy technique. Lomi Lomi is a reminder to our connection to the earth, our ancestors and spirit guides, and the breath of life. The word “Lomi” means kneading as well as shifting.

This powerful heart-centred work consists of dance-like, long, fluid and rhythmic stokes over the whole body with massage oil, with the importance of breath work (ha), love (aloha), prayers (pule) and intention. The strokes can feel like ocean waves over the body. It is deeply relaxing and balancing as blockages and muscle tension get released. It can touch the heart on a very profound level and magic can happen as a result.

Styles offered are temple style (using mostly forearms) and heartworks (using mostly hands). Gentle mobility stretches may be included to help release tension and encourage energy flow as energy can be stuck in the joints. There are many different styles of lomi lomi, but the spiritual principle is the same. Most importantly, the giver works intuitively with a loving touch and good intention.

Temple Style lomi lomi, uses primarily forearm runs integrating movements that are circles and figure eights. The movements are the symbol of infinity, or infinite love. Its other purpose is to confuse the thinking mind and invite the receivers to surrender and let go of things that no longer serve them such as old beliefs, patterns and behaviours that cause limitations and which are stored in the cells of the body. Also, the receivers are able to receive more of their own spiritual energy (mana) through lomi lomi.

What would I expect during a session?

A generous amount of massage oil is used to facilitate deep and flowing strokes while you are partially covered under a sheet. Some gentle mobility stretches, stomach and chest massages may be included, so please inform the giver if you are uncomfortable with any of these. Sometimes it may be fast with gentler pressure, and other times slow with deeper pressure. You are encouraged to focus on taking deep breaths throughout the session, breathing into the stomach and exhaling through the mouth. Sessions begin with audible or silent Hawaiian chanting and prayers, as well as throughout the session. There is no expectation of what comes up in a session but some receivers experience emotional release at times.

What are the benefits?

• deep relaxation
• emotional healing
• come into balance and harmony
• gain more spiritual energy
• release of old patterns, habits, traumas
• better circulation
• enhance immune response
• increase flexibility and motion range
• improve posture
• faster healing
• slower heart rate
• lower blood pressure
• greater vitablity
• Improve blood and lymph flow
• Waste and toxin removal

 

You may book your Hawaiian Lomi Lomi massage with Constance in downtown Vancouver BC. To get the best experience, it is advised to book a minimum of 90 minutes.

 

To understand more about huna and lomi lomi, here are some books and internet resource that are recommended for reading: