Lomi Lomi is an ancient healing practice that was developed by Hawaiian Kahunas, spiritual keepers of knowledge and masters of the art.  There are many unique forms of this art that have been passed down through families for generations.  The Hawaiian term Lomi Lomi translates simply to knead or massage.  The word Lomi means to weave, as the performers of this tradition believe that Lomi Lomi unweaves healthy patterns in the body and unravels wounds and old belief systems.

Lomi Lomi has traditionally been practiced to relieve aches and pains and stress and to combat psychological imbalances and family problems.  This art has the ability to go to the core of one’s being and allow the body to rebalance itself with mind and spirit.

My Lomi Lomi massage was unlike anything I had ever experienced; it was more like a ritual.  Minimal clothing is worn during this service; I was only covered by a small towel that functioned like a thong.  The sounds of Arabic, Island and African music filled the dimly lit room.  My therapist danced around the table and used his forearms moving in circles across my body.  At times I could hear him chanting.  I really enjoyed the continuous wavelike motions that were able to dig deep enough into the muscles without being painful.  The experience was an exotic, artistic experience and much more interesting than the traditional scientific massage routine.

During ancient times this bodywork could last several hours or several days to achieve total self-healing.  Unfortunately, I only experienced 75 minutes of Lomi Lomi, so I was unable to notice if my body was reunited with mind and spirit.  I can only dream of a world where I’d be massaged for days upon days to achieve total well being!

The source of information for this article is “Lomi Lomi:  Hawaiian Temple Bodywork” by Tom Cochran.

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