Lomi Lomi, also known as Hawaiian Temple Style massage or Kahuna massage, is one of the most profound forms of massage. It originated in the islands of Hawaii, in the South Pacific. Lomi lomi means massage and it is a powerful form of healing developed by the master healers of the Polynesia.

The Kahunas (the wise spiritual teachers of ancient Hawaii) worked for centuries with a magical form of bodywork that gently but effectively connected with the inner soul, relieving the stress of physical ailments, as well as clearing emotional blocks.

In this unique flowing style bodywork the practitioner uses long, fluid rhythmic strokes over the whole body with the hands, fingers, forearms and elbows. The practitioner moves around the table in a dance like movement applying soft and deep tissue massage. The rhythm is very relaxing. The strokes sometimes goes all the way from the neck down to the foot. It works gently but deeply into the muscles with continuous, flowing strokes, totally nurturing the body and, enabling the recipient to relax, give in and simply be.

Lomi Lomi can release hidden memories and allow change in the body, mind and soul, bringing harmony. The massage changes the way you think, feel, move and breathe. The old memories stored in every cell of our body can be released and the client can let go of old beliefs, patterns and behaviours.

The Hawaiians look at things in terms of energy flow. They think that an idea or belief can block energy flow as much as muscle tension can.

Most massage techniques work only on the physical level. Kahuna massage is not just a physical experience. Lomi lomi also facilitates healing on the mental, emotional and spiritual levels as well.

On a Physical level:

The lymphatic, immune, circulatory, respiratory, muscular, nervous and digestive systems are treated to promote health.

On an Emotional level:

The nervous system and the senses or awareness are tuned. Lomi lomi may also release old family memories, stress and trauma locked away in the subconscious mind.

On a Spiritual level:

Achieving harmony between the body, mind and soul through energy activated in the body.

The master healers of Hawaii knew there were special ways to release and unblock the powers of the body so that physical, mental, emotional and spiritual healing could take place effectively.

Whilst the technique is an important part of the massage, and associated healing the work is done with unconditional love. The focus of the practitioner is deep and complete. Feeling love and compassion for the client, rather that treating him/her as an object to be "fixed" allows for harmony to be created within the body. This incorporates two of the main principles of huna - everything seeks harmony and everything seeks love.

Lomi Lomi is called "loving hands massage" and works gently but deeply into the muscles using continous flowing strokes totally nurturing the body. The practitioner uses the forearm, fingers, heel and palm of the hand in flowing movements over the body that brings fresh oxygen to every cell.

Flowing with total energy and combined with a very loving touch, relaxes the entire being. Using one of the principles of huna - Makia which states that energy flows where attention goes, the focus is totally on the client. This initiates a "letting go of old belief patterns and behaviours that are not appropiate and cause limitations".

It is important to remember that the practitioner does not heal but is the facilitator for the healing, creating a safe place for the healing to occur.

Using body and energy work helps release the blockages and, at the same time, gives energy new direction and set new patterns. This results in mental clarity and physical release, thereby allowing powerful healing in yourself and your life. This creates a new level of harmony and facilitates healing on many levels, levels you may not be aware of at the time.

Photo: Bryce Edwards , Nick J. Webb