To understand the depth of Lomi Lomi massage, it helps to have an understanding of the Hawaiian philosophy called Huna, and how the philosophies of Huna relate to bodywork and healing.
A fundamental assumption of Huna is that everything seeks harmony and everything seeks love.
This can best be described through an alternative name for this modality,
“Loving Hands” massage.
This modality is less about technique and more about intuition.
Using your hands as guiding tools to lead you and your client through a healing and regenerative experience.
The Hawaiians look at things in terms of energy flow, following the idea that an idea or belief can block energy flow as much as muscle tension can.
Understanding the body as a whole unit can help in achieving ultimate balance and harmony.
This can make the experience one of complete relaxation and redirected energy flow.
So what does a Lomi Lomi massage consist of?
When starting Lomi Lomi, as the therapist, you must enter with balance and harmony . The massage will commence with stillness between the practitioner and client, during which the practitioner will have their hands gently resting on the clients back. During this time the practitioner will say a blessing or prayer asking for whatever healing needs to take pace during the massage.
The client can be asked to focus their attention on the healing they perceive to be needed. After the blessing the Therapist will work intuitively , in this respect there is no set format. No two massages will be alike because every client is different. the massage is given in a fluid rhythmic motion using the forearms as well as the hands. It has been described by some as gentle waves moving over the body.
Another feature of Lomi Lomi is the approach of using your hands in more than one area of the body, for example, gentle working on the hip and shoulder at the same time. The brain perceives the touch but can not focus its’ attention thereby allowing the muscles to release under the therapist command.
Lomi Lomi can be administered by two separate therapist which it often is in the areas where it has been practiced for centuries. This is a great benefit for the client, allowing their mind and body to be immersed in this technique.
The client on the table is not to be viewed as someone in need of fixing but rather someone who needs to be returned to harmony and balance.
Dancing (hula) and breath work should be incorporated by the therapist to help in mastering the ability to give loving intuitive touch where needed while maintaining your own balance and harmony.
The dance is used not just because it looks fun but because it is important in helping the energy flow between the therapist and recipient.
Another important difference in this modality is the recipient lays directly on the vinyl table not on a sheet or towel and are covered by a small towel while maintaining modesty but at the same time leaving most of the body exposed.
This is important for free flowing movements and also working under the client while they are lying prone.
Encouraging the rhythmic flow that makes this modality so relaxing.
Auntie Margeret, who is one of the oldest and most widely recognized teachers of Lomi Lomi has defined it this way,
“The Loving Touch – a connection of heart, hands and soul with the Source of All Life!”
This modality is truly one for those who find it easy to give loving regenerative touch to the recipient. As Massage Therapist’s we can recognize the importance of a modality that offers so much.
As always, “ Choose each day to be blissful and complete, a whole person well cared for by you”
Related posts:
- Sports Massage Sports Massage is a wonderful modality. It is a...
- Craniosacral Therapy- The ‘massage-less’ Massage The seasoned Massage goers are often puzzled when they see...
- Long Term Benefits Found In Shiatsu Therapy Research into the potential of complimentary and alternative medicine...
- Achieving Balance Through Neo-Reichian Massage Neo-Reichian massage is a modality designed to restore self...
- Client Care and Self Care go Hand in Hand This is a topic of great interest to many...
