Lomi Lomi massage is a traditional Hawaiian massage that combines massage techniques, nut oils, breathing, and dance to soothe the body. The word "lomi" means "to knead" in Hawaiian and Samoan. Practitioners use their palms, fingers, knuckles, elbows, knees, and feet to make broad, flowing strokes that mimic the smooth flow of the ocean. Lomi Lomi massage was made famous around the world by Hawaiian tourism.
The massage is like a dance around the patient, and its technique is different from other types of massage. It is a healing practice that releases blockages, promotes circulation, and shifts energy. Apart from being a deeply relaxing massage, Lomi Lomi also has several therapeutic uses, including increased flexibility and better circulation.
The traditional Hawaiian lomilomi massage was practiced in four and sometimes eight hours sessions and was used by spiritual healers, Kahuna, and Shama, to exorcise spirits. Unlike traditional lomilomi kupuna (elder recognized by the Hawaiian community) who require students to study with them for years, some massage schools around the world purport to train therapists in lomilomi in a few hours, and some massage therapists may incorporate techniques from other massage modalities during the session.
