Lomilomi has been practicing massage therapy since the beginning of the 1900s. She created a technique she calls "Tikilapa" that is inspired by the massage technique of Oceania. Her goal as a massage healer is to get the practitioner to a high-energy state, thus allowing greater spiritual perception. She is able to give more profound and meaningful massages when in this state. Many of her patients can attest to this.
Lomilomi can work using both unconscious and conscious states using different massage strokes to stimulate the body, eliminate tensions, ease muscle tensions and promote healing. A session will progress according to the needs of the client. The massage goes from gentle to more intense work with the combination of massage strokes. The therapist is slow to ensure that the client feels comfortable during the massage and then follows up with free-body exercise such as breathing.
Lomilomi believes that every illness and illness can be traced back to a blockage of the natural flow energy known as the lymphatic. The lymphatic system is utilized by the body to cleanse it of harmful substances, control its temperature, absorb nutrients and store chemicals and minerals. If the lymphatic system gets compromised or blocked, it's possible that illness could develop. This explains her interest in understanding the connection between the lymphatic system and the human body, and how massage therapy can be used to restore the lymphatic system back to its normal state.
Legend is that lomilomi was brought to Hawaii from India by an Indian medicine man on an excursion to the Hawaiian Islands. He met Kamehameha, his native hawaiian healer. Kamehameha was the first person to utilize the "oceania" massage therapy to cure the body. Legend claims that he dragged his master's body from the mountains and performed a painful , but life-saving massage on him. The treatment quickly became popularized in the Hawaiian islands and soon began to be used by all islanders.
Lomilomi also uses Hawaiian healing stones known as wi'a and o'a. These are concave hula disks which are heated by the hands of the therapist. The heat causes the stone cracks, which opens the communication between the spirit and body. The therapist employs special hands to ease the client's pain and loosen stiff muscles. This will allow clients to improve their energy levels and balance their bodies.
Oceania Massage uses kneading in its method similar to that of lomilomi, however, oceania employs circular motions using hands rather than the heat of the lomilomi. The therapist will use both thumbs or fingers to knead the muscles of the body with this method. The lymphatic system is stimulated by the kneading process. This technique is also effective in increasing the flow of lymph fluid through the lymph nodes. The lymphatic drainage helps eliminate any toxins that are stored in the lymph nodes through encouraging lymphatic flow through the moving of the kneading. This method is also great for detoxifying the body.
Unlike most other forms of massage therapy, lomilomi doesn't just focus on calming the body of the client but also performs a deeper work to restore the natural balance of the human body. The unique kneading technique used in lomi-lomi increases blood circulation throughout the body, creating an euphoric feeling. It's also a wonderful stress-buster. Other therapeutic massage therapies such as ayurvedic massage and shiatsu employ only a few strokes to bring healing to the body.
Lomi-lomi is a traditional form of massage therapy, has been used for decades by the Hawaiian people. Its unique combination of massage techniques and healing properties have been a huge hit with the native Hawaiian people. Now , you can enjoy this special type of therapeutic massage while you are in Hawaii. Contact a licensed and experienced massage therapist who is able to do this ancient art in the most safe and natural way.
