Lomilomi
Intention & Guidance
Auntie Margaret Machado called Lomilomi the "loving touch". Lomilomi therapists strongly embrace intention and higher/self, spiritual, universal guidance - MANA, coupled with deeply comforting and skilled technique. Prayer is an important component in lomilomi. Some practitioners pray in the form of chanting in Hawaiian at the onset of a treatment however many pray silently asking for guidance and healing.
The Massage
Lomilomi is typically given in fluid, rhythmic motions using the forearms, hands and sometimes other body parts like the chin, feet, or knees. Because this work is often intuitive, it can be slow and very relaxing or at times faster, more invigorating and enlivening. Different parts of the body may be massaged at the same time for example; one arm or hand may be working on a shoulder and the other hand may be working on the head or hip. A single treatment can be profound depending on the extent of tissue congestion and blockages (including emotional and mental states).
Joints & Energy
Traditional native Hawaiian belief is energy can get blocked in the joints. Gentle stretches, rotation of joints and jostling of limbs are employed with the intention of releasing any blockages and tension and to increase energy flow. An emotional release is also very often experienced.
Hula & Humming
Hawaiian healers of the past are said to have often chanted and danced during a lomiomi session. They also were known to hum during key moments as it was believed the vocal vibrations along with healing intention directs energy towards a desired outcome. An interesting side note is this technique of humming with intention is similar in nature to chanting practices by Native American Shamanism, Buddhism, Hinduism and Roman Catholics Gregorian chants. I personally do not dance, chant, pray or hum out loud during my sessions however my treatments can feel rhythmic at times.
Modern History
Early disciples to the Hawaiian Islands in the 1920's found the native healers to be precise in their diagnosis and treatment of sickness and in healing broken bones.
However in 1893 after years of political disorder, the new government banned all spiritual traditions including the healing arts, study of the Hawaiian language and Hula. These sacred traditions were practiced in secrecy, and passed down only within the Hawaiian community.
During the 1970's a renaissance of interest grew among many native people reconnecting them with their cultural heritage including the healing art of Lomilomi. In 1973 "Auntie Margaret" Marchado began teaching her techniques and gifts to anyone who had a desire to learn "The Loving Touch". She became one of the first Native Hawaiians to become a licensed massage therapist.
Auntie Margarets style has become very popular in Hawaii and around the world however there are many native families who've been passing along their styles & techniques thru the generations and also teach their brand of this wonderfully effective healing art.
Wikipedia: 1947, the Board of Massage was established to regulate lomilomi and massage. The law required practitioners to pass a written test on anatomy, physiology and massage theory. Many renowned native healers were unable or unwilling to pass the test, and thus lomilomi as restorative massage was forced underground. In 2001, the Legislature passed Act 304, amending HRS section 453, allowing native practitioners to be certified by the Hawaiian medical board, Papa Ola Lōkahi, or by the various community health centers. This law is controversial among some native practitioners, but those who are certified (but not licensed) can provide lomilomi without fear of prosecution under Hawaii state law.
Auntie Margaret Machado called Lomilomi the "loving touch". Lomilomi therapists strongly embrace intention and higher/self, spiritual, universal guidance - MANA, coupled with deeply comforting and skilled technique. Prayer is an important component in lomilomi. Some practitioners pray in the form of chanting in Hawaiian at the onset of a treatment however many pray silently asking for guidance and healing.
The Massage
Lomilomi is typically given in fluid, rhythmic motions using the forearms, hands and sometimes other body parts like the chin, feet, or knees. Because this work is often intuitive, it can be slow and very relaxing or at times faster, more invigorating and enlivening. Different parts of the body may be massaged at the same time for example; one arm or hand may be working on a shoulder and the other hand may be working on the head or hip. A single treatment can be profound depending on the extent of tissue congestion and blockages (including emotional and mental states).
Joints & Energy
Traditional native Hawaiian belief is energy can get blocked in the joints. Gentle stretches, rotation of joints and jostling of limbs are employed with the intention of releasing any blockages and tension and to increase energy flow. An emotional release is also very often experienced.
Hula & Humming
Hawaiian healers of the past are said to have often chanted and danced during a lomiomi session. They also were known to hum during key moments as it was believed the vocal vibrations along with healing intention directs energy towards a desired outcome. An interesting side note is this technique of humming with intention is similar in nature to chanting practices by Native American Shamanism, Buddhism, Hinduism and Roman Catholics Gregorian chants. I personally do not dance, chant, pray or hum out loud during my sessions however my treatments can feel rhythmic at times.
Modern History
Early disciples to the Hawaiian Islands in the 1920's found the native healers to be precise in their diagnosis and treatment of sickness and in healing broken bones.
However in 1893 after years of political disorder, the new government banned all spiritual traditions including the healing arts, study of the Hawaiian language and Hula. These sacred traditions were practiced in secrecy, and passed down only within the Hawaiian community.
During the 1970's a renaissance of interest grew among many native people reconnecting them with their cultural heritage including the healing art of Lomilomi. In 1973 "Auntie Margaret" Marchado began teaching her techniques and gifts to anyone who had a desire to learn "The Loving Touch". She became one of the first Native Hawaiians to become a licensed massage therapist.
Auntie Margarets style has become very popular in Hawaii and around the world however there are many native families who've been passing along their styles & techniques thru the generations and also teach their brand of this wonderfully effective healing art.
Wikipedia: 1947, the Board of Massage was established to regulate lomilomi and massage. The law required practitioners to pass a written test on anatomy, physiology and massage theory. Many renowned native healers were unable or unwilling to pass the test, and thus lomilomi as restorative massage was forced underground. In 2001, the Legislature passed Act 304, amending HRS section 453, allowing native practitioners to be certified by the Hawaiian medical board, Papa Ola Lōkahi, or by the various community health centers. This law is controversial among some native practitioners, but those who are certified (but not licensed) can provide lomilomi without fear of prosecution under Hawaii state law.