Lomilomi
What is Lomilomi Massage?
Lomilomi is a traditional Hawaiian massage that restores balance to the body, mind, and spirit. It uses flowing, continuous strokes often delivered with the forearms, combined with stretches, joint rotations, and rhythmic movement to promote physical relaxation and energetic harmony. Rooted in a deep cultural and spiritual context, Lomilomi integrates prayer, intention, and healing vibrations to facilitate emotional as well as physical relief. Its holistic approach honors the interconnectedness of all aspects of being, making each session a profound journey toward wellness.
Intention & Guidance
Auntie Margaret Machado called Lomilomi the "loving touch." Lomilomi therapists deeply embrace intention and spiritual guidance—MANA—blended with comforting, skilled technique. Prayer is an essential part of Lomilomi. Some practitioners begin a session with chanting in Hawaiian, while many silently pray for guidance and healing.
Joints & Energy
Traditional Hawaiian belief holds that energy may become blocked in joints. Gentle stretches, rotations, and limb movements are used with the intention of releasing tension and clearing blockages to enhance energy flow. Emotional release frequently accompanies this process.
Hula & Humming
Historically, Hawaiian healers chanted and danced during Lomilomi sessions, using vocal vibrations to direct healing energy—a practice akin to chanting found in Native American shamanism, Buddhism, Hinduism, and Gregorian chants in Catholicism. While I do not dance, chant, or hum aloud during sessions, rhythmic qualities often emerge naturally.
Modern History
Early visitors to Hawai‘i in the 1920s recognized native healers for their precise diagnosis and treatments, including broken bones. After political upheaval in 1893, spiritual traditions and healing arts were banned and practiced secretly within native communities. The 1970s saw a cultural renaissance, with renewed interest in Hawaiian heritage and Lomilomi. In 1973, "Auntie Margaret" Machado began publicly teaching her healing techniques, becoming a licensed massage therapist and spreading "The Loving Touch" worldwide. Many native families continue to pass down and teach their own Lomilomi styles today.
Since 1947, Lomilomi has been regulated in Hawai‘i with licensing requirements. Despite controversy, legislative changes in 2001 allow native practitioners to be certified without risking prosecution, preserving this sacred healing tradition.
Lomilomi is a traditional Hawaiian massage that restores balance to the body, mind, and spirit. It uses flowing, continuous strokes often delivered with the forearms, combined with stretches, joint rotations, and rhythmic movement to promote physical relaxation and energetic harmony. Rooted in a deep cultural and spiritual context, Lomilomi integrates prayer, intention, and healing vibrations to facilitate emotional as well as physical relief. Its holistic approach honors the interconnectedness of all aspects of being, making each session a profound journey toward wellness.
Intention & Guidance
Auntie Margaret Machado called Lomilomi the "loving touch." Lomilomi therapists deeply embrace intention and spiritual guidance—MANA—blended with comforting, skilled technique. Prayer is an essential part of Lomilomi. Some practitioners begin a session with chanting in Hawaiian, while many silently pray for guidance and healing.
Joints & Energy
Traditional Hawaiian belief holds that energy may become blocked in joints. Gentle stretches, rotations, and limb movements are used with the intention of releasing tension and clearing blockages to enhance energy flow. Emotional release frequently accompanies this process.
Hula & Humming
Historically, Hawaiian healers chanted and danced during Lomilomi sessions, using vocal vibrations to direct healing energy—a practice akin to chanting found in Native American shamanism, Buddhism, Hinduism, and Gregorian chants in Catholicism. While I do not dance, chant, or hum aloud during sessions, rhythmic qualities often emerge naturally.
Modern History
Early visitors to Hawai‘i in the 1920s recognized native healers for their precise diagnosis and treatments, including broken bones. After political upheaval in 1893, spiritual traditions and healing arts were banned and practiced secretly within native communities. The 1970s saw a cultural renaissance, with renewed interest in Hawaiian heritage and Lomilomi. In 1973, "Auntie Margaret" Machado began publicly teaching her healing techniques, becoming a licensed massage therapist and spreading "The Loving Touch" worldwide. Many native families continue to pass down and teach their own Lomilomi styles today.
Since 1947, Lomilomi has been regulated in Hawai‘i with licensing requirements. Despite controversy, legislative changes in 2001 allow native practitioners to be certified without risking prosecution, preserving this sacred healing tradition.
