{"id":14974,"date":"2017-05-21T00:17:02","date_gmt":"2017-05-21T00:17:02","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.zeel.com\/blog\/?p=14974"},"modified":"2020-05-19T18:27:39","modified_gmt":"2020-05-19T22:27:39","slug":"what-is-lomi-lomi-massage","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.zeel.com\/blog\/massage\/types-of-massage\/what-is-lomi-lomi-massage\/","title":{"rendered":"What is Lomi Lomi Massage?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Hawaiian origins of Lomi Lomi<\/h3>\n

Lomi Lomi (or Lomilomi) massage is an integrative massage practice that began in ancient Hawaii and is gaining popularity around the world.<\/p>\n

The word \u201clomi\u201d means to knead or rub in a gentle manner. (That\u2019s why you sometimes see dishes like lomi lomi salmon \u2013 fish that\u2019s been rubbed with spices.)<\/p>\n

Focusing on long, seamless strokes that glide from one part of the body to another, Lomi Lomi massage can soothe the mind while easing tension in the muscles. These rhythmic, repetitive movements allow the client to fully relax during the session.<\/p>\n

But Lomi Lomi was once under the radar. In fact, it was once outlawed throughout the Hawaiian Islands.<\/p>\n

So just how did a shamanic ritual develop into a popular bodywork method? Read on to learn more about the history and modern practice of Lomi Lomi massage.<\/p>\n

History of Lomi Lomi massage<\/h3>\n

The practice of Lomi Lomi massage originated in ancient Polynesia. When Polynesian settlers first came to Hawaii, Lomi Lomi came with them. In the 19th century, however, thanks to the wonders of colonization, Lomi Lomi \u00a0became viewed as a heathen practice by American missionaries.<\/p>\n

The Native Hawaiian spiritual practitioners, or kahunas, continued to use Lomi Lomi as a means of restoration and healing, in concert with other herbal and ritual medicinal techniques.<\/p>\n

The theory behind Lomi Lomi is similar to the concept of qi found in Traditional Chinese Medicine – connecting the mind and body to maximize healing potential. Traditional Lomi Lomi \u00a0practice includes chants (mele) and prayers (pule) as part of the session, though this is fairly rare among modern massage therapists.<\/p>\n

Modern Lomi Lomi<\/h3>\n

Lomi Lomi has gradually come full circle, with the passing of a law in 2001 that allows native healing practitioners to be certified<\/a> by the Hawaiian medical board, legalizing Lomi Lomi\u2019s role as a healing form of massage therapy.<\/p>\n

Lomi Lomi massage as the structured technique taught and practiced today was created and promoted by Hawaiian massage masters, chief among them \u00a0Abraham Kawaii and Margaret Machado. Instead of prayers and chants, today\u2019s Lomi Lomi practitioners are asked to offer a calm mental space and nurturing touch to their clients. Margaret Machado \u00a0has said that the difference between Swedish massage and Lomi Lomi is “loving touch.”<\/p>\n

This adaptation has helped Lomi Lomi massage to spread beyond Hawaii, gaining wider worldwide popularity.<\/p>\n

Modern Lomi Lomi massage techniques<\/h3>\n

The hallmark of a modern Lomi Lomi massage are\u00a0 continuous, fluid strokes applied by the hands, forearms, and elbows to the client\u2019s body. The movements of the practitioner flow seamlessly from one area of the body to the next, with few breaks or transitions.<\/p>\n

Since Lomi Lomi strokes will move over various organs and joints of the body, the practitioner must use a delicate and skilled touch to avoid unnecessary pressure on sensitive areas.<\/p>\n

Because of the long, flowing nature of the strokes, traditional lomi lomi \u00a0is performed without a top or bottom sheet to allow the practitioner to glide from one area of the body to the next.. Towels are used for privacy as needed.<\/p>\n

However, many lomi lomi practitioners now use top and bottom sheets. While this limits the fluidity of the movements somewhat, it may make customers more comfortable.<\/p>\n

Before you get your first Lomi Lomi massage, be sure to ask the therapist what their draping technique is so you don\u2019t wind up with any awkward surprises,<\/p>\n

Trying Lomi Lomi massage for the first time<\/h3>\n

Lomi Lomi massage can treat a wide variety of conditions, but most often is used to create a healing environment within the body by relaxing the client, rather than targeting a specific physical problem.<\/p>\n

The healing benefits of Lomi Lomi massage are many, including improved circulation for detoxifying the body, stimulation of the lymphatic system, release of muscle tension, and a deep sense of relaxation.<\/p>\n

If you think Lomi Lomi might be\u00a0 useful for you, ask your Zeel Massage Therapist about it. Many licensed massage therapists incorporate Lomi Lomi techniques into Swedish and sleep massages.
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