Lomi Lomi Massage from the Islands of Hawaii
Lomilomi practitioners use the palms, forearm, fingers, knuckles,
elbows, knees, feet, even sticks and stones. Lomilomi practices varied
by family, region and island.
The lomilomi technique focused on finding congested areas in the
body and dispersing them, by moving the palms, thumbs, knuckles and
forearms in rhythmic, dance-like motions. Setting the intention for
healing, the Kahuna would also utilize prayer (pule), breath (ha) and
energy (mana).
The practice of lomilomi was common within each Hawaiian community
and contributed to a vibrant, healthy society.
Traditionally, lomilomi was practiced in four contexts:
1. As a healing practice of native healers
2. As a luxury and an aid to digestion, especially by the ruling
chiefs
3. As restorative massage within the family
4. By masters of the Hawaiian martial arts
Although the word kahuna lomilomi is widely used in contemporary
writings, traditionally the people who performed lomilomi were called
ka poe lomilomi (the massage people) or kanaka lomi (massage person).
Like all endeavors in old Hawaii, lomilomi was conducted with prayer
and intention. If something has occurred which interferes with the
therapist's ability to control their thoughts, then hoóponopono is
given. Hoóponopono is a prayer of forgiveness and of making things
right. It must be done if we have harmed another person or ourselves
in though, word or deed.
History of lomilomi
The early Polynesian settlers brought their own form of massage,
and like a canoe plant, it evolved to become something uniquely
Hawaiian. It was practiced by everyone, from child to chief.
After American missionaries arrived in 1820 and converted many in
the Kingdom of Hawaii to Christianity, traditional healing arts were
scorned as heathen and primitive. Various laws prohibited "heathen"
worship and any related Native Hawaiian healing practices. Lomilomi as
part of medical practice went underground. But lomilomi as restorative
massage remained popular not only among the Hawaiians, but among
foreign residents and visitors as well.
American writer Charles Nordhoff wrote about his experience with
lomilomi massage in his 1875 book, Northern California, Oregon, and
the Sandwich Islands. For Robert Louis Stevenson it was disagreeable,
but English adventurer Isabella Bird found it delightful.
The Legislature of the Kingdom of Hawaii banned curing through
"superstitious methods" in 1886.
Finally in 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. In large
part this bureaucratic effort failed. 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
Lokahi, or by the various community health centers. This law is
controversial among some native practitioners, but those who are
certified can provide lomilomi without fear of prosecution under
Hawaii state law.
Lomilomi is now a common and popular form of massage throughout the
world, especially in Hawaii, Japan and Europe. Traditionally taught
lomilomi practitioners are generally unwilling to work at just any spa
or massage parlor. They prefer to treat selected clients quietly and
privately, often in home settings. Lomilomi practitioners may also ask
their clients to pray, meditate, change their diets, and engage in
other self-help activities usually believed to lie outside the scope
of massage. Lomilomi is a holistic healing tradition beyond simple
massage.
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