Hawaiian Lomi-Lomi Massage by Habileny. Massage License # NVMT.7954.
What is Hawaiian Lomi-Lomi Massage by Habileny?
Hawaiian lomi-lomi massage is one part of traditional Native Hawaiian medicine. It was only passed down in families until the early 1970s, when a few Hawaiian teachers began teaching this massage therapy technique to non-Hawaiians. The popularity of this technique spread quickly, and it's now widely available.
Traditionally, lomi-lomi massage by Habileny has an important spiritual component. So, I always begin Lomi-Lomi by saying a prayer. This massage incorporates the Hawaiian concept of aloha, which means love, unification, and breath. It promotes personal harmony. Even in modern practice, lomi-lomi massage therapists are taught to focus on the massage with love and intention. I always say, the difference between Swedish massage and lomi-lomi massage is "loving touch."
Lomi-Lomi massage by Habileny is an indigenous Hawaiian healing practice which usually includes massage, but not always. Many believe, that this art was brought to Hawaii by the earliest Polynesian settlers. Others believe that this beautiful art, so deeply infused with the practice of ‘living aloha’ is a carry-over from ancient Hawaii and the mystical land of Mu.
2 Styles of Lomi-Lomi Massage by Habileny:
There are primarily two styles of Lomi-Lomi massage that have become more well known on the mainland US and in Hawaii. They are “Temple Style Lomi-Lomi Massage” and “Style of Big Island Lomi-Lomi Massage”.
Temple Style Lomi-Lomi Massage by Habileny:
Temple Style lomi-lomi massage, also known as Kahuna Bodywork. It was shared with the public by Kahuna Abraham Kawaii (Kahu) before his passing in 2004. His teachings synthesized knowledge that he received throughout his incredible life. He was the disciple of numerous native healers and Kahuna. We are deeply blessed that Kahu had the heart and vision to share his knowledge. We know deep in our hearts that the world is a better place for it.
Temple Style lomi-lomi massage uses primarily forearm runs integrating movements that are circles and figure eights. So, the movements are designed to confuse the thinking mind and invite clients to surrender, letting go of anything that is no longer serving them and to receive more of their soul energy.
If there is one lesson I encourage each of you to glean from Kahu, master of Lomi-Lomi Massage, it is this: You are a unique being. You are a divine being. You have within you the entire universe.
Lomi-Lomi is a way of life. It is the practice of "living aloha".
In ancient Hawaii, Lomi-Lomi massage was practiced as both medicinal and restorative. Some believe that Temple Style lomi-lomi massage was practiced in the temples of old Hawaii, where Kahuna, or Hawaiian Shaman, practiced a unique lineage that Kahu named Ke Ala Hoku, “Pathway to the Stars” or Hawaiian Temple Bodywork or Kahuna Bodywork.
The legend that was passed down describes a ritual incorporating fire, drumming, chanting, and shamanic movement. The Kahuna would call on the wisdom of their ancestry and request a vision so they would know who was next to receive this sacred rite of passage.
Style of Big Island Lomi-Lomi Massage by Habileny:
Auntie Margaret Machado was a world renowned lomi-lomi massage master and Kahuna who infused love and aloha into all who studied with her. Although her style of lomi-lomi massage differs from Temple Style in form, all styles of lomi-lomi massage are deeply rooted in love, aloha and prayer. Auntie Margaret’s teachings continue to bless the entire lomi-lomi massage community.
“If your hands are gentle and loving, your patient will feel the sincerity of your heart. His soul will reach out to yours and God’s healing power will flow through you both” ~ Auntie Margaret Machado.
All styles of lomi-lomi massage by Habileny integrate some form of movement, chant (mele), prayers (pule) as well as the core intention of aloha.
Ritual lomi lomi was designed to awaken and enlighten the being in the physical body and to awaken one’s true calling in life. With Lomi-Lomi massage by Habileny you will learn how to breathe, move, and be touched in a way that will enhance your well being & wholeness.
How I do Lomi-Lomi massage:
Typically, as massage therapist, I begin a lomi-lomi massage session by placing my hands gently on you and remaining still for a few moments. I may ask you to breathe deeply to help you relax. As a traditional practitioner, I may incorporate other rituals, such as chants and music. It always depends on your mood and feelings.
Often, more of your body is uncovered during lomi-lomi massage than during a typical Swedish or deep tissue massage. That's because I rarely massage one body part at a time. So instead, I usually move in long flowing motions that, for example, may start at the top of your shoulder and go all the way to your foot. Sometimes I use massage sheets in the usual way, just uncovering larger areas of your body at once. The more traditional practice is that the therapist uses no sheets, covering your genital area and breasts with small towels.
My Lomi-Lomi Techniques:
Lomi-Lomi Massage is best known for long, flowing, dance-like strokes, often using the forearms and generous amounts of oil. But, because there are so many styles, the specifics of lomi-lomi massage can vary. Gentle stretches and joint rotations are common in this massage, as is the massage therapist massaging two parts of your body at same time, for example, using one hand or forearm on your shoulder while simultaneously massaging a hip with the other hand or forearm.
Lomi-Lomi Massage flows as I roll areas of your body using my arm from the wrist to the elbow. So, the continuous contact and gentle rhythm, in turn, influence a healthy flow and balance within your mind and body. Indulge in Lomi Lomi Massage alone, with a partner, or as part of your Luxury Spa Package. This is the Lomi-Lomi massage by Habileny you must experience!
Practice of lomi-lomi massage therapy also incorporates many principle and practices that support modern day practitioners in their quest to heal themselves and others. All of the movements of lomi-lomi massage by Habileny are based on circles and figure eights with the point of connection being primarily forearm runs. I am taught to listen with my entire being to the script of the body I am working on and to surrender to the guidance of divinity, allowing grace to transmute all stuck energies to pure light and love.
When I was a student of Lomi-Lomi:
When I was a student of Lomi-lomi massage, I was flying once every month for 1 week, to Big Island of Hawaii, to learn and practice real, authentic Lomi-Lomi Massage. The process began by learning a fundamental massage routine, focusing on opening my heart to the client and using a loving touch. I was also learning some basics about Hawaiian history, traditions and chanting. It is about so much more than just the techniques.
I found myself incorporating more and more Lomi-Lomi massage techniques in my sessions. It feels really wonderful, because it releases muscles and energy with ease for both the client and the therapist.
Benefits of Lomi-Lomi Massage by Habileny:
The physical benefits of Lomi-Lomi massage by Habileny are the same as other types of massage in terms of relaxing muscles, promoting circulation and releasing blocked energy.
So the difference lies in the Hawaiian traditions woven into the massage, including the belief that "loving hands" help you release not only physical tension but also mental, emotional, and spiritual blockages.
Both massaging two areas at the same time and the long flowing strokes are believed to promote harmony and balance in your body.
Traditional lomi-lomi massage therapy always includes abdominal massage because Hawaiian tradition considers the colon part of a person's soul or heart.
The main reasons to get Lomi-Lomi Massage by Habileny now:
1. Break-up fibrous deposits and lactic acid.
2. Improve circulation of blood and lymph.
3. Eliminate toxins and edema.
4. Alleviate muscle spasm and stiff joints.
5. Increase metabolism and energy.
6. Complete alignment of the body.
7. Reclaim the youthfulness and grace of your body-mind.
8. A level of spirit is awakened that penetrates deeply into a realm of ancient wisdom.
9. Cleanse, revitalize, and connect all aspects of self being.
Bodywork Lomi-Lomi Massage by Habileny:
Bodywork/massage Lomi-Lomi - broad strokes that sink deeply into the tissues. It stretches, softens and loosens muscles, calms the nervous system. It improves circulation, both blood and lymphatic. Joint mobilizations are incorporated to increase range of motion and flexibility. It is felt that sometimes blocked energy resides in the joints that can be released through passive movements.
Ho'opono'pono Lomi-Lomi Massage by Habileny:
Ho'opono'pono Lmi-Lomi - a counseling method used to clear a persons emotions. Loosely translated, it means to put to rights. The relationship between our emotions and physical ailments is clearly acknowledged by the Hawaiians. So this method is used not only with clients, but also by the Lomi-Lomi practitioner to clear their own issues. Aunty Margaret, the most famous, Lomi-Lomi practitioner alive today says: "before the sun sets every day, you must empty your heart of jealousy and anger."
Prayer Lomi-Lomi Massage by Habileny:
Prayer Lomi-Lomi - this is considered as perhaps the most important component in the mix. An acknowledgment that the divine presence working through us is the true healer. So, it is important to begin and end each session with a prayer (out loud or silently). Keeping a mindful presence throughout the treatment, asking for divine help.
La'au lapa'au Lomi-Lomi Massage by Habileny:
La'au lapa'au Lomi-Lomi - herbal healing. A true Lomi-Lomi healer is also well versed in the ancient science of healing with plants. Teas, salves, and poultices might be made and prescribed to the client. Because of their close spiritual relationship with the natural kingdom, ancient kahunas were able to divine the healing properties of leaves, roots, fruits, barks, and flowers. Also oils, kukui nut and coconut might be infused with other ingredients much like we use aromatherapy today.
Cleansing Lomi-Lomi Massage by Habileny:
Cleansing Lomi-Lomi - directions on cleansing your colon might be the first instruction you receive when presenting with a physical ailment to a practitioner. So this usually entails a process involving ingesting diluted saltwater, herbal preparations, rest, and Lomi-Lomi massage focusing on the digestive system. The connection between our eliminatory organs and our health is clearly understood in the Lomi-Lomi tradition.
Return to harmony and balance with Lomi-Lomi Massage by Habileny.
As if echoing the ocean tides, my Lomi-Lomi Massage flows to rejuvenate mind, body and spirit by removing energy blockages and opening energy pathways within the body.
Massage is one of the oldest and most powerful forms of healing. Lomi-Lomi, which simply means “massage” or “loving hands”, is a unique healing massage derived from the ancient Polynesians and more specifically the master healers of Hawaii.
This holistic approach has evolved to bring you into greater harmony not only internally, but also with the world around you. A fundamental principle of Huna, ancient Hawaiian philosophy, is that everything seeks harmony and everything seeks love. The Hawaiians view all aspects of the body as one and believe that the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual are all a part of the “whole self” – when healing is affected on one level, all levels are affected. Thus Lomi-Lomi massage is not just a physical experience; it also facilitates healing on the mental, emotional, and spiritual levels as well.
The Aloha Spirit refers to the attitude of friendly acceptance; its deeper meaning is “the joyful sharing of life energy in the present”. This is one of the secrets of Lomi-Lomi, to love and nurture the body, with the focus of the practitioner on the client being deep and complete using loving hands and a loving heart.