MOD168 – Traditional Hawaiian Healing (Lomi Lomi)

Definition

Lomi Lomi, also known as Hawaiian massage, is a traditional healing practice from Hawaii that involves a combination of massage, energy work, and ritual to promote physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being.

 Explanation

Lomi Lomi practitioners use long, flowing strokes with their hands, forearms, and elbows to relax muscles, improve circulation, and release tension. The therapy incorporates elements of prayer, breathwork, and intention to facilitate healing on multiple levels and restore balance and harmony. Lomi Lomi is deeply rooted in Hawaiian culture and spirituality, often including the use of Hawaiian music, oils, and sometimes elements of hula movements.

 Evidence to Efficacy

Research suggests that Lomi Lomi massage may offer several potential benefits for health and wellbeing. While more studies are needed, existing evidence indicates promising results:

A study published in the Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies found that Lomi Lomi massage was effective in reducing pain and improving range of motion in patients with chronic low back pain. The researchers reported significant decreases in pain scores and increases in flexibility after a series of Lomi Lomi treatments.

Research has also shown promise for Lomi Lomi in addressing stress and promoting relaxation. A small observational study conducted at a wellness centre in Hawaii found that participants experienced significant reductions in perceived stress levels and improvements in overall wellbeing after receiving Lomi Lomi massage.

For mental health, a pilot study published in Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine explored the effects of Lomi Lomi on anxiety and depression symptoms. The researchers reported that participants showed measurable decreases in anxiety and improvements in mood following Lomi Lomi sessions.

Some evidence suggests Lomi Lomi may have benefits for circulation and lymphatic flow. A study in the International Journal of Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork found that the long, flowing strokes used in Lomi Lomi appeared to enhance blood and lymph circulation in the treated areas.

While more rigorous research is needed, these studies suggest Lomi Lomi’s potential to support health and wellbeing across various domains. The holistic nature of Lomi Lomi, addressing physical, emotional and energetic aspects, may contribute to its wide-ranging effects. As research continues, Lomi Lomi shows promise as a complementary therapy to support overall wellness, stress reduction, and specific conditions.

The Neuroscience 

Here’s how this ancient practice benefits the brain and body on a neurophysiological level:

Parasympathetic Activation: The long, flowing strokes characteristic of Lomi Lomi stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system, often called the ‘rest and digest’ system. This activation helps counterbalance stress responses, reducing cortisol levels and promoting deep relaxation.

Neurotransmitter Release: The rhythmic touch and pressure in Lomi Lomi trigger the release of neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine. These ‘feel-good’ chemicals contribute to improved mood, reduced anxiety, and an overall sense of well-being.

Endorphin Production: The varied pressure and movements in Lomi Lomi stimulate endorphin production. These natural opioids act as painkillers and mood elevators, contributing to the sense of bliss often reported after sessions.

Vagus Nerve Stimulation: Lomi Lomi techniques, particularly those focusing on the neck, back, and abdomen, may stimulate the vagus nerve. This stimulation can have far-reaching effects on various bodily functions, including digestion, heart rate, and immune response.

Interoception Enhancement: The full-body nature of Lomi Lomi enhances activation in brain regions crucial for interoception – the sense of the body’s internal state. This can lead to improved body awareness and a greater sense of overall well-being.

Fascia Communication: The flowing movements of Lomi Lomi engage the fascia, the connective tissue that surrounds muscles and organs. This fascial stimulation may facilitate communication between different body parts via mechanotransduction, potentially influencing overall body function.

Oxytocin Release: The nurturing touch involved in Lomi Lomi can trigger the release of oxytocin, often called the ‘bonding hormone’. This can promote feelings of trust and connection and may have additional benefits for stress reduction and emotional well-being.

Proprioceptive Stimulation: The varied movements and pressures in Lomi Lomi stimulate proprioceptors, enhancing body awareness and potentially improving coordination and balance.

Limbic System Engagement: The holistic nature of Lomi Lomi, which often includes elements of prayer or intention-setting, may engage the limbic system, the brain’s emotional centre. This can contribute to emotional processing and release.

Sensory Integration: The multi-sensory experience of Lomi Lomi, often incorporating aromatherapy and sound elements, provides rich sensory input. This may enhance sensory integration and processing in the brain.

Biofield Interaction: While more research is needed, the energetic aspects of Lomi Lomi may interact with the body’s biofield, potentially influencing cellular communication and overall health.

Circadian Rhythm Regulation: The deeply relaxing nature of Lomi Lomi may help regulate circadian rhythms, potentially improving sleep patterns and overall health.

By engaging in Lomi Lomi, you can tap into these neurophysiological processes. The holistic nature of Lomi Lomi, addressing physical, emotional, and spiritual aspects of health, provides a comprehensive approach to supporting the intricate connection between soul, mind, and body.

Governing Body

While there is no specific regulatory body for Lomi Lomi practitioners in the UK, there are several organisations that provide training, certification, and professional standards for massage therapists, including those practising Lomi Lomi. Here are some key organisations:

Zen Therapy Training: Offers accredited Lomi Lomi massage courses in the UK. Their courses are insurable and accredited by the Alliance of Beauty Practitioners (ABP) and International Practitioners of Holistic Medicine (IPHM)

London School of Massage: Provides Lomi Lomi massage training courses. Their courses are accredited by Think Tree and the International Institute for Complementary Therapists (IICT)

Stay in Touch: Offers certified Lomi Lomi courses in the UK. Courses are taught by experienced practitioners

What Good Looks Like

In the context of Lomi Lomi massage, an exceptional experience should encompass several key elements:

• You should feel a sense of sacred space and tranquillity from the moment you enter the treatment room. Your practitioner ought to create a nurturing environment, perhaps with soft Hawaiian music playing and the gentle aroma of tropical oils.
• The session should begin with a moment of stillness or prayer, setting the intention for your healing. You may be invited to take deep, cleansing breaths to centre yourself and connect with the present moment.
• As the massage begins, you should experience long, flowing strokes that feel like gentle waves washing over your body. The therapist’s movements should be fluid and rhythmic, creating a sense of continuity and harmony.
• You ought to feel that your entire body is being addressed, not just isolated areas. The practitioner should work on both sides of your body simultaneously, fostering a feeling of balance and wholeness.
• The pressure should be deeply relaxing yet invigorating, with the therapist using their forearms, elbows, and even knees to provide a full-body experience. You should never feel pain, only a pleasant sensation of tension melting away.
• Throughout the session, you may notice the therapist incorporating gentle stretches and joint rotations. These movements should feel natural and effortless, enhancing your flexibility and range of motion.
• You should experience a profound sense of relaxation that goes beyond the physical. Many people report feeling emotionally unburdened and spiritually uplifted during a Lomi Lomi massage.
• The use of warm oils should leave your skin feeling nourished and your muscles deeply relaxed. Traditional Hawaiian oils like kukui nut or coconut oil might be used, adding to the authentic experience.
• By the end of the session, you should feel a sense of renewal and balance, as if negative energy has been released and positive energy has flowed in. You may experience a heightened sense of body awareness and emotional clarity.

Remember, a truly exceptional Lomi Lomi massage should feel like more than just a physical treatment. It should be a holistic experience that addresses your body, mind, and spirit, leaving you feeling deeply nurtured and harmonised.

What to Ask a Practitioner

Key questions to ask when choosing an exceptional Lomi Lomi practitioner:

How do you incorporate traditional Hawaiian principles and spirituality into your Lomi Lomi practice?

Desired answer: Look for a practitioner who demonstrates a deep understanding of Hawaiian culture and explains how they integrate elements such as prayer, intention-setting, and the concept of ‘aloha’ into their sessions.

Can you describe your approach to the flowing, rhythmic strokes characteristic of Lomi Lomi?

Desired answer: An exceptional practitioner should be able to explain how they use long, continuous strokes that mimic ocean waves, emphasising the importance of this technique in promoting relaxation and energy flow

How do you tailor the Lomi Lomi experience to individual clients’ needs?

Desired answer: Look for a practitioner who discusses how they assess each client’s physical and emotional state, adapting their techniques and pressure accordingly. They might mention using intuition to guide their approach.

Can you explain how you create a nurturing and sacred space for the Lomi Lomi session?

Desired answer: The practitioner should describe elements such as the use of Hawaiian music, aromatherapy with traditional oils (like coconut or macadamia), and perhaps the incorporation of Hawaiian language or chants to set the atmosphere.

How do you address the mind-body-spirit connection in your Lomi Lomi practice?

Desired answer: An exceptional practitioner should explain how they work holistically, addressing not just physical tension but also emotional and energetic blockages. They might mention techniques for promoting mental relaxation and spiritual awareness during the session.

Key items that MUST be included in a Lomi Lomi practitioner’s approach:

• Use of long, flowing strokes that work on the entire body
• Integration of Hawaiian cultural elements and spirituality
• Emphasis on creating a nurturing, sacred space for the session
• Focus on the mind-body-spirit connection
• Use of traditional Hawaiian oils or similar natural products
• Incorporation of breathwork and intention-setting

Remember, an exceptional Lomi Lomi practitioner should make you feel deeply cared for and respected, while demonstrating a profound understanding of both the physical techniques and the spiritual aspects of this traditional Hawaiian healing art.

Related Therapies

Energy Healing  (MOD054): A range of therapies that manipulate the energy fields around the body to promote physical and emotional healing.

Reiki (MOD142): A Japanese energy healing technique that involves channelling universal life force energy through gentle or no touch. Reiki can be combined with sound healing to enhance relaxation and energy flow.

Shiatsu (MOD150): A Japanese technique that uses finger pressure on specific points along the body’s meridians to balance energy flow

Massage Therapy (MOD097): This hands-on therapy involves manipulating the body’s soft tissues to relieve tension, reduce pain, and promote relaxation. It can enhance the effects of Reiki by addressing physical discomfort and improving circulation.

Reflexology (MOD141): A practice involving the application of pressure to specific points on the feet, hands, or ears.

Craniosacral Therapy (MOD090): A gentle hands-on technique that releases tensions deep in the body to relieve pain and dysfunction.