Lomi Lomi Temple Method
Its origin
Lomi Lomi is an indigenous Hawaiian healing practice that generally includes massages, but not always. Many believe this art was introduced to Hawaii by the early Polynesian settlers, while others believe this beautiful art, so deeply imbued with the practice of "living aloha," is a legacy from ancient Hawaii and the mystical land of Mu.
Lomi Lomi encompasses many different “styles,” each unique to its geographical location and/or family of origin.
Lomi Lomi was practiced by indigenous healers (Kahuna lā'au lapa'au) and was used as a restorative health practice within families.
There are primarily two styles of Lomi Lomi that have become more widely known on the American mainland and in Hawaii. They are "Temple Style" and "Auntie Margaret's Style or Big Island Massage." Sacred Lomi® was developed by Tom Cochran and Donna Jason from “Temple Style” Lomi Lomi.
`Temple Style` lomi lomi, also known as Kahuna Bodywork, was shared with the public by Kahuna Abraham Kawaii (Kahu) before his passing in 2004. His teachings synthesized the knowledge he received throughout his amazing life, where he was the disciple of many indigenous healers and Kahunas. We are deeply blessed that Kahu had the heart and vision to share his knowledge, and we know in our hearts that the world is a better place for it.
Auntie Margaret Machado was a world-renowned lomi lomi master and Kahuna who infused love and aloha into all who studied with her. While her style of lomi lomi differs from the temple style in form, all styles of lomi lomi are deeply rooted in love, aloha, and prayer. Auntie Margaret's teachings continue to bless the entire lomi lomi community.
All styles of lomi lomi integrate some form of movement, chanting (mele), prayers (pule), as well as the primary intention of aloha.
Temple Style lomi lomi primarily uses forearm runs incorporating movements that are circles and eights. The movements are designed to confuse the thinking mind and invite the client to surrender, to let go of anything that no longer serves them, and to receive more energy from their soul.
In ancient Hawaii, Lomi lomi was practiced both as medicinal and restorative. Some believe that Temple Style lomi lomi was practiced in the temples of ancient 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 has been passed down describes a ritual incorporating fire, drums, chanting, and shamanic movements. The Kahuna called upon the wisdom of their ancestors and sought a vision to know who was next to receive this sacred rite of passage.
Sacred Lomi® is rooted in the practice of Temple Style lomi lomi, but also incorporates many principles and practices that support modern practitioners in their quest for healing for themselves and others. All movements of Sacred Lomi are based on circles and eights, with the main connection point being forearm runs. The practitioner learns to listen with their whole being to the scenario of the body they are working on and to surrender to the guidance of the divine, allowing grace to transmute all blocked energies into pure light and love.
SESSION PROGRESSION
A Lomi Lomi session generally takes place on a massage table. The recipient is unclothed and covered with a sheet. The massage therapist works directly on the skin using slightly warmed massage oil or gel
It should be noted that to make the massage even smoother, the massage therapist may use minimalist draping, meaning using the sheet to cover only the intimate parts of the client. In this case, it will be easier for the practitioner to apply long strokes on the body.
The massage will be performed on a Lomi Lomi cover (washable vinyl sheet), allowing the receiver to experience another dimension of the massage while maneuvers can be applied both above and below the body simultaneously.
The massage therapist will start the session with a collection of information in order to address their needs and locate areas of tension.
Throughout the treatment, the massage therapist will use different maneuvers such as acupressure, stretching, rotations, and kneading to relieve muscle tension and harmonize energy. The maneuvers will sometimes be gentle, sometimes rhythmic, but always practiced with fluidity and continuity.
A lomi lomi session usually lasts one to two hours depending on the reason for the consultation and the needs of the person.