Did you know that the word “lomi” in Hawaiian means “to knead, to rub, or to soothe”? “Lomi lomi” is an extended and emphasised version of this word, reflecting a deeper sense of connection and healing.
There are a variety of styles of lomi lomi in Hawaii, and to mention only a few of them, they are Lomi Lomi Nui, Mana Lomi, Lomi Kua Lua (back walking Lomi), Lomi Bone Washing, pregnancy Lomi, and many others. The diversity of lomi lomi practices reflects the richness of Hawaiian healing traditions, and each of these styles was originally practiced within a particular ‘ohana or family and passed from generation to generation within its lineage.
I’ve had the privilege of learning several styles of lomi lomi; however, it is the particular style known as Lomi Lomi Nui or the Temple style, sometimes also called Ancient Lomi or Kahuna Bodywork, that has captured my heart and become my main focus, my offering, and the path of my life. This lineage traces back to Kahu (Abraham) Kawai’i, Aua’ia Maka’i’ole, and ‘Uliama from Kauai island, who passed down this knowledge to their Hawaiian and non-Hawaiian apprentices.
Let’s dive deeper into the Temple nature of this ancient Hawaiian practice, where the boundaries between physical touch and spiritual healing blur into a seamless flow of life-force energy. Almost 10 years ago, I embarked on this journey that intertwines my personal experiences with its profound wisdom, and I’m happy to pass it further as a practitioner and teacher of this sacred art.
Let’s be honest: Lomi Lomi Nui is much more than just a massage technique; it is a truly holistic philosophy that recognises the interconnectedness of body, mind, and spirit. Originating in the sacred temples of ancient Hawaii, this tradition reflects the Hawaiians’ deep reverence for nature, community, and life itself. The body was perceived as a temple, and the massage was a sacred ceremony. The kahunas, or healers/shamans/spiritual guides, performed the Lomi Lomi Nui ritual in the heiau or temple to restore lōkahi or harmony/balance/equilibrium to the individual and the collective.
Performing Lomi Lomi Nui is a deep immersion into the present moment and cultivating interconnections. Each session is a meditation in motion or a sacred dance between practitioner and recipient, guided by the body’s wisdom and the wisdom of the ancestors. Through deep presence, flowing strokes, rhythmic movements, and intentional touch, we can tap into the healing power of aloha, fostering a sense of harmony and restoring overall well-being or supporting the transformation or transition process.
The Lomi Lomi Nui ceremony creates a space for transformation and healing on multiple levels. It might be physical, emotional, or spiritual healing; it can also offer support in moments of transition or significant changes in our lives, such as becoming a parent, experiencing loss, or navigating shifts in work or relationships. In those moments, Lomi Lomi Nui offers a sanctuary for reflection, release, and renewal. It’s a ritual of passage, a bridge between the old and the new, the past and the future, the sensations of the body, conscious and unconscious mind, and our higher self or spirit, created through deep immersion into the present moment.
In today’s modern world, where stress and busyness often overshadow our connection to ourselves and each other, this ancient art helps us to slow down, breathe, and reconnect with our body, and through it with the essence of who we are. As a practitioner and teacher, I offer support and guidance to those seeking healing and transformation. Whether you’re facing challenges, celebrating milestones, or simply yearning for a deeper connection to your body and your inner self, Lomi Lomi Nui can be a powerful ally on that journey.
So if you feel in need or you are called to this profound experience, you are more than welcome to book a session with me or learn more about the individual trainings and retreats I facilitate.
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