Following is an excerpt from an article written for the Australian Holistic Healers & Counsellors Association Newsletter, 2015

Lomilomi is one of the most profoundly healing forms of massage. The Hawaiians look at things in terms of energy flow, following the idea that an idea or belief can block energy flow as much as muscle tension can. Lomilomi helps release the blockages, whilst at the same time giving the energy new direction. Thus lomilomi is not just a physical experience, it also facilitates healing on the mental, emotional and spiritual levels as well. The Hawaiians view all aspects of the body as one and believe that the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual are all part of the ‘whole’ self – when healing occurs on one level, it impacts on all levels. Rather than viewing the client as someone to ‘be fixed’, a lomilomi practitioner views each person as a Being to be assisted in returning to harmony and balance. It is important to remember that the practitioner does not heal but is the facilitator for the healing, creating a safe place for the healing to occur.

“When harmony is lacking the effect is pain physically, mentally, emotionally or spiritually.”

Illness is a state of tension, which leads to resistance which blocks energy movement. Lomilomi helps release this and therefore facilitates the road to healing. On the physical level there are many benefits such as release of stress and tension, blood and lymph flow assisted and the elimination of wastes and toxins stimulated.

This sacred, unique form of bodywork has been handed down through the Ancient Master Healers of Hawaii for generations. As with all ancient Hawaiian teachings, there are different lineages and teachers of lomilomi. Each will have a slightly different technique. One is not better than another, they are just different. The important thing is the focus, intent and spiritual connection of the practitioner. They must always be respectful, honouring and maintain the sovereignty of the massage and do what is pono or right with the culture and traditional teachings.

Something that is important to address here is an issue which deeply concerns Kanaka Maoli                                         (Native Hawaiians). That being the Western practice of mis-appropriation, mis-use and distillation of so many of their sacred teachings. The prevalence of ‘Pop Up’ massage shops, unfortunately is doing a disservice to the integrity of Hawaiian Lomilomi and Healing practices, as well as with many other healing modalities.

“To understand the depth and profound healing ability of Lomilomi, an understanding of the Hawaiian mindset in relation to bodywork and healing is paramount.”

A question that I suggest anyone who is seeking a legitimate practitioner or teacher is, ‘who is your Kumu?’ This means who is your teacher and what is their lineage? Where in Hawaii have they studied and with which Kumu.

As practitioners and teachers of any modality, it is our responsibility to maintain the ethics, integrity and authenticity of that modality. As a forever student, practitioner and Kumu (teacher) of Hawaiian healing practices, it is my responsibility to be a voice for those whose teachings I represent and share. I have a responsibility to educate as to what is pono (right) and what is not.

Aloha Mai – I come with love.

Looking For A Practitioner In Australia Near You?

For a referral to a qualified lomilomi practitioner, please contact tracey@aloharainbows.earth or ph 0411 239 081 & I will happily assist guiding you.

Here are some qualified practitioners in Victoria :

Chrissi Deralas   Ph: 0423530094  Location: Clifton Hill & Mobile

Renee Hallett Ph: 0416758492 Location: Rosebud

Kalena Hynes Ph 0425755324  Location : Heidelberg

Donna Rowe  Ph: 0417 323 066  Location: Knoxfield

Donna Tranter Ph: 0408266699 Location: Sunbury

Marisa Sinopoli  Ph :0401 676 347  Location: Mornington

Nisha Gill  Ph: 0402039341  Locations: Hawthorn East & Fairfield

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