Hawaiian massage techniques, often known as Lomi Lomi , the Hawaiian term for masseur or masseuse, originated in the tribal folkways of the Polynesian people who originally settled the Hawaiian Islands more than 1,000 years ago . The practice comes from an ancient Hawaiian philosophy known as huna, or healing. This unique type of massage incorporates the use of elbows, knees, palms, fingers, and even objects such as sticks and stones.
The massage technique might even be compared to that ancient Hawaiian danced of love, the Hula, in which the arms and legs of the dancer seem to literally “flow” with the music being played. In Lomi Lomi, the practitioner uses flowing movements to work deeply, yet gently into to recipient’s muscles. This may be a reason why the term lomi lomi is sometimes referred to as “loving hands”.
Lomi Lomi is very revered among native Hawaiians, and the entire technique is usually companied with native rituals including special diet, dress, and other health techniques including steaming treatments, followed by immersion into the ocean, a practice similar to that practiced by people in Finland following session in a sauna. A special Hawaiian red clay, which has a high mineral salt content is also applied to the body, prior to cleansing by steam and seawater.
The flowing strokes of the Lomi Lomi practitioner, while the recipient is lying on a flat mat covered surface, is said to bring much relaxation and a peaceful feeling. Often, the treatment is done by two practitioners, each one using different movements. The flowing strokes release pent up energy from the muscles and enable both the blood any lymph fluids to flow more freely, helping to rid the body of wastes and toxins.
In addition to the series of long, flowing strokes, the body is gently stretched, and joints are rotated in a manner that many say feels like the rolling of waves. Because the technique is done slowly, it usually takes longer to complete than standard massage practices, such as Swedish massage. This only adds to the enjoyment of the experience, especially if the recipient is being worked on by two persons, The mystical spirituality of the Native Hawaiian People adds a special flavor to this most unusual and enjoyable health experience.
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