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What is Hawaiian Lomilomi Massage? History & Technique Overview

Feb 3, 2025 | Founders Blog, General Massage Topics

Introduction to Hawaiian Lomilomi Massage

“Lomilomi” is Hawaiian for “massage” or “rub”. It is a specific kind of oil massage that has been passed down from generation to generation of Hawaiians. I studied Lomilomi in Hawaii and later taught lomilomi classes in Japan (see photos). In this blog I’m sharing some general lomilomi information from the manual I prepared at the time (2003) from those classes. D.M.

There are five aspects of lomilomi that make it unique and different from other types of oil massage. They are:

    • Aloha/Spirituality/Prayer
    • Rhythm
    • Sequence
    • Stroke Technique
    • Direction

Each of the above will be discussed in greater detail shortly.

Three Kinds of “lomilomi”

Today, lomilomi can basically be divided into three categories:

The first is “Traditional Lomilomi” and is closest to the original. It is highly spiritual and involves using prayer to heal the body, mind and spirit. It is less focused on physical body issues and more focused on healing the whole person through a spiritual process. Traditionally a person practicing this art has “healers” in his or her family lineage and was specifically chosen by the family or community as a healer. Very few people practice this “pure” form of lomilomi and generally it would be inappropriate to practice it in a spa or salon environment.

Second is what I call “Modern Lomilomi”, and this is what is sometimes practiced in spas and salons, predominantly in Hawaii and Japan. It resembles traditional lomilomi in its physical technique and sequencing. It differs greatly from traditional lomilomi in that it is basically focused on the physical body and inducing relaxation. The traditional spiritual aspect is essentially not involved, as most massage therapists do not have the background, training or desire to be a Hawaiian spiritual healer. However, the practitioner is encouraged to always send feelings of love or “aloha” through the hands to the client.

Finally is what I have termed Fake Lomilomi”. From my experience, sadly this is what is predominantly practiced in most spas and salons in Hawaii. People who practice this kind of massage are claiming to be doing lomilomi, but in fact know little or nothing about what really makes lomilomi different from other kinds of oil massage. Usually they will perform some form of Swedish massage making excessive use (or misuse) of the forearm. It is actually possible for this kind of massage to be relaxing and feel good when performed by a skilled therapist, but in any case it is not really lomilomi and should not be called lomilomi.

 

Benefits of Hawaiian Lomilomi Massage

Lomilomi offers many of the benefits one finds with other types of oil massage. A few of the key benefits include:

  • Increased blood circulation, bringing more oxygen to the body’s cells to improve cell function and general health
  • Increased lymph circulation to stimulate the body’s immune system
  • Relaxation of the central nervous system, allowing the body and mind to work together naturally to restore a healthy balance.
  • Relieving muscle tension through manipulation of body tissue structures.

Traditionally, when practiced by a chosen Hawaiian healer, lomilomi also is said to have the power to heal the body and spirit through what is essentially a religious healing process.

 

Lomilomi Technique

So what really makes lomilomi, “lomilomi”?  Let’s examine some key elements that make it unique:

Aloha

Aloha means many things; “hello”, “goodbye”, “peace”, “kindness”, and “love” being a few. To perform lomilomi one must hold the aloha spirit in one’s heart and let it flow through his/her hands to the recipient. The giver of lomilomi must think positively with an open heart and act as a channel for the universe’s loving, healing energy. When performing traditional lomilomi, performing “pule” or prayer for the client both before and after the session is a routine practice.

Rhythm

One of the hallmarks of lomilomi is that it is a highly rhythmic art. The lomilomi practitioner must develop a steady rhythm that is maintained throughout the massage virtually without interruption. The rhythm is always in a 1 – 2 – 3, 1 – 2 – 3, 1 – 2 – 3 pattern. When a solid, steady rhythm is established, it has a relaxing effect on the recipient’s body, mind and spirit. It is as though the waves of the ocean relentlessly, yet lovingly rock the body into a state of submission, allowing one to completely let go of all mental stress and physical tension.

Sequence

Lomilomi differs from many other forms of massage in it’s sequencing. For example, traditional lomilomi works on the body from left to right, as opposed to top to bottom, and in a general circular pattern as it moves from one part of the body to the next. In other words, a lomilomi massage will start on the left side of the back, work the left arm, then the left leg, and will then return to the back to do the right side of the body. This contrasts with classic Swedish massage, where you would more likely work the entire back first and then one leg, and then the other and so on.

Direction

Lomilomi strokes generally move away from the heart. In other words, one would start at the shoulder and work down the arm to the hand (away from the heart). On the legs, one would work from the thighs down towards the feet. Note however that within this sequencing the actual strokes, (using the thumbs, palms, etc.) do typically push towards the heart and there are several exceptions.

Stroke technique

Lomilomi uses some specific stroke techniques that differ from other massages. Some of these techniques will be described briefly here, but demonstration is required to learn the correct application.

  • “Lomilomi”

There is actually a stroke called lomilomi, and it is the basic massage stroke for the lomilomi style. It is achieved by using the thumbs rhythmically in an alternating pattern.

  • Forearm

Perhaps the most well-known lomilomi technique is the use of the forearm. One must not confuse the forearm with the elbow. The forearm is long and flat, and can provide even pressure over a wide area. It can be applied over a sheet to provide vertical pressure, or used directly on the skin to glide over large surfaces like the back. In the latter case, the forearm can be used to apply pressure, or as a light soothing stroke. The wrist must always remain in a completely relaxed position when applying forearm strokes. This ensures that the forearm muscles are soft and more comfortable for the client.

The elbow is narrow and pointy and its use is generally not advised. Beginner students often confused the elbow with the forearm, and when this happens the results can be uncomfortable for the client.

  • Vibration

Vibration is a penetrating, relaxing stroke created by intense, rapid, small movements of the hands over a part of the body. It is particularly effective over the stomach

  • Friction

Friction creates heat and warms the tissues. It is accomplished by rapid, short, consecutive strokes.

  • Wiggly Wiggly

 

This stroke appears only two times in the lomilomi sequence, but it is common to all lomilomi. It involves straddling the spine with two fingers and “wiggling” the hand down (or up) the length of the spine. The fingertips hook down to apply pressure into the muscles along the spine.

A Brief Historical Perspective on Lomilomi

Many lomilomi instructors, especially those of Hawaiian ancestry, see lomilomi as an important part of their cultural history. They view lomilomi as a sacred healing art that must be perpetuated, yet preserved. Therefore it is often with some reluctance that they share their knowledge, for fear that it will be changed or diluted as it is subsequently passed down to future generations, and instruction inevitably spreads outside of the Hawaiian community. This is undoubtedly a valid concern and anyone should be able to appreciate the desire of these teachers to preserve lomilomi as much as possible as it reaches more and more new students over time.

In the past 20 to 30 years, lomilomi has gained increasing popularity in Hawaii and more recently has found an audience in Japan. This is in large part due to the efforts of Auntie Margaret Machado, who is now widely recognized as the Hawaiian matriarch of lomilomi massage. While there are other distinguished Hawaiian lomilomi experts, she was the first to teach lomilomi to foreigners. Many of Aunty Margaret’s students have become lomilomi instructors and continue to pass down this healing art in her tradition.

Students may at some time encounter teachers who will insist that the only “real” lomilomi is that which has been passed down exactly as Aunty Margaret (or some other teacher) has taught it. These people probably only intend to preserve lomilomi, but they may lack the objectivity to realize that any one teacher or school cannot claim ownership of lomilomi.

Bear in mind that the origins and the techniques of lomilomi have been passed down orally. It is frankly impossible to know exactly how today’s lomilomi sequences and techniques vary from that which was practiced one hundred or more years ago.

So while many people mistakenly consider Aunty Margaret’s teachings to be the only true, traditional lomilomi, one must also consider the reality that she, like most teachers, has put her own personal influence into her teachings. Indeed, lomilomi as practiced by teachers not in Aunty Margaret’s line, does differ in various ways with respect to technique and sequence.

Further, we must recognize that traditionally lomilomi was probably done on the ground – not on modern massage tables. Performing massages on the floor requires significantly different techniques than when you are working on a massage table that has been adjusted specifically for your own working height.

Conclusion

There is a lot of misunderstanding about what lomilomi is, what makes lomilomi authentic, and who “holds the keys” to real traditional Hawaiian lomilomi. What is certain is that while some teacher’s techniques may differ somewhat, there are specific elements that must be preserved in order to practice what can rightly be called “lomilomi”. To practice massage under the label of “lomilomi” without a genuine understanding of what makes it unique is disrespectful and harmful to this Hawaiian tradition.

Hopefully this discussion has helped to clarify some of the issues surrounding lomilomi and will allow you to practice it with more confidence as you develop your skills.

Further massage studies:

If you enjoy lomilomi massage, you may also be interested in studying Swedish massage. Swedish massage, whi ch is by far the most popular style of massage in North America, Europe and other parts of the world, can range from a very light, relaxing full body oil massage, to deep tissue, sports massage or lymphatic drainage. Once the fundamental strokes are mastered, the practitioner has the ability to create his or her own unique routine, which can be changed based on the client’s needs or the environment in which one is practicing. Lomilomi, Shiatsu, aromatherapy or other massage techniques can be incorporated into Swedish massages as desired. The practitioner may also integrate “spiritual” or “energetic” practices into the massage depending on his or her interests.

For further information please speak to an experienced instructor!

 

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