Lomi Lomi Course by Piotr Blue

Lomi Lomi is a form of bodywork originating from Hawaii. Today, it is often referred to as Hawaiian massage because it is performed on a massage table with the use of oils, making it visually similar to classical massage. However, the similarities end there. It is also sometimes called a relaxation massage, though with longer practice, such a term proves too limiting. Lomi Lomi is not only about massage techniques but also includes stretching and kneading muscles, relaxing them through limb movements, and, most importantly, deep work on an energetic-spiritual level, supporting the release of emotions.

In most modern practices, Lomi Lomi massage is performed on a massage table using the practitioner's forearms and hands. The way the person performing Lomi Lomi moves around the table resembles a dance. It is a full-body massage using warm oil, and a Pareo-style sarong is used to cover intimate areas. This image of Lomi Lomi may seem like the rule, but Lomi Lomi has had and still has many variations and paths that are little known to us today, partly because the Hawaiians themselves were reluctant to share Lomi Lomi, which they consider a Sacred Ritual.

Lomi Lomi originates from Hawaii. Some sources suggest that Hawaiian massage originally stems from the tradition of abdominal kneading. Women would knead their men's abdomens to facilitate and speed up digestion. Therefore, Lomi Lomi literally translates to kneading or rubbing. Over time, this simple procedure evolved and took on a slightly different form, becoming a kind of Sacred Ritual performed by local shamans, masters of the Art of Touch. It is said that ancient Lomi Lomi could last up to 10 hours and was dedicated to individuals who had to make an important life decision, rulers, and members of the Hawaiian community who were to undergo an Initiation. In those times, there were no massage tables or sarongs, so Lomi Lomi took place on the ground and did not resemble a forearm massage, nor was it defined by the Master's dance-like movements around a table. Over time, Lomi Lomi evolved in different Hawaiian families and began to take on various forms of bodywork, such as Kahuna Bodywork from Abraham Kawai'i, Lomi Lomi performed with energized stones, Lomi Lomi Bone Washing, Lomi Lomi performed with the feet, and many others.

Today, the most well-known form of Lomi Lomi in the world is Lomi Lomi Nui, originating from the tradition of Abraham Kawai'i and his Kahuna Bodywork system. The so-called Mauri Massage also derives from this same tradition. The suffix Nui added to Lomi Lomi literally means 'unique, important, one of a kind.' This massage is taught by Aloha International and contains traditional elements of bodywork known as Kino Mana combined with Lomi Lomi Nui in its so-called Temple version. It is most likely from this version that other forms of Lomi Lomi in a relaxing, SPA-style version have emerged, visually resembling the dancing forearm movements of the massage therapist to the sound of soothing music.

The shamanic version of Lomi Lomi is the form of bodywork closest to how indigenous Hawaiians perceived Lomi Lomi. It is an art of touch serving healing in a broad sense, not only on a physical level but also on an energetic and emotional level. The effect of touch on the body occurs in deep connection with the Highest Consciousness, and the person giving the session acts as a channel through which the energy of the Source flows. Shamanic Lomi Lomi is for transformation that touches upon a person's truth, not always the easy parts, so the session's dynamics can vary, related to reaching hidden traumas and emotions. It is important to trust the process and for the person performing the session to be fully, consciously present, supporting the receiver with their attention, breath, and touch.