Ke Ala Hoku – Pathway to the Stars
If you're new to whole body healing, I would like to invite you to consider experiencing this journey for yourself. All styles of Lomi massage integrate some form of movement, chant (mele), prayers (pule) as well as the core intention of aloha. Aloha is one of the most misunderstood words. Most people consider it or use it as a greeting, like hello. However, Aloha like many Hawaiian words can have multiple and deeper meanings. It can be used as a greeting but is also a word of love. Not in the sense of romantic love. But in the sense of happiness, contentment, acceptance. ALOHA — to love is to be happy with Love is such a powerful state of consciousness. When love is experienced, it is a feeling that requires something to be happy about. It can be a physical manifestation of energy such as a person, tree, etc. or it may be completely subtle and nonphysical such as the love for existence. This requirement of having something else be a part of the love equation, demonstrates the interconnectedness with all that is. Love is fundamental to the healing process; acceptance is fundamental to the healing process. To accept; to be happy with; to embrace; to create harmony – is aloha. You don’t need to agree with someone on a personality level, however offering acceptance for who they are and for yourself in relation to them will create harmony and allow for the natural flow of healing energy and love. Working with intention, the giver uses intuition and breath work to connect the mind, body and spirit during this massage. The form is fluid and rhythmic, using deep and gentle flowing strokes with the forearms, connecting the giver and receiver in a beautiful “dance.” These patterns create an immense outpouring of energy, lulling the receiver into a deep meditative state of bliss. The focus is on quieting the mind of its chatter, letting go and allowing your deepest Self to receive unconditionally. Each journey is unique, each transformation is nurturing and enlightening when you remain open to receiving. Some clients experience a complete sensation of "nothingness". This is great! For others it is a powerful release of pent up emotions – this is also normal and beautiful. Modern life is stressful, and the demands placed upon people build up, and over time become toxic. For many, they describe it as a wave that carries them away. If you reach this deep restorative state, it is wonderful - this is what Kahu Abraham Kawai'i and indeed other Hawaiians refer to as Ke Ala Hoku, or "Pathway to the Stars". To be able to allow yourself to attain that deep state of tranquil meditation and receive healing from head to toe is a not a common theme within our culture and modern living. Here's what others have said about this beautiful work: "I wish you could teach classes in my area. This work is just amazing and absolutely worth the drive." "What ever you've learned here is truly a sacred thing. I am honored to be on your table each and every time." "If I had to use one word to describe the experience it would be; magical, thank you” Are you ready for your own journey of Ke Ala Hoku ? Aloha
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"Flying" or "Ka'aleleau".
Curious as to where the fluidity and graceful motions of Lomi come from? Lomi practitioners practice a form of moving meditation called "Flying" or "Ka'aleleau". This is what it looks like. CLICK HERE Ka'aleleau, the 'Flying', is a meditation inspired by the flight of the Iwa-Birds. It serves to bring our 'mana', our energy, so that we can find ourselves in our equilibrium and unfold completely free. Flying also forms the basis for the smoothness of our movements. When we transfer it into touch, it is felt as a wonderful flowing strokes. To give to ourselves while we are fully tracking the state of connectedness with the 'Ohana', the family, everything surrounding us. We call it ALOHA, universal love. Enjoy the day! Aloha What to Expect During a Lomi MassageWhat is Lomi Lomi Massage?This is a minor update of a prior post re posted here due to the number of inquiries about Lomi massage and what to expect. The original posts may be found here , here , and here Massage therapy is one of the oldest and most powerful forms of healing. Lomi Lomi is one of the most profound forms of massage. So, what makes it so special, what is it, how does it differ from other massage, how does it "work"? I'm often asked what Lomi Lomi means. The meaning of the words Lomi Lomi in some sense have been lost to time, and are so misquoted on the internet it is hard to keep track! Because the ancient Hawaiian language was a spoken one, and not written, there are few references to Lomi, prior to the arrival of western missionaries. However for purposes of simplicity, lets just assume that in today's understanding Lomi Lomi might best be translated as "loving touch". But loving not in the sense of romantic love, but in the sense of Aloha. I will write more on Aloha and the history of the word in another post, but suffice to say that Lomi was commonly practiced in families, children on parents, parents on children, and for royalty. It was a part of healing and was also a part or relaxation. Repeating a word in Hawaiian merely emphasizes the meaning. More on this if you are interested. However, today, what Lomi Lomi is a unique healing massage derived from the ancient Polynesians and more specifically the master healers of Hawaii. True Lomi Lomi has other components of healing, such as knowledge of herbs and natural remedies, but again, this being today, the focus of this post is really to describe the bodywork experience and environment. However, Lomi, for me, is more than a technique. It is a life style and a journey to know one's self on a deeper level To understand the depth of Lomi Lomi massage, it helps to have an understanding of the Hawaiian philosophy called Huna, and how the philosophies of Huna relate to bodywork and healing. A fundamental assumption of Huna is that everything seeks harmony and everything seeks love. So how does this relate to massage? Perhaps this can best be understood by taking the concept of "Loving Touch". The reason for this is that it works gently yet deeply into the muscles with continuous, flowing strokes, totally nurturing the body and, enabling the recipient to relax, give in and simply be. So while technique is a part of the massage, much of the work is done by intuition, and feeling, with the focus of the practitioner on the client being deep and complete, using loving hands and a loving heart. This flowing with total energy, using the long continuous fluid strokes, combined with the very loving touch, relaxes the entire being, assisting in a letting go of old beliefs, patterns and behaviors. 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. Lomi Lomi helps release the blockages, Thus Lomi Lomi 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 is effected on one level, all levels are affected. This is balance. True balance. What happens during a Lomi Lomi Massage?So, what happens during a Lomi Lomi massage? How is it performed? Every Lomi session begins with pule (Prayer) and intention. For me, a simple intention would be "Lomi begins when I wake up in the morning and go to bed at night. I ask myself, how can I contribute?" Alternatively or as well, the client may be asked to set their intention for any healing they would like to receive. There is a stillness between the practitioner and client - often with the practitioners hands gently resting on the clients back. In this stillness the practitioner will quietly say a chant or prayer asking for whatever healing is needed to take place during the massage. The Lomi Lomi practitioner then works very intuitively with the client. In this respect there is no set format or sequence for the massage and no two massages will ever be identical. The massage is given in fluid, rhythmic motion using the forearms as well as the hands. Some people have described this as feeling like gentle waves moving over the body. Another feature is that different parts of the body may be massaged at the same time, for example one arm or hand may be working on a shoulder and the other hand may be working on the opposite hip. This assists the recipient in totally relaxing as it is impossible or at least extremely difficult for the brain to focus on the two different areas at once. By not working on areas in isolation a deep sense of balance and harmony is achieved. The client on the table is not viewed as someone to be fixed, but a being to be returned to harmony and balance. It is important to remember that Lomi does not seek to "fix" any specific thing, but in working on the entire being, the idea is that any specific issue will have been addressed. What to ExpectYour Lomi experience will take place in a comforting, calm, clean well-heated space.
Hand blended aromatherapy oils, and a combination of music will allow you to be carried away by this wavelike massage. It’s about being present and supportive and encouraging deep breath. There is generous use of warm oils. So dress and plan accordingly for when you leave. A word about draping - Lomi draping is often shown on the internet as very minimal. It is true that for some of the strokes more of the body is exposed than in Swedish or Sports massage, however draping is always respectful, and in compliance with local rules. Traditionally, the chest is uncovered briefly for both women and men, for some of the front of the body strokes. No part of the body is ever unnecessarily exposed and is not for titillating purposes but for access. Further, when lying prone (face down) the legs are positioned to the outside of the table to relieve any pressure on the feet or ankles, as no bolster is used. For those who have questions or concerns about the draping, it can always be modified to satisfy the concerns of the client. Lomi can even be done fully clothed! It is a different experience to be sure but Lomi is about the touch, its about the connection, not the amount of exposure. You must have trust between the practitioner and the client to be able to fully "let go" and to allow for complete relaxation. For those who feel only "deep" work is true massage, I simply offer that Lomi is less invasive but no less effective. Poetically described, "Lomi, in essence, is like floating on a raft in a peaceful lake. You are invited to deeply relax and release stress, to clear my mind and allow yourself to simply be in the moment." For many who come and experience Lomi for the first time, they often describe it as "the best massage experience ever". Lomi Lomi is a feast for the senses, I invite you to try this unique experience for yourself and to make it a regular part of your life, not simply a one time luxury. Aloha What to Expect during your Sacred Lomi Lomi ? A definitive guide to Lomi Lomi
Have you ever transcended time and space during a massage and felt your cells being blessed? Lomi lomi, the Hawaiian healing art form of massage, has been described by Aunt Margaret Machado (the first Hawaiian to get licensed in massage) and others as "loving touch." However, lomi is more than technique. It is a life style and a journey to know one's self on a deeper level. Every lomi session begins with pule (Prayer) and intention. There are different styles depending on the lineage and what was offered in their 'Ohana (family). One of my mentors, Robert Ganske, says simply, "Lomi begins when I wake up in the morning and go to bed at night. I ask myself, how can I contribute?" What to Expect - Your Sacred Lomi experience will take place in a comforting, calm, clean well-heated space surrounded by beauty inspired by the big Island. Hand blended aromatherapy oils, and a combination of music will allow you to be carried away by this wavelike massage. Sacred Lomi begins by setting the intention that this moment is a celebration of self. I sometime invoke the sounds of a singing bowl to signal that a journey of relaxation is about to commence. It’s about being present and supportive and encouraging deep breath. There is generous use of warm oils. So dress and plan accordingly for when you leave. Sacred Lomi embraces the integrated whole being-physical, emotional, and energetic. The flowing circular runs nurture and embrace clearing out old patterns and awakening new vision. By completely letting go and surrendering to this treatment you will experience unconditional love and acceptance and may reconnect or find your most authentic self. It can sometimes bring about an intense emotional reaction or release. Lomi to me is to contemplate in nature and nurtures the soul, spirit and body in a much deeper way than a traditional massage." For those who feel only "deep" work is true massage, I simply offer that Lomi is less invasive but no less effective. Poetically described, "Lomi, in essence, is like floating on a raft in a peaceful lake. You are invited to deeply relax and release stress, to clear my mind and allow yourself to simply be in the moment." For many who come and experience Lomi for the first time, they often describe it as "the best massage experience ever". I invite you to try this unique experience for yourself and to make it a regular part of your life, not simply a one time luxury. aloha Hawaiian Lomi Lomi Massage
A Hawaiian full body massage consists of elements of massage, dance, breathing and energy work. From the temples of Hawaii - Originally, Lomi Lomi was a temple massage. The Kahunas, the sages of ancient Hawaii, practiced it as a rite of passage in the Temple. With it, you could detach from the Old and open to the New. Putting one back in balance, and allowing the knowledge that had been accumulated in the past to be employed with more confidence and self-confidence in a relaxed way, to face new tasks and challenges of life. Huna Philosophy - Behind it is the Huna philosophy from Hawaii. The people of Hawaii have a deep knowledge of the energies of nature and the relationship between the human body and mind. This is reflected in their lifestyle and their zest for life. Holistic Approach - Hawaiian Lomi Lomi is a holistic massage, which not only aims to loosen tight muscles, but appeals to people as a whole. Whole body, whole body and mind. Not just one part. It comes from an attitude of surrender and acceptance. A willingness to "let go" . The body of the recipient, his/her needs are the script for this massage. Long, flowing massage movements, some of which are performed with the forearm, alternate with gentle loosening of the joints and energy work. This type of dedication and touch in connection with warm body oil and accompanied by specific musical sounds causes profound relaxation and frees the recipient to "let go" at all levels of their being. A Feast for the Senses Lomi Lomi is a feast for the senses and a nourishing way to find deep relaxation. It brings you to your original being; Simplicity. Where trust, love and peace prevail. Following, it is easier to encounter the world again with a smile. What are some of the benefits of Lomi Lomi?
Lomi Lomi should not just be considered a one time pleasure or luxury treat. It should be a routine, incorporated as part of an overall wellness lifestyle. At least once per month. To read part one click here |
A Really Good Massage BlogAbout MeI write about things that I myself need to be mindful of. ways in which I would like to improve. It is not from the perspective of preaching - but rather writing helps me work out what I myself need to do - we are all in this together.
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